Chiropractor Adjustments

Although chiropractor adjustments are used for prevention and treatment of back pain, and many other types of ailments, do chiropractors work?

Depending on who you talk with the answer may be a joyous "Yes", or a definitive "No". My own experience tells me that the answer is yes.

BUT, only when combined with other appropriate treatment.

To better understand when chiropractic care may or may not be effective, it is best to know what a chiropractor does.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

According to the American Chiropractic Association website - www.acatoday.org - a doctor of chiropractic medicine, also referred to as chiropractor or chiropractic physician...

...treats the musculoskeletal system and nervous system with...

"...a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitation exercises, as well as to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling."

Notice that the American Chiropractic Association does not define chiropractor as a medical doctor. A chiropractor is NOT a medical doctor and cannot make medical diagnosis outside of their scope of practice. Therefore...

...if you have a back injury or any other type of pain, it is often advised that you first see a physician to make sure that a serious medical condition is not the cause of your discomfort.

Even though chiropractors are often thought of as back pain specialists - treating upper back, mid-back, low back pain, and chronic back pain - chiropractic adjustments are also widely used for the relief of...

• stiff neck pain
• fibromyalgia
• sports injuries
• arthritis joint pain
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• hip pain
• leg pain
• headaches
• arm and shoulder pain

Choosing a Chiropractic Service Provider

Chiropractor adjustments should be provided ONLY by an individual who has met the education and professional requirements of the state in which they practice and are licensed by that state.

Ideally, your doctor, a friend, or a co-worker, can recommend a chiropractor to you. However, if you are unable to obtain a referral, you may need to...

• find a directory, or list of chiropractors on the Internet
• search the Internet for local chiropractic websites
• refer to your local phone directory

Once you have found the names of chiropractors - don't be shy! I suggest you call several and ask lots of questions.

Since I have lived in a number of locations, I have needed to go through this process regularly and have found that...

...the best practitioners often communicate directly with patients, or have a knowledgeable staff that is willing to engage in conversation.

The chiropractic questions I most often have are...

1. What type of physical exam is given to new chiropractic patients?


2. If I have current x-rays, can they be used - thus saving me an additional expense?


3. What will the first chiropractor visit cost and what is the charge for follow-up visits?

I have paid $35.00 to $75.00 for an initial consultation, with x-rays included at the higher end. On subsequent visits the cost has been $35.00 to $45.00 - sometimes covered by health insurance, depending on the plan.

4. What method(s) of chiropractor adjustments does the doctor use?

If I am not familiar with a chiropractic method, I ask questions and do research to see if it is something I will feel comfortable with. Although there are many good methods available, my personal preference is the Activator Method, combined with deep tissue massage.

5. Does the chiropractor believe in a combination of therapies for pain treatment?

I choose chiropractors who believe that chiropractic adjustments are only PART of the healing process that may include muscle strengthening exercise, yoga, Pilates, massage, physical rehabilitation, meditation, and pain medication, when necessary.

For additional chiropractic information and chiropractic facts you may find the American Chiropractic Association website helpful.