What Is Chiropractic Care, What Are The Benefits/Risks, And What Conditions Might It Be Good For?

Dr. Ronald Glick answers the question: 'What Is Chiropractic Care?'

ByABC News
December 23, 2008, 5:52 PM

Jan. 13, 2010 -- Question: What is chiropractic care, what are the benefits/risks, and what conditions might it be good for?

Answer: Chiropractors are trained in treating musculoskeletal problems of the extremities and spine. Chiropractic care involves using manipulation, particularly to treat some of the spine problems, and chiropractors do that by treating out any restriction or limitation in motion that might be present. And by using the manipulation, the theory is that they free up any pressure that might be on nerves, as well as relieve any pain or spasm that occurs in the muscles.

As far as conditions, chiropractic treatment can be most beneficial for any kind of acute strain or muscle tightness, especially in the neck and low back, when it's associated with some kind of restriction in motion.

Risks generally are on the mild side. There's always a risk that the treatment could increase any soreness in an area, but the chiropractor will typically treat that out with other types of muscle techniques.

As far as more serious problems, they're very rare. And on balance, the benefits of chiropractic treatment seems to outweigh any risks there are.