A chiropractor might be the right specialist to help you get relief from your neck or back pain. This highly trained medical professional can use various techniques to determine what is causing the pain and correct it.
The reality is, not all chiropractors are reliable and good at what they do, which is why choosing the right chiropractor is essential to ensure you receive safe and high-quality chiropractic treatment.
Below, we will cover the following topics: how chiropractors treat patients, who can benefit from chiropractic treatment, what type of conditions chiropractic doctors treat, and the signs of a qualified chiropractor. All of these can help you make wise decisions about your health.
What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training to earn the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). During their studies, they focus on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and chiropractic techniques, and receive clinical training to develop the skills necessary to diagnose and treat painful conditions.
How Do Chiropractors Treat Patients?
Chiropractors utilize a hands-on approach to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues, particularly those related to the spine. They employ the following techniques:
Spinal Adjustments and Manual Therapies
Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments or manipulations to realign the spine and relieve pain and improve flexibility of the spine. To make these spinal adjustments, chiropractors apply controlled force to the joints, restoring proper function and reducing nerve interference which are underlying causes of pain.
Some of the adjustment techniques chiropractors use on patients include:
- Diversified Full Spine Technique – involves high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to specific areas of the spine
- Thompson Drop Technique – This technique utilizes a specialized chiropractic table with segmented drop sections and involves a quick thrust to the affected area while a section of the table drops
- Logan Basic Technique – involves applying light, sustained pressure to specific points on the spine
Chiropractors may also incorporate various manual therapies such as soft tissue massage, stretching, and joint mobilization to complement spinal adjustments.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises and rehabilitation programs to meet a patient’s needs such as less pain, stronger muscles, better posture, and enhanced stability. These exercises can be performed at home or under the guidance of the chiropractor or a physical therapist.
Who Are the Most Common Patients of Chiropractors?
Chiropractors treat a wide range of patients. You may be a good candidate for chiropractic treatment if you have the following:
- Back and Neck Pain: Chiropractors are commonly sought after for the treatment of back and neck pain, particularly because of subluxations, which are misalignment of the joints in the spine, which can cause pain. They also treat patients with a recent injury or have had pain for many years.
- An Injury from Being an Athlete, Worker, or Weekend Warrior: Chiropractic care is popular among athletes, workers, and other physically active individuals seeking to ease pain, promote healing, increase strength and flexibility, enhance physical performance, and prevent injuries.
- A Need for Preventive Care: Many people visit chiropractors regularly as part of their preventive healthcare routine to maintain optimal spinal health, improve posture, and prevent future issues. Regular adjustments can help stave off pain and injury, remain in peak physical condition, and maintain an active lifestyle.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors can effectively address many musculoskeletal conditions, such as:
Back and Neck Pain
Chiropractic care is particularly renowned for its success in treating back and neck pain, including chronic conditions such as sciatica and cervicalgia.
Headaches
Chiropractic adjustments and manual therapies can help relieve tension headaches and migraines caused by muscle tension and spinal misalignments.
Joint Pain and Dysfunction
Chiropractors can provide relief from joint pain and dysfunction in areas such as the shoulders, knees, and hips by addressing underlying musculoskeletal imbalances.
What are the Signs of a Highly Qualified Chiropractor?
When choosing a chiropractor, make sure to look for the following credentials to ensure you are selecting a qualified professional:
- Proper Licensure and Credentials: Verify that the chiropractor holds the necessary licenses and certifications to practice in your jurisdiction. In this case, the chiropractor you choose should hold a license from the Delaware Board of Chiropractic.
- Good Reputation and Referrals: Seek recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, family, or healthcare professionals who have had positive experiences with a particular chiropractor.
- Clear Communication and Patient-Centered Approach: A qualified chiropractor will take the time to listen to your concerns, explain treatment options clearly, and tailor the approach to your specific needs.
- Continued Education and Professional Development: Look for a chiropractor who actively participates in ongoing education and stays updated with the latest research and techniques in the field. Such chiropractors are more likely to be members of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Rehabilitation Board.
Chiropractic Treatment in Wilmington, Newark, Middletown, Smyrna & Dover, DE
Only a qualified chiropractor should be treating you, and that is what we provide at Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers. Our chiropractic specialists are Doctors of Chiropractic Medicine licensed by Delaware Board of Chiropractic. They are among the most qualified chiropractic doctors in Delaware and are a part of a multidisciplinary team of sports and rehabilitation professionals.
We offer superior alternative and cutting-edge treatments for patients, and we have dedicated our lives to this for over 20 years. Find out what it is like to receive world-class treatment for your pain or injury. Call our location nearest to you or use our online request form to schedule an appointment.
