A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, especially focusing on the spine. They use their hands to perform various manual techniques, most notably spinal adjustments or manipulations, to improve alignment, relieve pain, and restore mobility in joints, muscles, and nerves
. What Chiropractors Do:
- Examine and treat problems of the bones, muscles, and joints, particularly in the spine and neck
- Perform spinal adjustments involving hands-on manipulation to correct misalignments, reduce nerve pressure, and ease pain
- Use other techniques such as stretching, pulling muscles, and moving joints into different positions to improve function and reduce stiffness
- Recommend exercises, lifestyle, nutritional, and dietary advice to support rehabilitation and overall musculoskeletal health
- Provide treatment for conditions such as back and neck pain, headaches, sciatica, sports injuries, whiplash, joint stiffness, and some chronic pain conditions
- Act as primary contact practitioners, meaning patients can see them without a referral from a medical doctor
Scope and Safety: Chiropractic care is considered a complementary and alternative medicine approach and is generally safe when performed by trained, registered chiropractors. Some mild side effects like soreness or stiffness may occur, but serious risks are rare
. Chiropractors may refer patients to other healthcare providers if chiropractic care is not suitable
. In summary, chiropractors focus on improving the alignment and function of the spine and other joints to relieve pain and enhance the body's natural healing, often without the use of medications or surgery