Who Should See a Chiropractor?

by Dr. Kayla Long, D.C.

Usually when I get this question, I have to start by making it clear that my opinion on this is not standard in my profession. I genuinely do not believe that everyone needs to see the chiropractor, nor do I think that the people who would benefit from chiropractic care should be locked in for life. This is not what I was taught in chiropractic school; we were told that everyone benefits from chiropractic care. After years of clinical experience, I have to disagree.

The people who I most often see in my clinic are people who have been in chronic pain for a long time. Maybe they have a “bad back,” maybe they get frequent headaches, maybe they suffer from arthritis, and in all cases I can help. The treatment looks different depending on who is sitting on my table, but I am always optimistic. I have yet to see a chronic pain case where absolutely nothing ever changes. It’s not ever hopeless, it’s just a trial-and-error process. And yes, you can get adjusted if you have arthritis! The treatment looks different, and may be much more gentle depending on what the situation is, but it’s still not hopeless.

What I do as a chiropractor is, at a basic level, evaluating and treating joint movement. When joints are not moving smoothly or to their full range of motion, it can cause issues. That limited joint motion is what I am trying to influence. This is why another common patient that comes to see me is someone who suddenly cannot look over their shoulder when backing their car out of the driveway or cannot stand from a chair without needing help - their body is limited when it used to be able to move comfortably.

When people come to see me, whether their pain is acute or chronic, one goal is always the same. I am trying to help people move better. So, when it comes to the question of who should go to the chiropractor, my professional opinion is this: My expertise best serves someone who is in pain (muscle, joint, or nerve pain) and who wants to be able to move or function better.

Note that I didn’t say “someone who is okay with getting their back popped.” That actually isn’t a requirement, contrary to the stereotype. In my treatment room, no one has to get adjusted if they would rather try other options. We have a ton of different ways to treat pain, and lots of them don’t involve a “popping” sound. The most important thing is that you are comfortable. This is why we talk during every visit; I want to know that we’re on the same page about where you are and where you want to go. If something is uncomfortable, too much, or you just don’t like the sound of something, just tell me! There is always another option.

I encourage anyone seeking pain relief to explore all their options, and chiropractic care is a solid option for a wide array of problems. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario, and chiropractic care is just one of many routes to go for pain relief. There’s also so many factors that change what your treatment looks like. Can you go to the chiropractor if you’ve had spine surgery? Yes. Can you get adjusted if you’re hypermobile? You sure can. Can chiropractic care help migraines? Absolutely. Although, in all those scenarios, your treatment may not look like the videos you see on the internet. At the end of the day, it’s about the chiropractor and the patient working together to accomplish a goal.

If you’re wondering if chiropractic care might be for you, or if you have questions about my experience working with patients like you, I encourage you to reach out. I will always give my honest opinion and I’m happy to share my experience.

You can e-mail me (Dr. Kayla) directly at kaylalongdc@gmail.com or text/call Longevity Chiropractic 704-774-5030.