What Does a Chiropractor Actually Do? An Honest Look from a Sioux Falls Doctor
- Dr. Lucas Marchand
- 11 hours ago
- 7 min read
By Dr. Lucas Marchand, DC | MyChiro, LLC – Sioux Falls, South Dakota
When I first started practicing chiropractic in Sioux Falls, one of the most common questions I heard — sometimes whispered, sometimes bluntly asked — was:
“So… what do chiropractors actually do?”
It’s a fair question.
Depending on who you ask, chiropractors are either miracle workers or master manipulators — literal spine whisperers or pseudoscientists with a massage table. The truth, of course, is far more nuanced.
In this article, I’ll unpack what chiropractic care really is, what it helps with (and doesn’t), and why the debate between chiropractors, medical doctors, and physical therapists still rages on more than a century after the profession began.
And as someone who practices evidence-informed, mobile chiropractic care right here in Sioux Falls, I’ll offer a perspective grounded in both experience and science — with honesty as the through line.
What Does a Chiropractor Actually Do?
At its simplest, a chiropractor is a healthcare professional trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, particularly the spine.
But that definition doesn’t quite capture the full scope of what happens in a visit.
The Adjustment — and Beyond
Most people associate chiropractic with one thing: the adjustment — that satisfying, sometimes startling “pop.”
That sound isn’t bones cracking. It’s gas (mostly nitrogen) releasing from a joint capsule when it’s moved slightly beyond its normal range — a phenomenon called cavitation.
An adjustment can:
Reduce joint restriction
Improve motion
Modulate pain signals at the spinal level
Influence how the brain perceives the body’s position (proprioception)
But a good chiropractor doesn’t just “crack backs.” We assess movement patterns, posture, muscle tension, and nervous system function to understand the whole picture — not just the painful spot.
In my mobile practice, I often see people who’ve already “tried everything.” The difference isn’t magic — it’s that I’m meeting them where they are (literally and figuratively), observing how they move in their own environment, and applying care with context.
What Does Going to a Chiropractor Help With?
Commonly, people seek chiropractic care for:
Back pain (acute or chronic)
Neck pain
Headaches and migraines
Sciatica or radiating leg pain
Shoulder and hip pain
Jaw tension
Postural strain from desk work
Sports injuries
Stress-related tension
While chiropractic shines in mechanical pain — issues rooted in how the body moves — emerging research also supports its role in improving mobility, function, and overall well-being.
Still, chiropractic isn’t a cure-all. Which brings us to the next question many people quietly Google before their first visit.
What Are the Disadvantages of Going to a Chiropractor?
Let’s be honest: every form of healthcare carries risk — chiropractic included.
For the vast majority of patients, side effects are mild and temporary, like soreness, stiffness, or fatigue after an adjustment (think post-workout discomfort).
But there are legitimate red flags that responsible chiropractors screen for before treatment.
These include:
Severe or unexplained neurological symptoms
Recent trauma (car accident, fall, fracture)
Uncontrolled osteoporosis
Signs of vascular disorders (like vertebral artery dissection)
Cancer, infection, or inflammatory arthropathy
If these are present, you should not be adjusted — and any chiropractor worth their license will refer you for imaging or medical evaluation first.
Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist: Which Is Better?
This is like asking whether a chef or a nutritionist is “better.” It depends on what you need.
Physical Therapists (PTs) focus on rehab and strengthening after injury or surgery.
Chiropractors specialize in restoring movement and joint mechanics — often earlier in the pain cycle.
In Sioux Falls, I’ve worked alongside PTs who refer patients for adjustments when progress stalls, and I’ve referred to PTs when strengthening or retraining movement is the next step.
The best outcomes often come from collaboration, not competition.
How Often Should a Chiropractor Adjust You?
It depends — on your condition, goals, and how your body responds.
In my practice, a typical care plan might start with 2–3 visits per week for two weeks, followed by reassessment. Some improve rapidly; others need ongoing care for chronic or structural issues.
The key is measurable progress — less pain, better motion, improved function. If that’s not happening, the plan needs to change.
Why Do Some Doctors Discourage Chiropractors?
Part of it’s history; part of it’s misunderstanding.
Early chiropractic was born in the late 1800s, when medicine itself was still developing. The profession’s founder, D.D. Palmer, used spiritual language about “innate intelligence” and “subluxations” that rubbed the medical establishment the wrong way.
Fast forward to now: evidence-informed chiropractors focus less on metaphysics and more on neuromusculoskeletal function.
Still, some physicians remain skeptical — often because of outdated perceptions, a few bad actors, or the persistence of unscientific claims within the field.
As a chiropractor, I share their concern for accuracy. My goal isn’t to replace medicine — it’s to complement it.
Negatives About Chiropractors — and Why PTs Sometimes Don’t Like Us
It’s no secret there’s occasional tension between chiropractors and physical therapists.
Some PTs feel chiropractors oversell what adjustments can do; some chiropractors feel PTs underplay the power of spinal mechanics.
Both are right, and both are wrong — depending on the practitioner.
The real issue is that healthcare systems incentivize silos rather than collaboration. But in Sioux Falls, I’ve found the tide slowly shifting — more mutual referrals, more shared care.
The bottom line: judge the clinician, not the profession.
