Do you suffer from back pain, neck pain, headaches, or other musculoskeletal issues? Then you’ve probably heard of chiropractic care. But what exactly does a chiropractor do, and when might this type of care be helpful for you?
A chiropractor doesn’t only look at where you feel pain, but mainly at how your body functions and where the cause of the complaint may lie.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a form of healthcare focused on diagnosing and treating functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system, with special attention to the spine.
The spine plays an important role in this, because it protects the nervous system. When vertebrae or joints don’t move properly, this can affect muscles, nerves, and ultimately how you feel and move. Chiropractic care focuses on restoring that movement function, so the body can function and recover better.
But chiropractic care goes beyond just the back. In practice, we also treat many complaints in other joints, such as shoulders, hips, knees, and elbows. Think of long-standing shoulder complaints, tennis or golfer’s elbow, or overuse problems such as RSI.
By looking at the body as a whole and improving how joints, muscles, and the nervous system work together, chiropractic care aims not only to relieve complaints, but also to prevent them.
What does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor is a specialised healthcare professional who focuses on improving movement, reducing pain, and supporting overall body function.
Examination and diagnosis
A treatment always begins with a thorough consultation and physical examination. This looks at your complaints, medical history, posture, movement, and how the nervous system is functioning. Based on this, a clear diagnosis is made.
Chiropractic adjustments
The core of chiropractic care consists of targeted, manual adjustments of joints, usually in the spine. These adjustments are intended to improve mobility and reduce tension or nerve irritation.
Treatment of different complaints
Chiropractic care can be used for, among other things:
- back and neck complaints
- headaches and migraine
- herniated disc and osteoarthritis
- sports and overuse complaints
- complaints after a fall or accident
In addition, the chiropractor can give advice on posture, exercises, and everyday strain.
Prevention and guidance
In addition to treating complaints, prevention plays an important role. By providing insight into posture, movement, and lifestyle, chiropractic care helps to prevent recurring complaints.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care can contribute to:
- pain reduction
- improved mobility and flexibility
- better overall body function
- less muscle tension and stress
- a natural approach without medication or surgery
The approach is holistic: the body is viewed as a whole, not just the area of pain.
What is a chiropractor not?
A chiropractor:
- prescribes no medication or
- performs no surgery
- does not only treat symptoms, but looks for the underlying causes
Chiropractic care is complementary to standard healthcare and can work well alongside other forms of treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Is chiropractic care suitable for everyone?
Chiropractic care is generally safe for young and old. Treatment is always tailored to age, health, and physical capacity.
Is a chiropractic treatment painful?
Most people experience little to no pain during treatment. Sometimes there may be brief soreness afterwards, similar to muscle ache.
How often do you need to see a chiropractor?
This varies by person and complaint. Sometimes a few treatments are sufficient; sometimes a longer course of care is needed.
Is chiropractic care reimbursed?
Chiropractic care is often (partly) reimbursed through supplementary health insurance. The exact reimbursement varies by insurer.
In summary
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who helps improve the body’s movement function. Through targeted assessment, chiropractic adjustments, and personal guidance, the focus is on reducing pain, recovery, and prevention.
Want to know more or book an appointment?
Would you like to know whether chiropractic care can help you?
Our practice is located in Gouda, but many people also come from Delft, Vlaardingen, Rijswijk, Zoetermeer, Capelle aan den IJssel, and cities such as Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht.
Feel free to contact us via email or call 0182 – 570124.
