Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of issues involving the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. It is a hands-on treatment, where chiropractors perform manipulations on soft tissues, joints, and the spine. A chiropractor’s field of expertise may extend into general lifestyle and health counseling.
With that said, chiropractic is a pseudo-science, and its practitioners are not medical doctors. Systemic reviews of studies done on treatments performed by chiropractors have not found any conclusive evidence that it is effective, with a possible exception for treatment of back pain. The positive effects may be the result of the placebo effect.
Not only is there little evidence that chiropractic works, but there is mounting evidence suggesting that it is detrimental to one’s health. For instance, chiropractic may cause headaches, and in extreme cases stroke or even death.
With the possible exception of seeking a chiropractor for treating back pain, we generally do not recommend chiropractic as a treatment for any body pain you are experiencing.
For more information on the facts and myths regarding chiropractic, read the articles below.