What is a chiropractor? [Infographic]

Are you finding yourself asking the question, what is a chiropractor? Perhaps you’ve been advised that you need chiropractic care but aren’t sure exactly what it entails? If so, read on. Our expert team at Thorne Road Chiropractic Clinic have answered all your questions in this article. We’re one of the leading chiropractic clinics in Doncaster, with years of experience in helping to alleviate people’s pain and discomfort. 

What is a chiropractor and what do they do? 

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They can often help with pain in the muscles and joints, particularly in the back, neck, shoulder, and elbow. Pain from osteoarthritis can also be alleviated using chiropractic treatment. 

Often, a small issue in your back or neck can cause significant pain elsewhere in the body, and this can affect your daily life considerably. Chiropractic care delivered by experienced professionals can reduce or even eliminate this pain entirely, letting you live a more comfortable and happier life.

Chiropractors can treat people of any age, including children and infants. They take a non-surgical approach to treatment. This means that rather than performing surgery or offering medication, they use hands-on manipulation of the joints to reduce pain. Treatment focuses on whole-body health, with chiropractors working toward restoring and maintaining the overall health of the patient. Physiological therapies and lifestyle counselling may be recommended as part of the treatment. Often, chiropractors will treat patients alongside other healthcare providers. 

What does chiropractic treatment involve?

At your first appointment with a chiropractor, they will assess your symptoms before determining if chiropractic treatment is suitable for you. They’ll also assess what techniques will be most likely to help relieve your pain. Chiropractors in Doncaster use a range of methods to treat muscle and joint pain. 

Treatment often focuses on spinal manipulation, which involves using the hands to apply force to the muscles and joints in the spine and neck. The chiropractor may use sharp and short thrusting movements, move your joints into distinct positions, or pull and stretch your muscles in various directions. A chiropractor may prescribe:

• Soft tissue therapy: to relax and loosen tense muscles, relieve spasm, and to release any tension in the connective tissues around the muscles (the fascia).
• Adjustments: to realign the joints and increase the range of motion.
• Exercises and stretches: to restore mobility and increase range of motion. 
• Joint bracing/taping: to support strained muscles or joints during the healing process. Kinesio taping is a common example.
• Referrals to other medical experts: for example, for advice and guidance on lifestyle changes such as diet or weight loss.

Are there any risks or side effects of chiropractic treatment?

Treatment is normally safe when it’s carried out correctly by a registered chiropractor. Chiropractic treatment isn’t usually painful, although you may experience some discomfort. If you experience any pain during treatment, it’s important to tell the chiropractor right away.  

Whilst you may experience some mild side effects after your session, including stiffness, aches and pains, or tiredness, they are likely to pass within a couple of days.  There is a small risk of more serious issues, such as a slipped disc after spinal manipulation. If you’re unsure if chiropractic treatment is safe for you, it’s best to talk to your GP. 

Can I get chiropractic treatment on the NHS?

You may be wondering if you can get an appointment with a chiropractor on the NHS. Whilst is it sometimes possible, chiropractic care is usually only offered in exceptional circumstances and in certain areas. You can find out if you can see a chiropractor on the NHS by asking your GP. You can also contact the clinical commissioning group (CCG) in your area.

The good news is that chiropractic treatment is easily accessible in the private sector. At Thorne Road Chiropractic Clinic, we’re there for you when you need the chiropractic care to relieve your pain and discomfort. You don’t need to see your GP before you make an appointment, although it can be useful to seek their advice to see if chiropractic is right for you. We treat a wide range of ailments, including sports injuries and various pain areas, including neck, arm, shoulder, leg, and lower back pain. We may also be able to help with headaches and migraines.  

Are chiropractors fully qualified? 

Yes, anyone who works as a chiropractor in the UK must complete a chiropractic degree. They undertake years of training, making sure they possess a high level of knowledge and expertise. At Thorne Road Chiropractic Clinic, all our chiropractors in Doncaster are fully trained and qualified. We’re also registered with the General Chiropractic Council too, ensuring we’re legally allowed to deliver care to our patients.

Thorne Road has been providing expert chiropractic care to the people of Doncaster and the surrounding areas for many years and we have a great reputation throughout the region. You’ll find many positive reviews of our services online from our happy clients, so why not take a look to see what people are saying about us? We’re proud to be one of the best-rated chiropractic clinics in Doncaster. 

So, rather than suffering in silence, contact us instead. You don’t have to simply live with your pain when there are highly effective chiropractic treatments available to you. Our experienced chiropractors can assess your individual needs and identify the right techniques to reduce your pain and discomfort. 

Contact us 

If you’re thinking of making an appointment at Thorne Road, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 01302 969 501 Monday to Friday to speak to one of our friendly team. We can provide you with all the information you need and answer all your questions. Alternatively, send us a message via the website. Someone will get back to you right away.