What Does a Chiropractor Do?

September 21, 2020

By Dr. Chris Weilandich, DC, LAT

A lot of times when people learn that I am a chiropractor they immediately jump to “Oh, so you crack backs.” While that may be true, many chiropractors offer much more than that. Chiropractors are more than pain management doctors or the person you see when you want your back cracked. Chiropractors are also primary care physicians. As such, chiropractic physicians are able to diagnose and treat or manage, many health conditions and we have many tools in our arsenal with which to do this. 

Examination and Evaluation:

Chiropractic physicians are predominantly known as neuromusculoskeletal specialists. However, we spend a minimum of 2 years in pathology classes, 1 year in internal diagnostic testing (including blood tests, urinalysis, and more), 2 years in radiographic imaging (including x-ray, MRI, CT, and more), and 2 years in neurologic and orthopedic diagnostics. All of this education means that your chiropractic physician is more than capable of handling anything that you bring in. And if it happens to be outside of the chiropractor’s scope, we are also trained on how to identify the best specialist for you. It is for this reason that in many states chiropractors are acknowledged as Primary Care Physicians by the state. 

The Adjustment:

The first and most recognizable tool utilized by chiropractors is the adjustment. While the chiropractic adjustment may appear and feel similar to simple spinal manipulation performed by other professions, the key differences lie in how, where, and why it is used. Chiropractic physicians spend 3 years perfecting the art of specific adjusting, during which time we also learn how the adjustment affects the body and the neurology behind these effects. The chiropractic adjustment is used on specific joints to elicit specific and predictable neurologic responses. The joints that the chiropractic physician will adjust are unique to each patient and their needs at that visit. 

Therapeutic Exercise:

Combined with the chiropractic adjustment, therapeutic exercise can greatly improve the outcomes of our client’s treatment program. Therapeutic exercises consist of various movements, activities, and exercises aimed at improving muscular imbalance, weakness, or dysfunctional movement patterns. Chiropractor physicians spend a minimum of 1 year in therapeutic exercise and rehabilitation classes during their core education. Some chiropractic physicians even go on to get certified as a Chiropractic Rehabilitation Specialist. 

Soft Tissue Therapy:

https://projectchiro.com/massage/When combined with the chiropractic adjustment and therapeutic or rehabilitative exercises, soft tissue massage can be the missing link that pushes your treatment plan over the top to amazing outcomes. Soft tissue therapy includes soft tissue massage, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization and massage, pin and stretch techniques, intersegmental traction, triggerpoint release therapy, elastic therapeutic taping, and more. Some chiropractic physicians may choose to get further certification is things like Graston Technique, Active Release Technique, and a lot more

Nutritional Advice:

Propper nutrition is important to achieve optimal performance for everyone. However, identifying any and all nutritional deficits our clients may have is critical to any successful treatment programs and preventative care. Chiropractic physicians spend a minimum of 1 year in nutrition classes during their core education. Some chiropractic physicians also choose to get certified as a  Chiropractic Clinical Nutrition Specialist. 

There are many other specialties and techniques that chiropractic physicians may choose to pursue, but these are among the primary educational requirements that every chiropractor must be proficient in. These are topics we are tested extensively on during our 4 state board certification exams as well as the physiotherapy exam required in most states. 

Given this arsenal available to chiropractic physicians, there is a lot more we can do than simply crack backs. Chiropractors improve health, restore function, eliminate pain, optimize performance, reduce stress, advance health and wellness, and change lives. Therefore, next time you find yourself seeking a doctor, consider your local chiropractic physician.