Although chiropractic treatment dates back to 1895 and is widely used around the world, there’s a lot that people don’t know about this form of alternative medicine. If you’ve never been to a chiropractor and are curious about getting treatment, read on to familiarize yourself with the basics!
What Injuries and Health Conditions Can a Chiropractor Treat?
Chiropractic doctors can treat a wide variety of injuries and disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system. Although they’re most well known for helping patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches, they’re also highly adept at treating:
● Whiplash
● Sprains and strains
● Sacroiliac (SI joint) pain
● Knee pain
● Shoulder pain
● Posture issues
● Referred pain from injuries that impact the nervous system
● Sciatica
● Much more
For more information on the conditions and injuries a chiropractor can address, check out:
● Types of neck and back pain chiropractors can treat
● Common sports injuries that can benefit from chiropractic care
● Chiropractic treatment for sciatica
I Heard Chiropractic Care Can Help During Pregnancy — Is That True?
Yes! Chiropractic adjustments can help women feel more comfortable throughout their pregnancy and can also help ease the labor and delivery process. Treatments are non-invasive, gentle, and help Mom maintain proper alignment of her spine and pelvis as the baby grows.
The weight of the developing fetus combined with the release of certain hormones (relaxin and progesterone) during pregnancy can easily coax many of Mom’s joints out of their natural positions. These misalignments not only lead to discomfort, mobility issues, and poor posture, but they can also increase Mom’s risk of injury and negatively affect fetal positioning.
Seeing a chiropractor regularly throughout pregnancy is a safe and effective way to reduce stress on Mom’s body and make birthing a more comfortable experience. Receiving chiropractic treatments after delivery can be highly beneficial, too, as the birthing process also disrupts the body’s normal alignment.
To learn more about seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy, check out our blog, Discomfort During Pregnancy? How Chiropractic Care Can Help.
Can Babies and Children See a Chiropractor?
Yes! Because chiropractic care is non-invasive and very gentle, it’s safe even for infants and small children. Not every chiropractor specializes in infant and child adjustments, though, so be sure to ask first if you’re curious about getting your children treated.
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?
Yes. Most insurance plans include coverage for chiropractic care. If granted permission from your authorized doctor, you can also see a chiropractor for treatment through workers’ compensation or as part of a personal injury settlement.
What’s the Difference Between a Chiropractic Adjustment and Joint Manipulation?
The two techniques are similar, and when performed, they feel basically the same, but technically, one is more precise than the other. An adjustment is a specific and targeted manipulation of a joint or vertebrae. A general manipulation, on the other hand, is broader. It’s designed to mobilize an area by introducing force, but not with the intent of moving a specific joint.
This distinction is important because some chiropractors take a one-size-fits-all manipulation approach, while others perform specific adjustments to address each patient’s unique presenting conditions. For long-term relief and improvement of a specific condition or injury, you want to see a chiropractor that focuses on making targeted, individualized adjustments rather than general manipulations.
How Long Do I Need to Keep Seeing a Chiropractor Once I Start?
That really depends on what you’re looking to treat. When you visit a chiropractor to address a specific condition or injury, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan based on your unique needs. Some people only need to see a chiropractor for a few weeks while others require treatment for several months.
It’s also important to note that chiropractor care doesn’t only serve as a reactionary form of medicine; it’s preventative as well. Chiropractic wellness care involves routine treatments — even when you’re not suffering from acute or chronic pain — that help keep your body in optimal condition over the long term.
Regular chiropractic visits are an excellent way to help maintain excellent posture, reduce your risk of injuries, maintain proper mobility, and encourage overall well-being.
Why Are Chiropractors Called Doctors? How Much Education and Training Do They Have?
Chiropractors are called doctors because they hold a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) from an accredited educational institution. They do not hold an M.D. (a medical doctor degree).
All doctors of chiropractic must have highly specialized education and training to earn their license to practice, which includes:
● A four-year undergraduate degree with a medical or science focus
● Four years of graduate-level, chiropractic-specific education at an accredited chiropractic college (a minimum of 4,200 hours)
● Completion of a one-year chiropractic internship
● Passing the four-part national board exam, which tests knowledge in basic sciences, clinical sciences, clinical competency, and practical skills
● 20 hours of mandatory continuing education each year for chiropractors licensed in the state of Minnesota (the number of hours varies by state)
Why Do Joints Make a Popping Noise During an Adjustment?
When a chiropractor performs an adjustment, the movement may release a small bubble of gas that exists between the joints. That release is what causes the popping sound associated with “cracking” joints. It’s neither good nor bad — it’s simply a change of pressure within the joint.
Looking for a Chiropractor Near New Hope, MN? Visit Bomberg Chiropractic!
Whether you’re new to chiropractic care or you’re looking for a new provider, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Bomberg Chiropractic in New Hope, MN! We specialize in chiropractic adjustments, movement-based massage, TENS therapy, wellness care, treatments for desk workers and pregnant women, and much more. To learn more about how we can help you or schedule a consultation, feel free to give us a call today at 763-450-1755 or connect with us online, and we’ll get in touch!