What Is Chiropractic: How A Modern Chiropractor Fits In Today’s Healthcare

People commonly believe chiropractors only adjust or manipulate the spine. While manipulation and treatment of the spine are some of our many tools (and powerful ones), it is not what separates us.

What separates chiropractic from other professions is our hands. Our ability to feel what is happening in a joint or soft tissue. 

Before the surge of pharmacologic medicine, traditional M.D’s used to use their hands similarly. They would feel soft tissues, the gut, lymph, percuss the lungs and heart. They were masters at using their hands as a diagnostic tool. This art form has been lost in mainstream medicine. To no fault of their own, allopathic medicine has pushed for diagnostic labs, prescription treatment, and maintenance of sick-care rather than the prevention of it. While this model is great for those that need it, it has left many patients feeling un-heard, under-diagnosed, and over-prescribed (especially for physical ailments). This has left a void in the physical medicine spectrum, one in which the modern chiropractor is perfect for filling. 

Chiropractic has a long modern history going back to the roots of BJ and DD Palmer. While they helped advance the profession, today’s modern chiropractor has evolved past traditional beliefs. The modern chiropractor is engulfed completely in physical medicine. They have broad training ranging from traditional allopathic pathological training to specific sports injuries. Education rooted in neurology and the musculoskeletal system.

In an age where specialization is deemed law, chiropractors have ventured to the other end of the spectrum: Range. Range in diagnosis. Range in treatment. They know when somebody should and should not be in their office (and where to send them). Chiropractors, along with other physical medicine colleagues (Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainers, Trainers) spend time with their patients to develop trust and a relationship that can be in it of itself, healing. 

Bottlenecked by lack of training and an influx of musculoskeletal pain, traditional PCP facilities are in trouble. They are under equipped and time pressured. This formula creates an environment ill-suited for musculoskeletal pain, treatment, and management. With eclectic training and skillsets, a modern chiropractor fills this void. The modern chiropractor is the missing jigsaw piece to a healthcare system in desperate need of completion. 

What is chiropractic one may ask?

It’s physical medicine with proper care.

It’s a “back to the basics” for a population that needs it.

It’s hands on diagnosis and healing.

It’s a way out for people in discomfort for too long.

It’s my profession and one I am proud to be a part of.