chiropractic

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is used to treat many different things, especially pain. Chiropractors work to help proper alignment of the spine, the other bones/joints and the muscles in the body. This can help the body to heal itself.

What is a chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a doctor who went to chiropractic school. This is a four-year program, after finishing college. Those who graduate become Doctors of Chiropractic. A chiropractor will usually do an initial assessment first and then make a treatment plan for you which might take a few sessions over a few weeks to address your heath issue.

What is chiropractic care good for?

Chiropractors use their hands or a device to make adjustments to your spine and other joints. Sometimes they also use stretching, electrical stimulation, heat and ice. Research has shown that chiropractors can help with:

chiropractic
  • Back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Headaches
  • Neck and shoulder pain
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Arthritis and Joint pain

Chiropractic can help some people need less medication for their pain. Your chiropractor may suggest diet changes and exercise. They may also suggest relaxation techniques, supplements and other lifestyle changes.

Are there any side effects?

Chiropractic treatments are very safe. Some people can have minor side effects which include:

  • Temporary headaches
  • Discomfort in the body areas that were treated
  • Stiffness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle soreness

How can I get started?

Ask your primary care provider to help you find a chiropractor. Your physical therapist or spine specialist might also be able to help. Remember to talk with your primary care provider about any complementary therapies you are considering or using! Also be sure to tell the chiropractor about any medical issues you have. Tell them about medications and supplements that you are taking. This will help them make sure that chiropractic is safe for you. Many health insurance companies cover chiropractic, but some do not. Be sure to check with your insurance company or the chiropractor about coverage.

For more reading material on chiropractic, please visit nccih.nih.gov

Print Version

Download the Print Version (PDF)

References/Resources

Assendelft, Willem J.j., SC Morton, Yu El, MJ Suttorp, and PG Shekelle. "Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain." Annals of Internal Medicine 138.11 (2003): 871. Web.

Brantingham, James W., Tammy Kay Cassa, Debra Bonnefin, Muffit Jensen, Gary Globe, Marian Hicks, and Charmaine Korporaal. "Manipulative Therapy for Shoulder Pain and Disorders: Expansion of a Systematic Review." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 34.5 (2011): 314-46. Web.

Bronfort, Gert, Willem J.j. Assendelft, Roni Evans, Mitchell Haas, and Lex Bouter. "Efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic headache: A systematic review." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 24.7 (2001): 457-66. Web.

Cherkin, DC, KJ Sherman, RA Deyo, and PG Shekelle. "A Review of the Evidence for the Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost of Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, and Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain." Annals of Internal Medicine 138.11 (2003): 898. Web.

Goertz, Christine M., Cynthia R. Long, Maria A. Hondras, Richard Petri, Roxana Delgado, Dana J. Lawrence, Edward F. Owens, and William C. Meeker. "Adding Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy to Standard Medical Care for Patients With Acute Low Back Pain." Spine 38.8 (2013): 627-34. Web.

Weigel PA, Hockenberry JM, Wolinsky FD. Chiropractic use in the Medicare population: prevalence, patterns, and associations with 1-year changes in health and satisfaction with care. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2014;37(8):542?551

Whedon, James M., Yunjie Song, Todd A. Mackenzie, Reed B. Phillips, Timothy G. Lukovits, and Jon D. Lurie. "Risk of Stroke After Chiropractic Spinal Manipulation in Medicare B Beneficiaries Aged 66 to 99 Years With Neck Pain." Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics 38.2 (2015): 93-101. Web.

Woggon, A. Joshua, and Dennis A. Woggon. "Patient-reported side effects immediately after chiropractic scoliosis treatment: a cross-sectional survey utilizing a practice-based research network." Scoliosis 10.1 (2015): n. pag. Web.

"Chiropractic adjustment." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Aug. 2015. Web. 01 May 2017.

Patient Education Materials