Seeing a chiropractor can be an excellent addition to your health care regimen. However, many people miss out on the potential benefits because they don’t know enough about the practice. Understanding the role they play will ensure you take full advantage of their services.

What to Know About Chiropractors

What does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor specializes in the musculoskeletal system. This includes the spine, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They operate independently from physicians, so you typically don’t need a referral to see them. Many treat patients of all ages, including children.

What training do they receive?

These clinicians must have a Doctor of Chiropractic (or D.C.) degree. This typically takes four years to complete and combines coursework with in-depth supervised clinical experience.

They must then pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam to be qualified to practice. They may also need to meet specific requirements and further examinations, depending on the state.

What do they treat?

Chiropractors help with a variety of conditions. Back and neck pain are two of the most common and are often associated with spinal and muscle injuries. They help patients with arthritis, joint issues, sports injuries, and auto accident injuries, as well. Some treatment plans are short-term, while others are ongoing.

What treatment techniques do they use?

The foundation of chiropractic care is spinal adjustment. This technique involves manually fixing misalignment in the spine.

They also provide guidance on at-home exercises and stretches as a part of physical therapy. They’ll advise on lifestyle changes via nutrition, exercise, and other healthy habits as well, as they don’t prescribe medication.

If you’re interested in trying chiropractic care, contact a chiropractor at West Chiropractic Clinic. This Soldotna, AK, practice treats several conditions, including scoliosis, lower back pain, sciatica. Their team uses a combination of chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other treatments to provide personalized care. Call (907) 262-9171 to schedule an exam, and learn more about their practice online.