If you’ve been wondering about going to a chiropractor, you’ve come to the right place to learn more about what they do, and how this healthcare option can help you.
What is A Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a health professional who offers specialised treatments for muscle, bone and nerve conditions. Once upon a time, people thought chiropractors only conducted bodily manipulation, but they also did massage and gave lifestyle advice to better your body in the long term.
They are often a part of an allied healthcare team which includes physiotherapists and occupational therapists; thus chiropractors are not medical doctors.
What Do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors offer treatments for many conditions as outlined below:
Relief From:
- Neck pain
- Lower back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Arm and shoulder pain
- Ankle and knee pain
Corrective Care For:
- Scoliosis
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- Posture and gait issues
- Slipped or herniated discs
Specialised Care For:
- Pregnancy
- Children
- Elderly people
- Neurological disorders
Do Chiropractic Treatments Work?
Whether or not your visits to the chiropractor work is dependent on a lot of factors. The main one is how well-rounded your care is. Often, chiropractors work well alongside a GP, physiotherapist and other allied health treatments. Although studies have been mixed, the consensus is often that it depends on your diagnosis, the chiropractor themselves as well as what steps are taken by the GP to treat you alongside seeing a chiropractor.
Is A Referral Needed for A Chiropractor?
A lot of chiropractors are happy to treat people privately, without the need for a referral, but if you have a health condition that a GP has diagnosed, you may need to be referred to a chiropractor with details shared between both parties about the treatment plan and how they will manage your condition together.
What Can I Expect During a Session?
No two chiropractic sessions are the same, and this is because the chiropractor will tailor the session to suit your specific needs. So they may start with a massage or a manipulation or do these combined with some lifestyle advice. Overall, you should get ready for a hands-on approach, and be ready to answer questions about your health condition, lifestyle and diet.
What Questions Should I Ask the Chiropractor?
If you want to know more from your chiropractor, there’s no harm in asking questions, and these include the following:
- Why do you recommend this treatment?
- What are the risks or side effects of this treatment?
- Is there evidence for the effectiveness of this treatment?
- How long will my treatment take, how many sessions will it require?
- Can I discuss this health plan with my doctor?
Beyond this, there are a few things to keep in mind, and communicate to your chiropractor if needed:
- Any health issues or medical conditions you already have
- If you have osteoporosis, arthritis or hypermobility.
- Any medicine that weakens the skin or increases the risk of bleeding.
Choose The Right Chiropractors
Now all that’s left to do is to choose the right chiropractors for your needs.
A great option is Light Chiropractic, Singapore. With over a decade of experience, they offer a wide variety of treatments at reasonable prices.