Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chiropractic Therapy/Medicine?

Chiropractic therapy is a procedure in which the chiropractor applies controlled, sudden force to a spinal joint using their hands or a small instrument. The goal of this procedure is to improve the motion of the spine and improvement in the body’s physical function. This procedure is also known as spinal manipulation.

Why is Chiropractic Therapy done?

Following are the most common reason why chiropractic therapy is done:

1. Lower back pain
2. Neck pain
3. Headaches

Apart from the above conditions, any individual can undergo Chiropractic Therapy. However, one can consult a Chiropractor and discuss all the benefits and risks associated with Chiropractic Therapy.

Who are ineligible for Chiropractic Therapy?

An individual with the following conditions cannot undergo chiropractic therapy:

1. Severe osteoporosis
2. Tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation in arms or legs
3. Cancer in the spine
4. Increased risk of strokes
5. Known bone abnormality in the upper neck

What are the preparations before Chiropractic Therapy?

Chiropractic Therapy doesn’t require any prior preparations. Chiropractic treatment requires a series of visits to a chiropractor and most people attain maximum improvement in six to ten weeks.

What can a patient expect from Chiropractic Therapy?

Initially, the chiropractor will ask questions about the health of the patient like medical history, family history, etc and perform medical or physical tests, particularly on the spine. The chiropractor can also recommend a few tests such as X-ray.

During the therapy: The chiropractor will place the patient in a specific position to treat specific areas. Mostly, the patient will be asked to lie down on a padded table. The chiropractor usually uses hands or a small instrument to apply controlled and sudden force on the spine joints. The patient may hear a popping sound as the chiropractor moves along with the spinal joints during the session.

After the therapy: few people may experience minor side effects such as pain in the area treated, fatigue, headache, etc after a few days of the chiropractic therapy.

What is the end result after Chiropractic Therapy?

Chiropractic therapy is only modestly beneficial for lower back pain, headaches, neck pain, etc. Not everyone responds to chiropractic therapies, it depends on lots of other scenarios. If the patient doesn’t feel any improvement after 6 to 10 sessions, the chiropractic sessions may not be the best option for that individual.

What are the risks associated with Chiropractic Therapy?

This therapy is safe when performed by a licensed professional. Severe chiropractic complications are very rare but may occur and they are as follows:

1. Worsening of a pre-existing herniated disk
2. Cauda Equina Syndrome - compression of lower spinal nerves 
3. Stroke of a certain type after neck manipulation