Learn about chiropractic
What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on the assessment and care of the spine, joints, muscles, and their relationship with the nervous system. Chiropractic care emphasizes the proper function and movement of the spine and musculoskeletal system.
The spine provides structural support for the body and protects the spinal cord, while the spinal nerves connect the nervous system with the rest of the body. When normal spinal movement or function is disturbed, it may affect movement, comfort, posture, and overall physical function.
Chiropractic care uses specific manual and instrument-assisted techniques to assess and improve spinal and musculoskeletal function. Care is individualized according to the patient's condition, examination findings, and functional needs.
Chiropractic & Chiropractors
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals trained to assess the spine and musculoskeletal system and provide chiropractic care using specific manual and instrument-assisted techniques.
A chiropractic examination may include assessment of spinal movement, posture, joint function, muscle balance, and neurological or musculoskeletal findings. The goal is to identify areas of dysfunction and determine an appropriate care plan.
Chiropractic care may be provided as part of an integrated approach to spinal and musculoskeletal health, together with appropriate exercise, supportive care, and referral to other healthcare professionals when necessary.
The Spine & Nervous System
The spine is an important part of the body's structural and neurological system. It supports the body, allows movement, and protects the spinal cord.
The spinal cord and spinal nerves form an essential communication pathway between the brain and the rest of the body. Each spinal nerve is associated with specific areas and functions of the body.
Changes in spinal movement, joint function, muscle balance, or posture may influence normal physical function. Chiropractic assessment therefore considers the spine and musculoskeletal system in relation to the nervous system and the patient's overall functional condition.
What Is Subluxation?
In chiropractic practice, the term vertebral subluxation refers to a functional disturbance involving a spinal segment, including changes in normal joint movement, alignment, mechanical function, or the surrounding muscles and tissues.
The chiropractic concept of subluxation is specific to the chiropractic profession and should not be confused with a complete medical dislocation of a joint.
Assessment of a suspected spinal dysfunction is based on the patient's history, physical examination, spinal movement, posture, and other appropriate clinical findings. Chiropractic care is directed toward improving normal spinal and musculoskeletal function when clinically appropriate.
Common Causes of Spinal Dysfunction
Spinal and musculoskeletal dysfunction may develop from a variety of factors, including:
- Poor posture and prolonged sitting
- Long hours using computers, laptops, and mobile phones
- Repetitive movements and occupational activities
- Physical inactivity and muscle weakness
- Sports activities and physical overuse
- Previous injuries, falls, or accidents
- Improper lifting or carrying techniques
- Muscle imbalance and restricted joint movement
- Prolonged stress and poor movement habits
- Age-related changes affecting the musculoskeletal system
Identifying contributing factors is an important part of assessment and may help guide an appropriate care and exercise program.
Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractic care may include a variety of techniques selected according to the patient's condition and clinical findings.
Commonly used chiropractic techniques may include:
Full Spine Technique – specific manual adjustments directed toward areas of spinal dysfunction.
Drop Table Technique – uses sections of a specialized table to assist specific spinal adjustments.
Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) – uses specific procedures to assess and address spinal and pelvic function.
Flexion-Distraction – a gentle technique involving controlled movement of the spine, commonly used for selected spinal conditions.
Instrument-Assisted Techniques – specialized instruments may be used when appropriate.
Activator Technique – uses a handheld instrument to deliver a controlled, low-force impulse.
Impulse Instrument Technique – uses a specialized instrument to provide controlled adjustments to selected areas.
The technique used is determined according to the individual patient's assessment and clinical needs.
Rehabilitative Exercises & Supportive Care
Chiropractic care may be supported by appropriate exercises and functional activities designed to improve mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and muscular control.
Exercise selection depends on the patient's condition, functional needs, and clinical goals.
Where additional physical rehabilitation is required, physiotherapy may be provided as a separate and complementary service by qualified physiotherapy professionals.
When Chiropractic Care May Be Appropriate
Chiropractic care may be considered for people experiencing certain musculoskeletal and functional problems involving the spine and joints.
Examples may include:
Back and neck discomfort
Spinal stiffness and restricted movement
Postural problems
Certain mechanical joint problems
Muscle tension and muscular imbalance
Problems associated with prolonged sitting or computer use
Sports-related musculoskeletal problems
Functional movement limitations
A proper assessment is important before beginning care. Chiropractic treatment is not appropriate for every condition. When a condition requires medical investigation, medication, surgery, or another form of healthcare, appropriate referral should be made.