What is a Chiropractor and How Can They Help?

When people think of a chiropractor, the first image that usually comes to mind is a back adjustment. While spinal adjustments are a core component of chiropractic care, they only scratch the surface of what this field encompasses. Let’s dive into what chiropractors truly are, who they help, and the level of expertise and authority they bring to healthcare.

1. What is a Chiropractor?

Hey! That's me and my phenomenal business partner. Both Chiropractors!

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional focused on diagnosing and treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions, particularly those related to the spine. The philosophy of chiropractic care is based on the understanding that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, enables the body to heal without surgery or medication. It emphasizes that the body functions optimally when its joints, muscles, and nervous system are in harmony.

Most people recognize chiropractors for their hands-on adjustments, but chiropractic care often includes other therapeutic techniques such as soft tissue therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and lifestyle advice. The goal is always to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and promote optimal function.

2. Who Do Chiropractors Help?

Chiropractors work with a wide variety of patients—far beyond those with simple back or neck pain. Here are some common groups chiropractors help:

-   Athletes: Whether it’s injury prevention, performance enhancement, or injury recovery, chiropractic care plays an essential role in keeping athletes at their peak. Adjustments optimize joint mobility, improve biomechanics, and reduce muscle tension - all of which contribute to better athletic performance.

-   Office Workers: Long hours at a desk and repetitive movements can lead to poor posture or back, neck, and shoulder pain. Chiropractors help correct these musculoskeletal issues with targeted treatments that address the root cause of the pain and alleviate symptoms.

-   Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes, particularly in the spine and pelvis. Chiropractors trained in prenatal care offer gentle adjustments to alleviate discomfort, balance the pelvis, and prepare the body for labor.

-  Injury Recovery: Chiropractors aid in rehabilitation for patients recovering from auto accidents, sports injuries, or general musculoskeletal trauma. By addressing spinal misalignments and soft tissue restrictions, we facilitate healing, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility.

-   Chronic Pain: Those dealing with conditions like arthritis, sciatica, or migraines may also benefit from chiropractic care. By improving joint function and reducing nerve irritation, chiropractors help reduce chronic pain and improve their quality of life.

3. The Expertise of a Chiropractor

Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training comparable to other healthcare professionals. Let's break down what it takes to become a licensed chiropractor:

Speaking of expertise, Dr. Boules and his close colleague and friend, Dr. Hagen, combined to win three out of three possible awards given at the end of our schooling. (Naturally, Dr. Boules beat out Dr. Hagen by an award.)

- Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Degree: Chiropractors must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, which typically requires 7-8 years of post-secondary education. The first few years of chiropractic school focus on biomedical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, and neurology. The latter half focuses primarily on clinical training, where students learn hands-on techniques, diagnostic skills, and patient management.

- Licensure and Exams: After completing their DC degree, chiropractors must pass a rigorous national board examination, which is often followed by state or regional licensure exams. In many regions, continuing education is required to maintain licensure and stay up-to-date on advancements in chiropractic care.

- Diplomates and Specialized Training: Some chiropractors pursue additional training or diplomates in specialized areas such as sports medicine, orthopedics, neurology, or pediatrics. These certifications involve additional coursework, exams, and clinical experience. For example, a Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP) provides advanced expertise in diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries.

- Scope of Practice: While chiropractors focus primarily on neuromusculoskeletal health, their scope of practice can be broad and depends on region. In addition to manual adjustments, chiropractors offer physical rehabilitation programs, nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification advice, and ergonomic recommendations. Some chiropractors are even certified in soft tissue therapies like Graston Technique or FAKTR, which enhance recovery by targeting muscle adhesions and fascia restrictions.

4. Common Misconceptions About Chiropractors

There are a few common myths surrounding chiropractic care that should be addressed:

- “Chiropractic care is just about back cracking.” While spinal manipulation (or adjustments) is an important tool in the chiropractic toolkit, it is far from the only one. Chiropractic care also includes soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercises, nutritional counseling, and ergonomic advice. Chiropractic care encompasses neuromusculoskeletal aches and pains beyond the back, such as shoulders, wrists, knees, and feet. 

- “Once you start going to a chiropractor, you have to go forever.” Chiropractic care is often portrayed as something that requires ongoing treatment, but this is a misconception. While some people opt for maintenance care, the frequency and duration of treatment depend on each individual’s condition, goals, and preferences. A chiropractor’s objective is to restore your health and enable you to manage your condition effectively on your own.

- “Chiropractors are not as educated as medical doctors.” Chiropractors receive extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. While their approach is different from that of medical doctors, their education equips them with the knowledge to provide safe and effective care.

5. Holistic Approach to Health

Chiropractic care is about more than just treating symptoms—it’s about optimizing health. Chiropractors take a holistic approach by looking at how lifestyle, ergonomics, and physical activity impact your overall well-being. Rather than just focusing on isolated problems, chiropractic care addresses the root causes of any dysfunctions and promotes long-term health.

Chiropractors are highly trained healthcare providers who offer a range of therapies designed to restore mobility, alleviate pain, and promote well-being. Whether you’re looking to improve your athletic performance, recovering from an injury, or simply wanting to maintain your health, chiropractic care can offer you a personalized, non-invasive solution tailored to your needs.