When asking various people what a chiropractor does, you may get mixed responses. Chiropractic practice is defined as the analysis and instrumental manipulation of human bone structure to improve physical health and neurological function. This article will discuss what these professionals can do, how they treat their clients, and how they can help you recover from an auto accident.

What a chiropractor does

When you arrive at a chiropractic appointment, the first thing that they will do, like any other doctor, is to administer an evaluation. This evaluation is different from the typical primary care provider evaluation. The chiropractor analyzes how well your body moves compared to the intended function of your joints.

They will check to see if your neck can fully rotate and look up and down. They will administer tests to detect imbalances, like rotating your body to one side more easily than the other. In addition, they will analyze your pain levels when performing various bodily movements.

After they gather all the information that they deem necessary, they will begin a movement-based treatment. Usually, this includes a spinal adjustment and a regimen of strengthening exercises and stretches.

Conditions they can treat
 

These doctors can treat all kinds of chronic and acute pain in all kinds of joints, especially in the lumbar spine (low back), thoracic spine (mid-back), and cervical spine (neck). Here is a brief list of conditions that fall under those categories.

Whiplash

Whiplash is the acute onset of neck pain and stiffness, typically after a car accident. Whiplash can also include symptoms like dizziness and memory difficulties. These conditions are adequately treated with a series of adjustments to realign the various parts of the neck.

Acute bursitis

After a joint such as the knee or elbow impacts at a high velocity with another object, the sacks (called bursas) that cushion the joint can become inflamed and lead to inhibited function and pain in the joint. After some readjustment, the bursas can begin to deflate back to their normal size.

Dislocation

Dislocation is the process by which a bone is forced out of its joint. They treat dislocation by putting the dislocated bone back in place and administering a regimen of strengthening exercises to keep the formerly dislocated bone where it belongs.

How they can facilitate the healing process
 

While they are not full-blown medical doctors, they do exist within the framework of medical professionals. They are keenly aware of what they are and are not able to treat. If something is outside of their expertise, they will refer you to another trusted medical professional who can help you.