As a practicing chiropractor in Woodstock, Georgia, for more than 20 years, I have treated thousands of patients in the Woodstock and the surrounding Atlanta areas. I’m here to answer all your chiropractic-based questions, including ‘what exactly does a chiropractor do?’  

What Does a Chiropractic Adjustment Do?

To answer this question, we must first evaluate and explain that chiropractors find and detect misalignments in the spine. We do this by a variety of methods, including but not limited to: Physical examination, x-rays, thermal scanning, range of motion studies, and more.

Once we have determined that a misalignment is present, we can then adequately address the misalignment and treat it appropriately. This then begs the question–what does a chiropractor do to treat the misalignment? This is where there is a lot of misinformation. 

What we do is use our hands or an instrument to adjust the misaligned vertebrae back into its normal alignment. Some potential new patients think that we “pop and crack” bones back into place. This creates a lot of fear in new patients who have never been adjusted before. The truth is that when doing manual adjustments, a patient may hear a “cracking” sound, which is not the bones “cracking.” It is simply the release of nitrogenous gas in the joint. It is the equivalent of packaging bubbles that are filled with compressed air that, when pressed, create a “popping sound.” 

For patients that do not feel comfortable with this type of adjustment, we offer lower force adjustments with instruments that do not create any “popping sound.” Either way, the goal is not to necessarily hear anything, but to return the misaligned vertebrae back to its normal alignment. From my experience, the adjustment should never, ever hurt. It should actually feel really good.

What does a chiropractor do on the first visit?

Now that we’ve addressed the “cracking” sound, let’s explore what will happen on your initial visit. A member of our team will give you a consultation, which includes a physical exam, x-rays, medical history, etc. Depending on what we find and how much time you’ve allotted, you may or may not receive your first adjustment. 

What does getting adjusted by a chiropractor do?

We’re able to improve your body’s physical range of motion and your spinal motion by doing an adjustment. This is achieved by using either our hands or a small instrument. Once we’ve found the right spot, we’ll apply sudden but controlled force to one of your spinal joints. This should make it much easier to move! 

What does a chiropractor do for degenerative disc disease?

If you’re suffering from degenerative disc disease, seeing a chiropractor can cause relief. When the chiropractor gives you an adjustment, it will improve the alignment of discs and bones. This also improves flexibility and overall mobility. Going on a regular basis can boost your overall quality of life.

What does a chiropractor do for neck pain?

We’re able to help realign your spine by adjusting your cervical vertebrae. In other words, we’ll stretch and/or rotate your neck, which creates a cracking or popping sound. Again, though, rest assured that these sounds are not due to your bones being cracked. Instead, it’s just nitrogenous gas being released by the applicable joint. As you can see, the answer to “when a chiropractor cracks your neck what does it do?” is provide you with neck pain relief. 

What does a chiropractor do for plantar fasciitis?

Most people don’t think of a chiropractor when they’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, but we can help with this painful condition. By making adjustments to your foot and ankle, we’re able to straighten your bones and joints. This, in turn, reduces the pressure that’s put on your heel, and you’ll feel less pain. 

What does a chiropractor do for a bulging disc?

We use a technique called flexion-distraction. In layman’s terms, this allows us to reduce the sensitivity that’s associated with your bulging disc. To achieve this, we’ll actually move the bulging disc away from its closest nerve. Flexion-distraction is typically a no-to-little pain procedure that can make you feel a lot better. 

What does a chiropractor do for back pain?

There are a number of different treatments available for back pain. First up is spinal manipulation and adjustment. We’ll apply pressure to the affected joints and spine to help reduce your pain and increase your range of motion. Additionally, we may use techniques such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and massage to relieve tension in your tendons, ligaments, and muscles. 

Other things we can do include prescribing rehabilitative exercises, which can relieve pain and help you avoid further injury. Furthermore, we may also do lifestyle and nutritional coaching. By changing your sleeping habits, exercise routines, and diet, your back pain should improve. 

What does a chiropractor do for a pinched nerve?

If you’ve rested your pinched nerve but don’t feel better, it’s time to book a chiropractic appointment. We will need to perform a physical examination to help us determine your specific underlying problem. Once we’ve figured out the cause, we’ll typically use at least one of the following three techniques: 

• Physiotherapy – Ice packs, electrotherapy, or an ultrasound treatment. 
• Flexion-Distraction – ‘What does a drop table do for a chiropractor?’ Allows us to remove pressure from your spine.  
• Chiropractic Adjustment – Manipulation of your spine, arms, legs, and/or neck.

