Basic Chiropractor Questions What is chiropractic? Chiropractic is a 100-year-old practice that uses non-invasive means to restore and improve health. Its tools include manipulation of the joints and surrounding tissue --including muscles, tendons, and nerves -- to treat neck and back pain, joint pain, headache, muscle aches, and other health problems. Chiropractic is based on healing traditions used for thousands of years around the world, and focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system). The interplay of those two, according to practitioners, has a profound effect on how individuals preserve or restore their health. Several recent studies have indicated that the adjustments used by chiropractors are more effective in treating neck and back pain than is physical therapy alone. However, other studies have shown that chiropractic is no more efficient at treating back pain than is advice from your family doctor or treatment by a physiotherapist. What kind of training do chiropractors receive? Chiropractors receive five academic years of training, which follows a minimum of three years of pre-professional education. What does treatment involve? During your first visit, your chiropractor will take a comprehensive health history, perform a physical exam, and, if indicated, do laboratory tests or imaging involving radiographs, CT scans, or an MRI. He or she will normally issue a report that explains the diagnostic findings and outlines a strategy for treating and managing your condition or health problems. As a branch of integrative medicine, chiropractic pays special attention to emotional relationships affecting health, as well as its physiological and biochemical aspects. After a thorough evaluation, he or she may counsel you on how to prevent disease and enjoy better health through proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes, among other things. If a chiropractor decides that you have an illness that requires medical care, you'll be referred to a GP or other health care provider for treatment or co-management. During the treatment itself, you'll probably lie or sit on an exam table while your chiropractor adjusts your muscles and joints -- especially your spine - depending on your individual needs. He or she may also use a reflex tool to do adjustments. Spinal adjustments are normally pain-free, although some slight soreness may be present afterwards that should improve quickly on its own. Your chiropractor may also counsel you on appropriate exercises that you can do on your own. How does it work? Chiropractic adjustments benefit the body's physiology, according to some studies. One of these effects is to relax muscles and improve joint mobility, even long after the original injuries have taken place. How safe is it? In the context of health care procedures, chiropractic treatments have a good safety record. Only a handful of people who see a chiropractor report serious injuries. The most common side effect of chiropractic adjustments is slight soreness, which you can usually relieve by icing the sore area. It's a good idea, though, to tell both your chiropractor and your regular doctor about each other, so they can coordinate your care. Are there any risks? Any health care procedure carries some risks; but the procedures used by doctors of chiropractic are relatively safe. Recent medical research has linked a particular chiropractic treatment, in extremely rare cases, with stroke. This most commonly occurs with inappropriate neck manipulation. However, a number of peer-reviewed neurology journals have reviewed reports of strokes following head and neck manipulation that had been performed by chiropractors and untrained providers as well. A study published in a peer-reviewed chiropractic journal, The Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy, found that the incidence of stroke following manipulation was low, but concluded that "there seems to be sufficient evidence to justify a firm policy statement cautioning against upper cervical rotation as a technique of first choice." (Neurology journals warn that any patients with neck pain or cerebrovascular problems should see a doctor.) How can I find a good chiropractor? It may be as easy as asking your GP, and there are extensive listings in the Yellow Pages. You could also ask your friends and family for recommendations. If you're seeing a chiropractor, you should expect to be referred to a medical doctor for evaluation, treatment, or co-management of conditions that require medical expertise. Most doctors will accept that chiropractors have expertise in managing some skeletal, especially spinal, problems. However most doctors will also warn against relying on chiropractic advice for non skeletal problems. Chiropractic consultations are not covered by the medical card system.