If you have ever complained of back or neck pain, it has likely been suggested that you visit a chiropractor. While many people enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care, others are skeptical and fear that a chiropractor doesn’t boast the same credentials as an orthopedic specialist or another medical doctor. There are common misconceptions around chiropractic care that it is not as good or trustworthy as traditional medical care. However, chiropractors undergo extensive training and specialize in this form of treatment.
What Is a Chiropractor?
In short, an Atlanta chiropractor is a medical professional who is trained to use their hands to relieve pain in the spine and the rest of the body. Their goal is to diagnose and address disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The core belief of chiropractic care is that misalignments in the spine will negatively impact the central nervous system and can cause a host of medical issues. In response to these misalignments, chiropractors take a holistic approach that focuses on natural methods of healing.
To become a chiropractor, a person must receive a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C) from an accredited institution. In order to receive a D.C., a person must earn an undergraduate degree with a focus in the sciences, as well as a four-year healthcare degree from an accredited chiropractic school. There is also a licensure requirement to practice, marked by passing an exam, as well as continuing education credits.
Like medical doctors, many chiropractors specialize in certain types of care. Neurology, sports medicine, nutrition, pediatrics, and diagnostic imaging are all areas of chiropractic care that may be studied during a 2-3 year long additional residency. A chiropractor with “integrated” techniques may have a handful of specialty.
What Chiropractors Treat
The main focus of chiropractic care is the spine and nervous system, as well as soft tissue such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In treating these areas, chiropractors do not perform surgery, instead of using their hands or small manual instruments. With these tools, they can treat a wide range of issues.
Most people will visit a chiropractor to address pain in the back, neck, pelvis, arms, or legs. These all connect directly with the spine and in some cases, may be adjusted independently to quickly address misalignments causing the discomfort. Pain in these areas may also be a sign of more chronic conditions that can be discovered through chiropractic care.
Another common reason for seeking chiropractic care is a pregnant woman undergoing the Webster Technique. This is a chiropractic specialty designed to realign the pelvis, encouraging the baby to get into a head-down position to allow for an easier birth.
In addition to these applications, chiropractic care can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from digestive issues to colic in infants. Even if you are not currently suffering from an illness, chiropractic care can offer a preventative approach to care that helps the body to function properly before anything does set in.
While chiropractors can treat many issues, there are some issues that may require the care of an orthopedic specialist or another doctor. Severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer, and spinal instability may be cases where you are referred to a physician.
Visiting a Chiropractor
If you are nervous about visiting a chiropractor, it is very similar to any doctor’s appointment you would attend. Most chiropractors will start by getting an understanding of your medical history and your goals for treatment. They will likely do a hands-on physical exam to become familiar with your spine. If you are presenting any symptoms or issues, many chiropractors will rely on diagnostic scans such as x-rays to rule out certain conditions and help guide their practice.
Once your chiropractor has determined a path of treatment, they will begin an adjustment. You will most likely lie on a padded table that is designed for adjustments while the chiropractor presses on your spine. You may also be asked to move into different positions to help with access to certain areas of the body. It is not uncommon to hear cracking or popping sounds during an adjustment, but this is a normal response to pressure in the joints.
There may be some soreness or fatigue after a chiropractic adjustment as your body adjusts to the alignment changes made during your appointment. This is mild and will subside quickly.
Whether you regularly see a chiropractor or are exploring the option now, AICA Orthopedics offers a spectrum of care that can be tailored to your needs. Our chiropractors work with orthopedic specialists, physical therapists, and pain management specialists to design comprehensive care plans that address your specific concerns. Contact AICA Orthopedics today for your first consultation with a chiropractor.
