What is a chiropractor?
A doctor of chiropractic (DC) uses non-invasive means to restore and improve health and trained in the chiropractic techniques of manipulating 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.
What will happen on my first chiropractic visit?
During your first visit, your chiropractor will ask you questions about your health history, perform a physical exam, and, if necessary, do laboratory tests or imaging involving radiographs, CT scans, or an MRI. Your chiropractor will typically issue a report that explains the diagnostic findings and outline a plan for treating and managing your condition or health problems. During the treatment itself, you’ll probably lie or sit on an exam table while your chiropractor adjusts your muscles and joints.
What does a chiropractic treatment involve?
Your chiropractor will have you lie down or sit on an exam table while adjusting your muscles and joints, primarily your spine, depending on your specific needs. A good chiropractor will also counsel you on appropriate exercises that you can do on your own. This will help strengthen the muscles around your soar or aching joints.
What benefits can I expect from a chiropractor?
After a thorough evaluation, your chiropractor may counsel you on how to prevent disease, pain, or discomfort, and enjoy better health through proper nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle changes, among other things. If your chiropractor determines that you have an illness that requires medical attention, you’ll be referred to a physician or other health care provider for treatment.
Is a chiropractor a doctor?
Chiropractic is a health care discipline and profession that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders. A chiropractor is not a medical doctor (MD), but a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). Chiropractors obtain a professional degree by obtaining 1 – 4 years of pre-requisite training in basic sciences at university level followed by a 4 year full time program.
Can a chiropractor fix TMJ?
Chiropractic treatment has many benefits for patients with TMJ. TMJ is a condition where the disc is displaced or when the surrounding muscles and tendons become inflamed. A chiropractor can help treat TMJ by providing chiropractic adjustments to the upper neck or jaw. A good chiropractor will recommend exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle changes which can help speed the recovery and prevent relapse of the condition.
Can a chiropractor treat sciatica?
Doctors of Chiropractic medicine can and do treat sciatica. Because sciatica is characterized by pain that originates in the low back or buttock that travels into one or both legs, involving the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is generally caused by sciatic nerve compression. Disorders include lumbar spine subluxations (misaligned vertebrae), herniated or bulging discs, and other conditions. The type of chiropractic therapy provided by the chiropractor will depend on the cause of the patient’s sciatica, which the chiropractor will determine before treatment.