What does a chiropractor do for TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint, more commonly known as TMJ, is a painful condition that causes your jaw joint to click and lock. To treat TMJ, we’ll usually begin with a localized massage, then we’ll stretch out your jaw muscles and take you through a series of jaw exercises. The last step is to perform an adjustment on your neck joints and jaw. This will allow everything to become properly realigned. 

What does a chiropractor do for shoulder pain?

When your shoulder hurts, it can make your entire body feel miserable. Fortunately, chiropractors have several different techniques to make you feel better. 

The first thing we can try is doing some soft tissue therapies such as massage. This will help break adhesions apart, which will improve your range of motion. Next, we can place controlled and sudden pressure on your shoulder joint. This adjustment can reduce friction and inflammation in the affected area. Finally, we’ll give you a custom stretching and strengthening routine to do at home. 

What all does a chiropractor do? 

The primary difference with our chiropractic office in Woodstock Georgia is that we also have medical professionals on staff. We have a medical office in which we also do chiropractic care. This should give added assurance to any new potential patients that we are very concerned about their overall health. It also ensures we are diligent in making sure that our patients are good candidates for chiropractic care. 

Once we’ve accepted you as a patient, we are very confident that we can help you with a wide array of ailments that you may be suffering from, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, headaches, tight and uncomfortable muscular pains, and a whole host of other similar ailments.

In addition, I have spent my entire adult life in the fitness industry, and I am an avid exercise/yoga person. I incorporate that into the chiropractic treatments that we provide. We do this so that we can reach our mission of ‘transforming our patients lives so they have the absolute highest quality of life possible.’

If you are looking for a chiropractor in Atlanta or Woodstock, Georgia, look no further. Give our office a call and we can get you in to see the best chiropractor in town. Please give us a call or comment below with any questions you may have – (770) 926-4646

FAQs

What is the purpose of going to a chiropractor?

To ease your pain by correcting alignment issues. 

What does a chiropractor do in a typical session?

They’ll manipulate your spine or other areas by placing a sudden, controlled force on your spinal joint. 

What does a chiropractic adjustment do?

It improves your physical function and spinal motion. In other words, areas of your body that felt frozen will regain at least part of their range of motion. 

What to expect from chiropractor treatment?

You can expect to receive a series of adjustments that are chosen to treat your specific areas of pain. 

What does going to a chiropractor help with?

There are a wide number of benefits associated with chiropractic care, including: 

• Improves your posture 
• Minimizes neck-related headaches
• Minimizes migraines 
• Reduces the symptoms of chronic conditions 
• Reduces pain 
• Improves your range of motion 
• Improves minor spine injuries 
• Improves minor neck injuries such as whiplash 

What does chiropractic treatment involve?

Manual therapies, which often include spinal manipulation, along with massage. You may also receive nutritional counseling and exercise advice. 

What does a chiropractor do in a typical session?

After your initial visit and health exam, a chiropractor typically applies a sudden, controlled force to your spinal joint. This is known as an adjustment or manipulation. 

What does a chiropractor visit consist of?

Your initial visit will include a health exam. After which, your chiropractor will adjust your spinal joints and other areas by applying a sudden, controlled force to the affected area. 

What happens to your body when you see a chiropractor?

Your body will become flooded by mechanical stimulation. As a result, your pain is effectively turned off. 

What are the disadvantages of going to a chiropractor?

Just like everything else, there are pros and cons to seeing a chiropractor. Some of the potential cons include:

• Neck adjustments might be linked to an increased stroke risk. 
• It typically takes several visits to make you feel a lot better. 
• If you have bone damage, it is not recommended to visit a chiropractor. 

What actually happens when a chiropractic adjustment?

Chiropractors realign your spine by manipulating your joints with pressure. 

How do you know if you need a chiropractor?

There is a diverse list of reasons to visit a chiropractor such as: 

• Your joints and muscles often bother you. 
• You suffer from migraines or regular headaches. 
• Your range of motion has become limited. 
• You frequently experience neck or back pain. 
• There are irregular wear patterns on the soles of your shoes. 

What does a chiropractor assistant do?

Prepares the equipment and treatment rooms, educates patients, assists with therapeutic procedures, and performs administrative tasks. 

What does a sports chiropractor do?

A sports chiropractor offers a tailored, more complete therapy to address a patient’s problem areas.