What is the role of a chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a health care practitioner that is sought out as an alternative health care provider. The job of the chiropractor entails diagnosing and treating any health problem that is associated with your muscular, nervous, and/or skeletal system. A chiropractor must be licensed in the state for which he is working in. A chiropractor is usually in a private practice and does not generally work with an associate. The use of medications or surgery is not used in the chiropractic practice. If the chiropractor feels that this is necessary for your condition, he or she will direct you to a physician.

Your body is a great machine. The different parts of your body move much the same is a well-oiled machine does with precision and all in perfect alignment. When part of a machine breaks down the other parts become misaligned and therefore your well-oiled machine does not function properly. This too is how your body works.

When initially seeing a chiropractor you will be asked questions and examined for any problems that you are experiencing. Most likely x-rays and lab tests will be conducted.

A chiropractor’s role is to align the body to prior functioning capabilities and once he or she has done so, the rest of the body will be back in good order. By means of manipulation, adjustments, and realignment, a chiropractor’s job is to put everything back into place. With his or her hands a chiropractor uses force over your joints, thereby moving the defective part beyond its normal capabilities.

When doing this a cracking sound may be audible. A chiropractor will sometimes massage and stretch the area that is affected and this will result in muscle relaxation relieving muscle spasms. In addition to manipulation, adjustments, and/or any realignment a chiropractor will sometimes use heat, cold, water therapy, exercise, ultrasound, or physical therapy to help with the problem. Electrical stimulation may also be a form of treatment. Some chiropractors use braces or straps for spinal difficulties. Some specialize in a specific field of chiropractic practice such as sports.

Although chiropractic care is considered an alternative form of treatment in dealing with muscle, nervous, and skeletal system discomfort you should always talk to your primary care physician first and seek his or her advice prior to visiting a chiropractor. In certain circumstances a chiropractor’s services are not advocated. Your primary care physician will best be able to advise you in this decision and whether chiropractic treatment would be helpful to you.