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What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a remedial alternative and often a complementary medicine to mainstream treatment for neuromusculoskeletal system issues, namely the spine, neck, back, bones, nerves, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Who is a chiropractor?

Chiropractors in the United States hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree after four years of chiropractic college. To be eligible to practice chiropractic in any state of the USA, doctors of chiropractic must clear the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam and obtain a state-specific practicing license.

What does a chiropractor do?

In theory, perfect alignment of one's neuromusculoskeletal structure allows the body to self-heal without needing external support in the form of medication or, in some cases, even surgery.  

Chiropractors align the spine and other body parts and improve the neuromusculoskeletal system's ability to perform. Using adjustment and therapy as common treatments, they facilitate the restoration of bodily functions, prevent injury, and relieve existing ailments. According to chiropractic, spinal adjustment and joint realignment relieve existing pain and improve the functioning of other bodily systems, thereby preventing future discomfort. Treatment plans often involve one or more manual adjustments. 

A chiropractic adjustment is a treatment method where chiropractors use their hands or instruments to apply a controlled and sudden force to a spinal joint. 'Hands-on Spinal Manipulation' or 'Spinal Manipulation' is another name for chiropractic adjustment. With this procedure, chiropractors aim to improve spinal motion, thereby improving the overall physical function of the patients. 

During adjustment procedures, a chiropractor places the patient in specific positions according to their unique case. Often, the patient is lying facedown on a specially designed chiropractic table. The chiropractor then applies a controlled, sudden force to the specific joint/s using their hands or instruments, pushing the joint/s beyond their usual range of motion. There may be popping or cracking sounds as the chiropractor moves the joints during the treatment session and performs the adjustments.

What are the different areas of specialty within chiropractic care?

Many practitioners opt for an additional two to three years of residency to specialize in specific realms of chiropractic practice. When searching for the best chiropractor near you, you may notice references to their specialization and qualifications. 

Understanding these specialties is crucial in assessing how a healthcare professional can address your needs. This information sheds light on the chiropractor's treatment methods and indicates their area of expertise, aiding you in selecting the most suitable healthcare professional.

Various specializations exist within chiropractic care, such as -

• Radiology - Chiropractors who focus on radiology interpret and analyze imaging studies such as CT scans, PET scans, X-rays, sonographies, and magnetic resonance imaging. These scans assess the patient's musculoskeletal system, aiding in diagnosing medical issues and guiding treatment recommendations.
• Internists - Chiropractors specializing in internal medicine go beyond addressing musculoskeletal concerns to treat various medical problems, including autoimmune diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, infections, and skin conditions like eczema.
• Neurology - Chiropractors specializing in neurology utilize neurosurgical approaches to address orthopedic and neuromuscular medical issues. They adjust the spine, legs, and arms, influencing specific neurological messages to the brain. This adjustment, in turn, helps treat various neuromuscular problems.
• Clinical nutrition - Some chiropractors specialize in clinical nutrition, acquiring expertise in providing dietary and lifestyle recommendations. They may undergo certification from bodies like the American Clinical Board of Nutrition or the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition, attesting to their proficiency in the field and enabling them to practice as professionals in clinical nutrition.

What is the difference between an osteopath and a chiropractor?

Chiropractors and osteopaths work with bones, connective tissue, and muscles to improve body function and structure. Osteopaths typically complete a 4-year BSc degree (BOst). 

Both practitioners employ a technique known as the "high-velocity thrust," a precise, short, and sharp motion applied to the spine. Chiropractors usually use their hands for these adjustments, whereas osteopaths might use your arms and legs to perform the thrusts. 

Additionally, chiropractors often use X-rays for diagnosis, while osteopaths use them to rule out other issues. Chiropractic treatment generally involves six sessions, starting more frequently and then weekly. In contrast, osteopaths tend to see patients on an "as-needed" basis.

Seven common chiropractic adjustments and their benefits

Chiropractic adjustments offer various techniques to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall spinal health. Here are some common chiropractic adjustments:

• The diversified technique uses precise hands-on thrusts to restore spinal alignment, repair joint dysfunction, and improve mobility. It is commonly used for treating lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches.  
• Spinal mobilization (spinal manipulation): This procedure involves gentle thrusting and stretching to relieve joint pressure, reduce inflammation, and enhance nerve function. It is used for lower back pain, neck pain, and sciatica. 
• The Thompson drop-table technique utilizes a padded table with drop mechanisms for gentle adjustments and can treat neck, lower back, and shoulder pain. 
• The Gonstead adjustment: Restores disc alignment and mobility with specific contact points, treating lower back pain, sciatica, and hip pain. 
• The activator method: This technique uses a handheld device to deliver gentle impulses to the spine and extremities, treating headaches, lower back pain, and neck pain. 
• Flexion-distraction: This technique employs a special table for rhythmic spine motion, ideal for disc injuries and leg pain. 
• Spinal decompression: This procedure stretches the spine to treat disc-related pain, enhancing fluid flow. It commonly addresses lower back pain and sciatica.

What are the advantages of chiropractic adjustments?

Many individuals who did not react to traditional medical therapies have found success with chiropractic care. Some of the advantages of chiropractic adjustments are as follows:

• It improves neck pain
• It reduces reliance on opioid pain relievers
• It eases back pain
• It causes a reduction of osteoarthritis symptoms
• It relieves tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck
• It is a more affordable treatment for chronic back pain
• It provides higher satisfaction than conventional medical treatments
• It reduces scoliosis symptoms
• It helps improve poor posture caused by a sedentary lifestyle
• It helps improve athletic performance
• It gives relief to traumatic joint injuries

Who should avoid chiropractic adjustments?

