When it comes to your health, who should you trust more, a chiropractor or a real doctor? While both professions are dedicated to helping people stay healthy, they approach health in different ways. Chiropractors focus on adjustments and manipulations to help align the spine and improve nerve function. Real doctors, meanwhile, may prescribe medication or surgery to treat an illness or injury. So, is it better to find a chiropractor near me or a medical doctor?
Chiropractors are licensed health professionals who have undergone specific training in spinal manipulation and other chiropractic treatments. However, real doctors undergo extensive medical school training and are certified in a variety of medical specialties.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide who they would like to trust more with their health care. Some people may feel more comfortable trusting a chiropractor, while others prefer to see a real doctor. Either way, it is important to do your research and discuss any concerns you may have with your health care provider before starting any new treatment regimen.
What Is A Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a health care professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions, focusing on the spine. Chiropractors use a combination of treatments, including hands-on manipulation, to restore movement and function to joints that have been damaged by injury or disease.
Chiropractic is one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine in the United States, with more than 60,000 practitioners. It’s thought to be helpful for conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
What certifications must chiropractors have?
Chiropractors are required to have a license in the state they practice in. This licensing typically requires chiropractors to have a degree from an accredited chiropractic school and pass a national board examination. Some states also require chiropractors to complete continuing education credits every year.
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors use a variety of different treatments to improve joint function and relieve pain, including:
- Hands-on manipulation: This is the most common treatment performed by chiropractors. During a manipulation, the chiropractor will use their hands to apply force to the joints in the spine, neck, or extremities.
- Mobilization: This is a gentle form of manipulation that uses less force than traditional manipulation.
- Exercise and rehabilitation: Chiropractors may prescribe exercises and stretches to help improve joint function and range of motion. They may also use electrical stimulation and other modalities to help speed the healing process.
- Nutritional advice: Chiropractors may offer nutritional guidance to help patients improve their overall health.
What Are The Risks Of Seeing A Chiropractor?
There are very few risks associated with seeing a chiropractor. The most common side effect is temporary soreness or discomfort after a manipulation. In rare cases, there may be more serious side effects, such as:
- Stroke
- Herniated disc
- Spinal cord injury
- Nerve damage
These serious side effects are extremely rare and typically only occur if the chiropractor uses excessive force during a manipulation. It’s always important to choose the best team when searching for a ‘chiropractor near me.’
Finding A Chiropractor Near Me
Before you even start looking for a chiropractor, it’s important that you understand what chiropractic care is and whether or not it’s right for you. Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use manual therapy techniques including spinal manipulation and mobilization and other exercises and physical therapies to resolve these disorders.
Now that you know a bit more about what chiropractic care entails, let’s take a look at some things you should look for in a chiropractor:
- A Reputable Education
All chiropractors must obtain a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college and pass a state licensing exam. But that’s not all – many reputable chiropractors also pursue additional training and education beyond what’s required to maintain their license.
- A Focus on Your Overall Health
A good chiropractor will always take a holistic approach to your care, meaning they’ll look at the whole picture – not just your spine – when trying to understand the root cause of your pain or condition. In addition to providing spinal manipulation and other manual therapies, a good chiropractor will also offer lifestyle and nutritional advice to help you live your best life.
- A Personalized Treatment Plan
No two patients are exactly alike, so a good chiropractor will always take the time to develop a personalized treatment plan that’s tailored specifically for you and your needs. This treatment plan may be adjusted as your condition improves or changes, but it should always be based on what’s best for you as an individual.
- A Solid Reputation
When you’re looking for a new chiropractor, be sure to ask around and see what others have to say about their experience with the chiropractor you’re considering. You can also check online reviews, but keep in mind that not all reviews are created equal. Try to find reviews from multiple sources, and pay attention to both the positive and negative comments.
- A Commitment to continued Education
A good chiropractor is always committed to learning and keeping up with the latest advancements in chiropractic care. This commitment to continued education ensures that they always provide the best possible care for their patients.
There is a lot of debate surrounding the legitimacy of chiropractic care. Some people claim that chiropractors are nothing more than quacks, while others swear by the results they’ve seen from visiting a chiropractor. So, who is right?
The answer may depend on what you’re looking for from chiropractic care. If you’re hoping to find a cure-all for all of your health problems, you’re likely to be disappointed. However, if you’re seeking relief from specific ailments, such as back pain or headaches, then chiropractic care may be worth exploring further. If you’re looking for a chiropractor, be sure to keep these things in mind. And if you have any questions, our team at Fullness of Life Chiropractic is always available to help. Call us today!