Do Doctors Ever Recommend Chiropractors?
Yes — and increasingly so.
Many primary care physicians, orthopedic specialists, and even neurologists refer to chiropractors for conservative care before jumping to injections or surgery.
In fact, the American College of Physicians recommends spinal manipulation (a chiropractic specialty) as a first-line treatment for low back pain.
What Do Neurologists Think of Chiropractors?
Opinions vary.
Some neurologists value chiropractors as frontline movement specialists who catch mechanical causes of pain early. Others remain wary due to rare reports of complications from cervical adjustments.
In reality, the overlap between neurology and chiropractic is smaller than most think — we simply observe and influence the same system (the nervous system) through different means.
What Is a Red Flag in Chiropractic?
A red flag is any symptom or finding suggesting something serious or non-mechanical is happening — meaning chiropractic care may be unsafe or inappropriate.
The 10 Red Flag Symptoms Chiropractors Watch For
Unexplained weight loss
Fever or chills
Night pain unrelieved by rest
Progressive neurological weakness
Loss of bowel or bladder control
History of cancer
Recent trauma
Unrelenting pain not changing with position
Dizziness or double vision with neck movement
Sudden, severe headache unlike previous ones
If any appear, it’s time for medical evaluation — not manipulation.
How Can You Tell a Good Chiropractor from a Bad One?
A good chiropractor:
Takes a full history and performs a thorough exam.
Explains findings clearly.
Sets realistic expectations.
Works collaboratively with your medical team.
Re-evaluates progress.
Doesn’t push excessive visit plans or “lifetime” care contracts.
A bad chiropractor skips the exam, talks in absolutes, or discourages collaboration with other healthcare providers.
Who Should Not Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
If you have:
Active cancer or infection in the spine
Fracture, instability, or severe osteoporosis
Progressive neurological loss
Blood clotting disorders
Certain vascular abnormalities
— then adjustment is contraindicated.
But note: contraindication to adjustment doesn’t mean contraindication to chiropractic care. Mobilization, soft tissue work, and exercise can still help.
What Not to Say to a Chiropractor
“Just crack me where it pops.”
Every chiropractor hears this. But the adjustment isn’t about chasing pops — it’s about restoring function. A good adjustment is targeted, purposeful, and clinically justified.
When Should You Stop Seeing a Chiropractor?
When:
You’ve reached your goals
Progress has plateaued
You’re not improving after a reasonable course of care
Your chiropractor can’t explain why you need continued care
Maintenance care can be beneficial for some — much like dental hygiene — but it should always be by choice, not pressure.
What Are the Symptoms of “Toxic Release” After an Adjustment?
You might see this term online, but let’s be clear: “toxic release” isn’t a medical diagnosis.
Some patients feel tired, achy, or lightheaded after treatment — likely due to changes in nervous system tone or muscular tension. It’s temporary and not “toxins leaving your body.”
If anything feels off beyond mild soreness, talk to your chiropractor.
Are Chiropractors Real Doctors?
Chiropractors hold the Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree — a professional doctorate requiring about 4,200 classroom and clinical hours, including anatomy, neurology, radiology, biomechanics, and diagnosis.
We’re not medical doctors (MDs) — we don’t prescribe drugs or perform surgery — but we are licensed physician-level providers in all 50 states.
So yes, chiropractors are real doctors, though of a different discipline.
Do Chiropractors Go to Medical School?
No — chiropractic programs are separate, but parallel in rigor during the foundational sciences (anatomy, physiology, neurology, etc.).
The key difference is focus: medicine studies disease; chiropractic studies motion and function.
Why Do Chiropractors Call Themselves Doctor?
Because it’s the title of their earned degree — Doctor of Chiropractic. Just as dentists (DDS) or optometrists (OD) do.
It’s a recognition of education, not an attempt to masquerade as an MD.
FAQ: Chiropractic Care in Sioux Falls
1. Is chiropractic safe?
Yes, for most people. Serious complications are exceedingly rare when care is delivered by a trained, licensed chiropractor.
2. Can chiropractic help with headaches?
Yes, especially tension or cervicogenic headaches linked to neck dysfunction.
3. How soon will I feel better?
Some notice relief immediately; others improve gradually over several visits.
4. Can you come to my home for care?
Yes — MyChiro offers mobile, in-home chiropractic services in Sioux Falls, bringing care directly to your space.
5. Do I need X-rays?
Only if your history or exam suggests something serious or unclear.
6. Is chiropractic covered by insurance?
Some plans cover it, but MyChiro operates as a transparent, out-of-pocket model — you always know what you’re paying for.
The Takeaway
Chiropractic isn’t a miracle, nor is it a menace. It’s a tool — one that, when used appropriately and responsibly, can help people move, function, and live better.
What matters most isn’t the pop, the posture chart, or the philosophy. It’s the patient — their goals, their context, and their willingness to heal.
And if you’re in Sioux Falls wondering whether chiropractic might help you — I’d be glad to meet you where you are.
Because sometimes, the best healthcare happens not under fluorescent lights, but in your own living room, with someone who listens first and adjusts second.
About the Author
Dr. Lucas Marchand, DC is the founder of MyChiro, LLC, a mobile chiropractic service in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, offering evidence-informed, house-call chiropractic care for patients seeking convenience, comfort, and results.
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