Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustment is a therapy that involves applying controlled force to a misaligned joint, usually in the spine, to restore alignment, improve mobility, and reduce pain. This can aid the body's natural healing process and may be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Addressing all your doubts about Chiropractic
Hello, I'm Dr. Jenny Li, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in the U.S. With six years of experience in Hong Kong and at a leading local chiropractic brand, I founded Re:Chiro (formerly Singapore Pain Solutions) to offer expert chiropractic care in Singapore.
I've observed numerous misconceptions about chiropractic care, and unfortunately, some self-proclaimed practitioners have muddied the waters with questionable practices and claims. I crafted this guide to clarify and educate about genuine chiropractic treatments, ensuring you have accurate information for your health decisions.
Do feel free to drop us a message on our Facebook page or send us an email if you have any further doubts.
What is Chiropractic?
According to the definition by World Health Organisation (WHO):
Chiropractic is a health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment and/or manipulation, with a particular focus on the subluxation.
Spinal manipulation dates back to Hippocrates and the ancient Greek physicians, the discovery of chiropractic is attributed to D.D. Palmer in 1895, with the first school for the training of chiropractors commencing in the United States of America in Davenport, Iowa in 1897.
What can chiropractic care helps with?
Chiropractic care management addresses musculoskeletal issues, including back pain, neck pain, joint problems, and tension-related headaches.
How are chiropractors qualified?
Chiropractors go through a rigorous education of at least five years, and the syllabus is certified by an independent international body – the Council of Chiropractic Education.
How are chiropractors regulated in Singapore?
Chiropractic Association and the Alliance of Chiropractics set the standards of practising chiropractic in Singapore, on top of those guidelines that have been set by WHO.
Medical Research Shows That Chiropractic Helps
Effect of Chiropractic on Patients with lower back pain (National University of Health Sciences)
In a study conducted by National University of Health Sciences, 112 patients with lower back pain were randomly assigned to receive either chiropractic adjustments, side-posture positioning or two control treatments.
Consider chiropractic first before resorting to surgery (American Medical Association)
The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has suggested that patients should seek chiropractic and other conservative back-pain treatment before considering more invasive measures. In the article, it was noted that:
Chiropractic + Medical Care = Better Pain Relief (Medical Journal: Spine)
In a study from the journal Spine, 91 military personnel with lower back pain were tested for the effects of combining chiropractic with standard medical care.
Chiropractic Adjustment Process
At our chiropractic center, your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. We'll discuss your health history, current conditions, medications, past trauma or surgeries, and any family medical history. Please bring any relevant documents, including recent diagnostic images (x-rays, MRIs, etc.), taken within the last 6-8 months.
Following this, we conduct chiropractic and orthopedic examinations to assess your back and legs, identifying any potential issues. Based on these findings, we may recommend an x-ray before proceeding with treatment. Finally, if appropriate, you'll receive your first chiropractic adjustment to address any misalignments and alleviate discomfort.
A chiropractic adjustment involves a chiropractor using their hands or a specialized tool to apply a sudden, controlled force to a misaligned joint, typically in the spine. The goal is to move the joint beyond its normal range of motion, helping to restore alignment, relieve tension, and improve mobility. The patient may hear a popping or cracking sound, which is the release of gas from the joint. This process can reduce pain and discomfort, alleviate pressure on nerves, and support overall musculoskeletal health. The adjustment may be part of a broader treatment plan, including exercises and lifestyle modifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
We go through at least five years of doctoral education in chiropractic institutions accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education to be qualified chiropractic practitioners. Just like any other professions, there are unqualified people operating a chiropractic business.
There is some overlap between these two forms of treatment, but to put it simply, chiropractic deals with the spine and joints, while physiotherapy deals with soft tissues like joints and muscles.
Despite the similarities, a patient can benefit from a combination of both treatments. When it comes to chronic pain management, research has shown that a combination of chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments produce faster and longer lasting results.
Chiropractic is not a life-transforming miracle pill that works on the first try with 100% chance of recovery.
Chiropractic simply facilitates the healing of the body. Healing takes time and requires patience. Every 10-12 visits, we will assess your recovery progress with objective tests.
If you have undergone numerous chiropractic adjustments and still see little results, we will refer you to our healthcare partners for alternative treatments
If by definition of real doctors you mean MD or GP, or OBGYN, you are right, we are definitely not MDs or GPs. Chiropractors don’t prescribe drugs or surgery in our practice. Does it mean we are totally against drug and surgery?
Absolutely not, drugs and surgery have their own place in the medical system. It is up to the right qualified professionals to decide the usage of drugs and surgery. For those seeking pain management thru drugs and surgery instead of focusing on the core problem, then chiropractic is definitely not the right choice for you.
Chiropractors are offering a less invasive method to deal with your pain management and as well as healthy, normal life style. Proper chiropractic training must be obtained usually with 4 years of additional education after graduating from college or university.
Chiropractic as a profession is also registered with the WHO (World Health Organisation) and recognized in many countries.
TCM focuses on the flow of Qi (energy) through the body. It is believed that any blockage of Qi will result in sickness, pain and discomfort. TCM utilises herbal supplement, cupping, tui na, massage and the occasional bone setting to “unblock” the Qi.
Chiropractic is the clinical application of our knowledge of biomechanics and neurology in the human body. We utilise diagnostic tools such as X-rays and MRIs to determine the function of joints and muscle.
Chiropractors focus on finding the root of the problem which causes ache, pain, numbness, and weakness in the muscles. Chiropractors also prescribe home rehabilitation exercises to help you recover faster.
Depending on the severity of your treatment, we will advise you to come more regularly at the start. Once we see significant improvements, we will suggest spacing out the treatments for maintenance.
Of course! Chiropractic is mostly about solving back issues. Your back pain is likely a result of spinal misalignment, or in some cases, rotation in your hip or feet. Come in for a consultation with us. We’ll see if we can help.
Usually, after the first session, you may feel some improvements. But it may take weeks or even months to see significant improvements. It depends on how severe your condition is, how well your body is reacting to the treatment, and most importantly, how regularly you are coming in for treatment. The more consistent you are, the better the results.
As long as you come for treatment regularly, your progress will not be affected. Even if you can’t make it regularly, you should still make time for treatment whenever you can. It’s better than not doing anything about it.
If money is a concern, then there are options available to help. In Singapore, many private health insurance companies are offering more coverage and options for chiropractic treatment. They are affordable and comprehensive.
Not many people know this but as patients, you can find out if your insurance company provides options to cover the health care cost. Send us an email and we will help you to find the solutions.
During the first consultation, the chiropractor will decide whether or not to recommend x-ray. IF x-ray is needed, the service will be conducted by our authorized partner and it will range anywhere from $35-$250 depend on the region of spine.
It will be beneficial to bring along any existing X Rays as long they are taken within 6 to 8 months. And any special diagnosis images within 6-8 months are fine.
