What is chiropractic?
A chiropractor is a healthcare provider who is an expert in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. A chiropractor is also known as a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). Chiropractors work with people of different ages, like newborns, children, and adults. The team of experts believes in treating illnesses with a conservative, manual approach.
Chiropractors specialize in specific areas, such as:
- Neurology
- Orthopedics
- Sports medicine
- Rehabilitation
- Industrial and occupational health
- Nutrition
- Imaging for diagnostic purposes
- Internal problems
- Pediatrics
- Forensic science
A chiropractor can treat patients after thoroughly analyzing their medical history, conducting neurological and physical examinations, and relying on other tests like diagnostic imaging and blood testing. Chiropractors work in various areas, including private or group practices, multidisciplinary group practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
According to chiropractic principles, ensuring proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, enables the body to heal naturally without needing medication or surgery. Manipulation is a method that reinstates mobility to joints restricted due to tissue injuries caused by traumatic incidents like falls or repetitive stress, such as prolonged periods of sitting without adequate back support.
In addition to manipulation, chiropractors utilize other treatments, including mobilization, massage, and non-manual therapies like ice, heat, and electrical stimulation.
Chiropractors address problems in muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues, including ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. They first check the medical history, conduct physical tests, and use diagnostic imaging or lab testing to determine appropriate treatment. Chiropractors' treatment regimens often include nutritional advice and exercise/rehabilitation. In addition to relieving pain, chiropractic care aims to restore function and prevent injuries.
Chiropractic therapy follows a simple principle: The human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself. The spine and its function are intertwined, and this impacts our health. Chiropractic therapy aims to help the body heal by restoring the link between structure and function.
What kind of education and training do chiropractors receive?
Chiropractors undergo a comprehensive and structured education and training process in the United States to qualify for their profession. The journey involves several key steps:
Undergraduate education: Aspiring chiropractors typically initiate their academic journey with an undergraduate degree in health sciences, human biology, or exercise science, providing them with essential foundational knowledge.
Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree: Individuals aspiring to become chiropractors must complete a rigorous four-year program to obtain their D.C. degree. The program comprises distinct phases:
- In the first two years, students focus on fundamental subjects like pathology, physiology, microbiology, and anatomy, establishing the foundational knowledge crucial for chiropractic expertise.
- In the following two years, the program concentrates on specialized chiropractic training. It includes manipulation techniques and exploring diverse areas such as geriatrics, pediatrics, physiological therapeutics, diagnosis, neurology, nutrition, rehabilitation, and orthopedics.
Clinical experience: In their final year, students obtain practical experience by treating patients while being supervised by licensed chiropractors. The hands-on training prepares them for real-world practice.
Licensure: Graduates must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) examination to begin their chiropractic careers. Additionally, each state may have specific licensing requirements to ensure adherence to state standards.
Continuing education: Chiropractors must undertake several continuing education courses to maintain current licensure. These courses keep them abreast of the latest advancements and techniques in the field.
Accreditation: Institutions offering Doctor of Chiropractic degrees must be certified by the Council on Chiropractic Education, an accreditation body approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The accreditation ensures that chiropractic education programs meet established quality standards.
Curriculum: Chiropractic education encompasses a diverse curriculum, including fundamental sciences such as anatomy and physiology. Students obtain practical experience through supervised clinical training, acquiring essential skills like spinal assessment, adjustment techniques, and diagnostic procedures.
Specialization: Some chiropractors choose postgraduate education to specialize in orthopedics or pediatrics, enhancing their expertise.
Scope of practice: Chiropractic practice varies across states, with state regulations influencing the range of services chiropractors can provide to patients.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, also known as spinal or joint manipulation, is a standard treatment for lower back pain and other spine-related conditions, such as neck pain and headaches. Chiropractic adjustments can also correct posture, reduce nerve irritability, increase the range of motion, and improve physical functions.
Chiropractors use special instruments or their hands to apply a controlled force on a specific spinal joint during a chiropractic adjustment. The pressure pushes the joint beyond its range of motion, relieving pain, improving posture, and increasing spinal movement and physical function. It is a common experience to hear cracking and popping sounds as the chiropractor moves the joints during treatment.
Some patients may experience minor side effects such as fatigue, pain in the treated body part, or headache. These are temporary symptoms and go away within a few days post-treatment. Chiropractors recommend various techniques to manage these symptoms effectively.
A chiropractic adjustment is safe and effective when performed by a licensed and well-trained chiropractor. It helps improve muscle balance and restore joint functions. It also reduces undue stress on the immune system, significantly decreasing the risk of any diseases. However, one may not require care in the following situations:
- Individuals taking blood thinners should avoid chiropractic treatments due to an increased risk of bleeding.
- Osteoporosis weakens bones and increases fracture risk during chiropractic adjustments. Chiropractors typically employ gentler techniques to mitigate this risk and avoid high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts.
