7 questions clarified about chiropractic –

The death of Playboy model Katie May, who reportedly ruptured an artery in her neck following a chiropractic session, has raised questions about the therapeutic procedure that diagnoses, treats and prevents disorders of the neuroskeletal system. Chiropractic began to be practiced in 1895 in the United States, but it is still a little known area in Brazil. Next, the president of the Brazilian Chiropractic Association, Roberto Bleier Filho, talks about the profession.

1. Is chiropractic massage?

No. Although you use your hands to make “adjustments” to the patient, chiropractic care is completely different from a relaxing massage session. “A patient of mine has never slept in a session”, says Bleier Filho. While massage is aimed at muscle relaxation, chiropractic will correct spinal and joint misalignment. Sessions are not always sore, but you can leave the office with that feeling that you did a hard workout at the gym.

2. What problems is chiropractic indicated for?

The most common are lumbar pain, cervical pain, herniated disc, sciatic nerve pain, headache, tendinitis, contusion, torticollis and joint discomfort. People without these complaints can also undergo chiropractic to keep their spine in order, especially if they already have posture problems, spend all day in front of the computer or live in constant tension.

3. How long does a chiropractic session last?

The first is the longest, lasting about an hour. “That’s when the professional evaluates the patient’s medical history, performs orthopedic and neurological tests, assesses the posture and feels the spine to draw up a care plan”, says Bleier Filho. Subsequent sessions take no more than 15 to 20 minutes.

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4. How long does the treatment last?

Diagnosis is individual, you may need just five sessions or 20. Frequency also varies with the severity of the problem. People with a lot of pain can do daily sessions until the problem eases and then decrease the frequency. When the disorder is under control, monthly sessions are recommended. “It’s like a physical activity, you have to do it all the time to stay healthy”, advises the chiropractor.

5. Who can’t do chiropractic?

It is up to the professional to evaluate each person. However, patients with cancer, osteoporosis, calcified artery or with a history of spinal surgery usually cannot be manipulated by chiropractors.

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6. How to find a good chiropractor?

Chiropractic is a profession and not a specialization. The professional needs to have graduated to be able to work in the area. In Brazil, only Anhembi-Morumbi University, in São Paulo, and Feevale University, in Novo Hamburgo (RS), offer the course. These institutions also have agreements with institutions in the United States. On the Brazilian Association of Chiropractic website you can access the list of associated professionals and search by municipality for one that is close to you.

7. How not to be mistaken?

If you did not find the name of the professional on the ABQ website, ask at the appointment where he graduated. Be suspicious if he doesn’t make a thorough assessment before starting the procedure. “If the professional has two qualifications, such as a physiotherapist or physical educator, in addition to being a chiropractor, ask where he completed his chiropractic college”, advises Bleier Filho.