Ask Me Anything: 8 Answers to Your Questions About Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is increasingly gaining favor among patients due to its drug-free and non-invasive traits. Whether used as a first-line treatment option or part of a holistic treatment plan, chiropractic care remains an effective pain management remedy.

With little known about chiropractic care by most patients, this article aims to answer common questions you'll have before your first appointment. Read on for answers to your questions that'll put your mind at ease about chiropractic care.



1. What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a licensed profession offering alternative treatment that focuses on mechanical ailments in the musculoskeletal system. This system contains the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments, and the spine.

Chiropractic care runs on the premise that the body can heal itself. Therefore, treatment involves spinal manipulations, soft tissue therapy, or therapeutic exercise programs.

2. What Qualifications Do Chiropractors Have?

For chiropractors to practice in the United States, they must have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. To acquire the degree, chiropractic students spend 4,200 hours in class, labs, and clinical internships. Additionally, they must pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam and receive a state license.

Some states demand chiropractors to pass an exam in state-specific laws. Besides, all states require practicing chiropractors to enroll in continuing education classes. Therefore, most chiropractors pursue postgraduate studies as it's a requirement for their license renewal.

3. What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?

Chiropractors are best known for their ability to treat neck and back pain. However, chiropractors specialize in caring for your spine, which houses the nervous system. Therefore, any subluxations in the spine affect how your nervous system functions. Consequently, chiropractic adjustments can treat many health issues around the nervous system.

Moreover, chiropractors treat patients with injuries to the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, chiropractors can treat migraines, scoliosis, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, sports injuries, muscle pains, and herniated discs. Chiropractors also help patients abandon unhealthy lifestyles and embrace healthy habits through diet, nutrition, and exercise.



4. Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the safest treatment methods available. Unlike medicine or surgery, which may have serious side effects, chiropractic care usually has no or minimal side effects. The most common side effect is soreness that disappears as the patient continues treatment.

5. What Are Chiropractic Adjustments, and Do They Hurt?

Chiropractic adjustments are also known as manual, chiropractic, or spinal manipulations. A chiropractic adjustment involves the chiropractor applying force in a specific direction on your spine to correct misalignments or subluxations.

These alignments can cause pop sounds in some patients similar to that of popping knuckles, which scares most patients. However, these popping noises don't represent pain. Therefore, for most patients, chiropractic adjustments are painless.

6. How Long Do I Have to Receive Chiropractic Care?

The duration of chiropractic treatment depends on a patient's ailment. Chiropractic care extends until you regain your health. Your chiropractor customizes your visits based on your health needs. They can be once, twice, or three times a week.

7. What Should I Expect From My First Visit to a Chiropractor?

During your first visit, your chiropractor will review your medical history and discuss your ailment. The chiropractor then conducts a diagnosis that may include a physical examination and an x-ray of affected areas.

Once your chiropractor acquires a clear picture of where your spine has misalignments or subluxations, they customize a treatment plan for you. You leave having agreed on what treatment plan you'll embark on and how soon you can start.

8. How Do I Choose a Chiropractor?

Choosing a chiropractor that best serves your needs is best as you'll have a long relationship with them. You can find local chiropractors online and evaluate the reviews they receive from their patients. Additionally, a referral from someone you trust will help.

Advanced Physicians' team of experienced chiropractors will walk with you on your wellness journey. You can expect professional care that will help you eliminate your pain. Still have unanswered questions? Call us today for any queries and book an appointment with our chiropractors.