Typical forms of chiropractic treatment
Apart from a chiropractic adjustment, a few standard therapies in chiropractic care, which you can explore with a chiropractor near you, include the following:
- Massage: Soft tissue massage to reduce back pain-linked inflammation and swelling, increase blood circulation, and enhance quick healing.
- Heat and cold therapy: Chiropractors may also recommend ice and heat therapy to manage back pain. First, ice packs numb the area for about 10 to 15 minutes. It is then switched to a heating pad, hot water bottle, or heat wrap to increase blood circulation and promote quick recovery.
- Electrical muscle stimulation: Electrodes transmit soft electric pulses to specific body areas to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent muscle spasms.
- Exercise: The exercise program may include stretches and exercises that strengthen the back muscles and further enhance the benefits of spinal adjustment.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound therapy employs sound waves to create deep heat therapy for micro-massaging the soft tissues and joints. It helps relieve muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain, increases blood circulation, and ensures faster healing.
Benefits of a chiropractic treatment
Chiropractic treatments and physical therapy share similarities but have distinct differences. Chiropractors mainly focus on hands-on manipulations, while physical therapists prioritize stretches and exercises. Visiting a local chiropractor near you offers several benefits:
- Relieves neck pain: Neck pain is common, especially in individuals with poor posture, such as those who frequently look down at their phones. Chiropractors can alleviate this pain by reducing muscle tension in the neck and realigning the spine.
- Reduces opioid use: Chiropractic care can decrease the need for opioids, which are often prescribed for chronic pain.
- Eases back pain: Chiropractic care provides a viable alternative to surgery or injections for back pain relief. Non-medication treatments like spinal manipulations, exercise, acupuncture, and progressive muscle relaxation are generally recommended for back pain. Chiropractic care is a cost-effective option for chronic lower back pain.
- Mitigates osteoarthritis symptoms: Osteoarthritis, which involves cartilage degeneration and causes pain due to bone friction, can be alleviated with chiropractic adjustments that help align the joints and reduce this friction.
- Reduces scoliosis symptoms: Chiropractic care can help reduce the severity of spinal curvature in scoliosis, as measured by the Cobb angle.
- Correct posture issues: Chiropractic treatment can help improve poor posture, often caused by prolonged sitting.
- Enhances athletic performance: Spinal adjustments can enhance sports performance by increasing joint mobility and alleviating pain and tissue restrictions.
Finding the best chiropractor near you in Washington, D.C.
Need help finding a chiropractor? Zocdoc can help you search for top-rated chiropractors in Washington, D.C. Enter your preferred specialty or medical procedure, and we will display the best-qualified providers. You can also compare chiropractors based on their location and availability. You can review verified ratings and patient feedback before scheduling an appointment.
Additionally, you can view the chiropractor's profile, which includes essential information such as educational background, board certifications, professional memberships, reasons for visits, clinical experience, hospital affiliations, honors, specializations, and accepted insurance. Uploading a photo of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc can assist in accurately selecting your insurance plan, but it is not mandatory. You can also add your insurance information manually by selecting your plan from a list on your account. You can refer to the Zocdoc patient help center for insurance-related issues.
At Zocdoc, we deeply care about patients. All Zocdoc providers have a detailed personal profile, including information on their education, clinical training, experience, board certification, awards, hospital affiliations, and spoken languages.
You can easily browse reviews and ratings for each provider to choose the best chiropractor near you. All appointment bookings on Zocdoc are free, fast, and secure.
Statistics on fatal injuries, arthritis, and chiropractors in Washington, D.C., USA
As per data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, D.C., experienced 12 fatal work injuries in 2023. Nationally, the total number of fatal work injuries reached around 5,283, marking an almost 3.7% decrease from the previous year's total of about 5,486, as per the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). Notably, males represented approximately 92% of work-related fatalities in D.C., with workers aged between 25 and 34 accounting for about 33% of these fatalities.
As of May 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics stated that approximately 41,480 chiropractors were practicing throughout the United States, with their employment distributed across various industries. Most chiropractors are found in the offices of other health practitioners, totaling around 36,960 professionals. Additionally, many work in outpatient care centers, employing about 470 chiropractors. This distribution highlights the varied roles that chiropractors play within the healthcare system.
Arthritis is among the illnesses chiropractors can help manage. As per America's Health Rankings (2023), nearly 24.4% of all adults in Washington reported ever being told by a healthcare professional they had some form of arthritis. This number was slightly lower than the national average (around 26.3%). The prevalence of arthritis was more common in women (approximately 28.2%) than in men (approximately 20.4%). People aged 65 and above were most affected by the condition (around 51.5%), followed by people aged between 45-64 (around 29.6%) and 18-44 (around 7.7%).
Sources
WebMD
HealthCentral LLC
SPINE-health[1]
SPINE-health[2]
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
America’s Health Rankings[1]
America’s Health Rankings[2]
America’s Health Rankings[3]
Coursera
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