Although a cheaper and proven natural treatment alternative for multiple neuromusculoskeletal system issues, experts do not recommend chiropractic adjustments for everyone. You should avoid chiropractic adjustments if you suffer from:

• Severe osteoporosis
• Lack of strength, tingling, or numbness in limbs
• Spine cancer
• Risk of stroke
• Known bone abnormality in the upper neck

Why should you see a chiropractor?

The American College of Physicians recommends that doctors ask people with chronic low back pain to seek non-medication treatments before undergoing conventional medication treatments. Spinal manipulation (chiropractic care) is one such non-medication treatment option.

Adults with neuromusculoskeletal system issues who prefer alternative medical care can see a chiropractor. People who have failed to succeed with conventional medicine for treating lower back, neck, and headaches should also seek chiropractic adjustment. People with arthritis have reportedly found relief after undergoing chiropractic care. 

In such cases, based on the type of arthritis, the chiropractor uses manipulation to increase the motion range and reduce muscle spasms in the affected area/s. You should also see a chiropractor if you actively seek pain relief alternatives for issues with pain in your muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. 

Besides seeking treatment for existing pain, one can also see a chiropractor for the following reasons:

• Preventing disease
• Increasing energy
• Strengthening immunity
• Fostering overall well-being

Understanding your first chiropractic visit

A typical chiropractic consultation involves a comprehensive chiropractic examination, followed by the first treatment session lasting up to 45 minutes or more. After the first session, follow-up sessions will be comparatively shorter, around 10 to 20 minutes. Instead of prescribing pain medication as part of treatment, chiropractors rely on and facilitate the body to heal itself. Generally, it takes six to ten visits to experience relief.

Before visiting a chiropractor near you, it's essential to understand what the first appointment typically involves and how to prepare for it. An informed start ensures a more effective and personalized treatment experience.

Initial consultation and interview

Many patients begin with a brief interview—either by phone or in person—before committing to care. During this discussion, they ask about the chiropractor's treatment philosophy, experience, and approach. Patients often share their health preferences and goals to determine compatibility with the chiropractor's style.

Patient history and symptoms

The first in-person clinical exam starts with paperwork covering the patient's medical background and current symptoms. Chiropractors ask how and when the pain began, its location and nature (sharp, dull, burning), whether it's constant or intermittent, and what activities affect it. Patients also report prior injuries, medical conditions, family history, and treatments they've tried.

The chiropractic examination

Next, chiropractors perform a physical exam that evaluates general health and musculoskeletal function. They assess blood pressure, pulse, spine and muscle reflexes, and respiration, then conduct orthopedic and neurological tests to check muscle tone, range of motion, strength, and nerve function. They may observe posture, movement, and specific joint motion to locate the issue more precisely.

Diagnostic imaging and studies

If necessary, the chiropractor orders diagnostic lab and imaging tests to evaluate the condition further. X-rays are commonly used to identify recent injuries, spinal deformities like scoliosis, or degenerative conditions such as spondyloarthritis. However, chiropractors only recommend X-rays when the benefits outweigh the risks of radiation exposure. For soft tissue issues, like a herniated disc or nerve compression, patients are often referred for MRI scans at external facilities.

Diagnosis and treatment plan

The chiropractor diagnoses the condition using the collected history, exam results, and imaging (if any). They then decide whether chiropractic care is appropriate. They refer patients to a physician if the problem falls outside the chiropractic scope, like a fracture or tumor. Otherwise, the chiropractor outlines the diagnosis, a tailored treatment plan, and the expected duration of care.

How can you find the best chiropractors near you in Los Angeles, California?

Finding a trustworthy doctor is challenging. This search becomes trickier regarding chiropractic care, a relatively new branch of medicine.

At Zocdoc, our comprehensive directory lists the top-rated chiropractors in Los Angeles. It provides access to thousands of verified customer reviews to help you choose the best doctor for your condition. With Zocdoc, you can always make informed decisions. You can narrow your results using search filters based on location, condition, insurance, time, etc.

If you need help finding chiropractors who accept your insurance, Zocdoc’s patient help center is here. On Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. Keep in mind that each appointment can only use one insurance plan.

You can include secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. You can enter your secondary insurance information if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms.

Once you have added the right inputs, Zocdoc lists the best chiropractors based on your requirements. You can visit each doctor's profile and learn about their educational qualifications, clinical interests, practice history, and certifications. You can also go through verified ratings and reviews by past patients to make an educated decision while choosing the best chiropractors.

With Zocdoc, you can book in-person or online appointments. Booking appointments with chiropractors near you with Zocdoc is free, fast, and secure.

Chiropractic in California 

In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 100% of patients with signs and symptoms of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) showed a reduction in TMD symptoms after undergoing chiropractic treatment. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 37,630 chiropractors were practicing in the U.S. as of May 2024. The report also stated that California, with 2,540 chiropractors, was among the top five states with the third highest employment of chiropractors. The metropolitan region of Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, had 1,120 chiropractors, one of the top five metropolitan areas in the U.S. in terms of employment of chiropractors. However, the location quotient for chiropractors in the state, the ratio between the number of chiropractors in California and the whole of the U.S., was 0.58, which was lower than the national average.

According to America's Health Rankings, 21.0% of adults in California had some form of arthritis in 2023. The number was lower than the national average (26.3%). The report also stated that women (23.9%) in the state had a higher diagnosis of this chronic inflammatory condition compared to men (18.1%). While 47.5% of adults over 65 had arthritis, the numbers were comparatively lower among people between 45 and 64 (24.7%) and those between 18 and 44 (6.9%).

Sources

National Center for Biotechnology Information 

Agency for Health Care Policy and Research

WebMD[1]

WebMD[2]

Mayo Clinic

Healthline

Southwest Spine & Rehab

Spine-health

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

America’s Health Rankings

American Chiropractic Association

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.