With growing concern for physical health and general well-being, alternative medicine approaches are attracting increasing interest. Among these is chiropractic.
Practiced by chiropractors, chiropractic care aims to maintain overall health by optimizing the functioning of the nervous system and promoting the body’s natural ability to heal itself without resorting to medication or surgery.
Discover the role of the chiropractor as a healthcare professional, explore the various conditions they can treat, and learn more about what happens during an initial chiropractic consultation.
What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor, also known as a doctor of chiropractic, is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to the neuromusculoskeletal system. Taking a holistic approach to health, chiropractors seek to identify and treat the underlying cause of physical problems rather than simply alleviating the symptoms.
Chiropractors have the training and expertise required to perform chiropractic adjustments. Performed mainly on the joints of the spine, but also on other joints of the body, chiropractic adjustment is a joint manipulation performed with precise and controlled force. The purpose of this procedure is to restore the alignment and mobility of a joint and to restore optimal functioning of the nervous system.
Since chiropractors are primary care health professionals, you don’t need a referral to see one. They can treat a wide range of patients, from young children to seniors, and offer personalized care to each individual to treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Who can practice chiropractic in Quebec?
To practice their profession, chiropractors must be members of the “Ordre des chiropraticiens du Québec” (Quebec Chiropractors Association). To do so, they must hold an undergraduate doctorate in chiropractic, which is obtained after five years of full-time university study.
To maintain their right to practice chiropractic, chiropractors must also comply with the Code of ethics of chiropractors and are required to participate in continuing education activities to update and improve their knowledge and skills.
Why consult a chiropractor?
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a common reason for consulting a chiropractor. A visit to a chiropractic clinic can be beneficial for someone suffering from persistent pain in the back, neck, shoulder, or other part of the body. Chiropractic adjustments are an effective way to relieve pain and restore mobility to a sore joint.
Relieving and treating a sports injury, such as a sprained ankle or tendonitis, is another common reason for making an appointment with a chiropractor. In addition to providing therapeutic care to reduce pain and promote healing of the current injury, the chiropractor can provide advice on improving athletic performance and preventing future injuries.
Pregnancy is also a reason why many women decide to consult a chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments can be helpful in relieving pregnancy-related back pain and facilitating recovery after childbirth, among other things.
There are many other reasons why someone might consult a chiropractor, including neurological disorders, stress management issues, and more. Regardless of the reason for the consultation, a doctor of chiropractic is able to make an accurate diagnosis and propose a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s health condition.
What can chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors are qualified to diagnose, treat, and prevent neuromusculoskeletal disorders. This includes a wide range of common and less common health problems, including the following:
- Vertebral subluxation complex;
- Headaches and migraines;
- Herniated disc;
- Carpal tunnel syndrome;
- Bursitis (which can affect the elbow, knee, shoulder, etc.);
- Whiplash;
- Epicondylitis (elbow pain);
- Torticollis;
- Several other types of pain (jaw, foot, knee, hip, etc.).
To relieve the pain associated with these disorders, the main technique used is chiropractic adjustment. Depending on the nature of the diagnosed problem, chiropractors also use other complementary treatment approaches, such as massage and stretching, ultrasound therapy, shock wave therapy, and therapeutic bandaging.
To prevent the pain from returning, chiropractors may also suggest muscle strengthening exercises, provide advice on posture and ergonomics, and make recommendations about diet or lifestyle habits.
Who can receive chiropractic treatment?
Since chiropractors tailor their treatment approach to the individual needs of each patient, chiropractic care can be beneficial for people of all ages:
- Adults can benefit from chiropractic treatment to relieve chronic pain or simply to maintain good physical health.
- Children can receive chiropractic care to relieve colic, sleep disorders, or postural problems related to growth, among other things.
- Les femmes enceintes peuvent recevoir des soins adaptés pour gérer les inconforts de la grossesse, maintenir une posture saine et se préparer à l’accouchement.
- Seniors may find relief from joint pain associated with aging or osteoarthritis, as well as improved mobility and overall well-being.
- Athletes, whether amateur or professional, can consult a chiropractor to optimize their athletic performance, prevent injuries, or speed up recovery after an injury.
- Office workers can consult a chiropractor to treat shoulder pain and other problems related to prolonged sitting, or to receive advice on improving the ergonomics of their workstation.
During their professional careers, some chiropractors become interested in treating specific clienteles. It is therefore possible to find clinics with chiropractors who have additional training in sports or geriatric care.
Preparing for your first appointment with a chiropractor
Before your first consultation, it is a good idea to prepare a list of your medical history: past injuries, current health problems, medications you are taking, etc. If you have any medical test reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc.), bring them with you to your appointment. This information will help the chiropractor better understand your situation and your overall health.
During the consultation, it is recommended that you wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. The chiropractor may ask you to partially undress to facilitate adjustments, so clothing that allows for freedom of movement is preferable.
What happens during the first consultation with a chiropractor?
Your first visit to the chiropractic clinic will begin with a thorough discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. This clinical interview allows the chiropractor to gather essential information to guide their diagnosis.
The chiropractor will then conduct a thorough physical examination. This examination may include observations, an assessment of range of motion, neurological and orthopedic tests, and palpation of painful areas. If necessary, to clarify the diagnosis, the chiropractor will recommend X-rays of your spine or a joint.
Once the diagnosis has been made, the chiropractor will offer you a personalized treatment program tailored to your needs. This program may include chiropractic adjustments, complementary therapies, stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as advice on ergonomics and lifestyle.
Make an appointment with a chiropractor
Chiropractic care offers a natural and holistic approach to relieving pain and promoting overall health by acting on the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care is therefore an effective solution for people of all ages who are looking to improve their general well-being.
If you would like to learn more about chiropractic care and how it can help you regain vitality, don’t hesitate to contact a chiropractor today for a personalized consultation.