🧍‍♂️ What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Dr. Lucas Marchand
Apr 24
4 min read

A Clear Guide to Chiropractic Treatments, Benefits & Care Plans

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a chiropractor actually do?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, headaches, or just curious about natural healthcare, chiropractic is often misunderstood yet widely sought out.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what chiropractors do, the conditions they treat, what happens at a typical visit, and how treatment plans work. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect—and how it could help you feel better, naturally.

🧠 What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care is a natural, non-invasive healthcare approach that focuses on diagnosing and treating problems related to the spine, joints, and nervous system. The central idea is simple: when your spine and joints are aligned, your body functions better—and heals more efficiently.

Chiropractors Focus On:

Spinal adjustments and joint mobilization
Restoring movement and alignment
Enhancing nervous system function
Reducing pain without drugs or surgery

👨‍⚕️ What Does a Chiropractor Actually Do?

Chiropractors are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and nervous system health. Their job isn’t just about “cracking backs”—it’s about improving how your body moves and functions.

Common Chiropractic Services:

Spinal adjustments (hands-on or instrument-assisted)
Muscle release techniques and stretching
Postural assessments
Corrective exercises
Lifestyle and ergonomic advice

Chiropractic care is often used alongside other wellness strategies to enhance recovery and prevent re-injury.

💢 Conditions Chiropractors Commonly Treat

Chiropractors treat more than just back pain. Many people seek care for:

Neck pain and stiffness
Sciatica
Headaches and migraines
Joint and extremity pain (hips, knees, shoulders)
Poor posture
TMJ (jaw pain)
Pregnancy-related discomfort
Sports injuries
Chronic muscle tension

🔗 Want to know if chiropractic helps with headaches? Check out this post →🔗 Curious about standing desks? Read this next →

🛋️ What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit

If you’re new to chiropractic care, here’s how a typical first appointment goes:

1. Initial Consultation

You’ll talk through your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle habits. The chiropractor will ask questions to understand the root cause of your discomfort.

2. Physical Examination

Posture, range of motion, and orthopedic or neurological tests may be performed. Some clinics may take X-rays for deeper insight.

3. Your First Adjustment (if appropriate)

Once the chiropractor understands your issue, they may perform your first adjustment to start improving alignment and mobility.

4. Treatment Plan Discussion

You’ll receive a custom plan outlining how many visits are recommended, how progress will be tracked, and your expected outcome.

📅 Treatment Plans: Our Evidence-Based Approach

At MyChiro, we follow a straightforward, results-focused treatment structure:

Initial Phase: 3 visits per week for 2 weeks.
Re-Evaluation: Visit #6 (or after 2 weeks)—we check your progress.
Next Steps:
- Continue care if there’s steady progress
- Discontinue care if excellent results are achieved
- Refer out if chiropractic isn’t the right fit

This keeps care efficient, intentional, and tailored to your body’s needs.

🧾 Chiropractic Myths, Busted

There’s a lot of misinformation out there, so let’s clear a few things up:

❌ “Chiropractors aren’t real doctors.”

Chiropractors are licensed healthcare providers who go through rigorous education, board exams, and ongoing training.

❌ “Once you start, you have to go forever.”

False. A well-designed care plan has a beginning, middle, and end—just like at MyChiro.

❌ “Adjustments are dangerous.”

Chiropractic adjustments are safe when performed by trained professionals. Serious complications are extremely rare.

🌟 Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Beyond pain relief, chiropractic care can lead to:

Better posture and spinal health
Improved mobility and flexibility
Headache reduction
Less reliance on medication
Enhanced sleep and mood
Faster recovery from injuries

Many people continue with periodic wellness visits to maintain progress and prevent future issues.

👥 Who Should See a Chiropractor?

Almost anyone dealing with pain or dysfunction can benefit from chiropractic, including:

Office workers with neck or back pain
Athletes seeking performance and recovery support
Seniors who want to maintain mobility
Pregnant individuals dealing with lower back tension
Kids with posture or growing pains
Anyone looking for a proactive approach to health

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔹 Is it safe to go to a chiropractor?

Yes—chiropractic care is widely regarded as safe, especially when provided by a licensed professional.

🔹 What happens during an adjustment?

The chiropractor applies a quick, controlled force to a joint to improve its motion and alignment.

🔹 How do I know if I need chiropractic care?

If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or limited movement—or you’re just not feeling like yourself—chiropractic may help.

✅ Final Thoughts: Should You Try Chiropractic Care?

If you’ve been living with discomfort or limited movement, chiropractic care might be the natural, non-invasive solution you’ve been looking for. It’s safe, proven, and personalized to your body’s needs.

At MyChiro, we bring chiropractic directly to your doorstep in Sioux Falls—making it easier than ever to take care of your health.