Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding chiropractic care, how it works, what the research says, and whether it may be right for you.
Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession focused primarily on the diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the muscles, joints and nervous system. Chiropractic care is conservative and non-surgical, with an emphasis on helping people reduce pain, improve movement and function, and get back to the activities that matter to them.
1. What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractors, also known as Doctors of Chiropractic or DCs, evaluate and manage conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, particularly those affecting the spine, joints, and surrounding muscles.
Care is individualized and may include chiropractic adjustments or spinal manipulation, other manual therapies, exercise, rehabilitation, movement recommendations, and patient education. Chiropractors also evaluate whether a patient's condition is appropriate for chiropractic care and refer to or collaborate with other healthcare professionals when needed.
Evaluate
Your health history, symptoms, activities and goals are reviewed, along with a physical examination appropriate to your concerns.
Diagnose
Chiropractors evaluate your condition and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether additional evaluation or referral is needed.
Treat
Care is tailored to the individual and may include adjustments or spinal manipulation, other manual therapies, exercise, rehabilitation and education.
Reassess
Chiropractors may work alongside other members of your healthcare team when coordinated care is in your best interest.
Refer
If your condition requires care outside the chiropractor's scope or expertise, you should be referred to an appropriate healthcare professional.
Chiropractic is:
Conservative
Care generally begins with non-invasive approaches.
Non-surgical
New York State Chiropractors do not perform surgery.
Evidence-informed
Clinical research, professional expertise and the patient's needs and preferences all help inform care.
Patient-centered
Treatment recommendations should reflect your condition, health history, goals and preferences.
Focused on movement and function
Reducing pain is important, and so is helping you move and function better in everyday life.
2. What Conditions Do Chiropractors Commonly Help With?
People seek chiropractic care for many reasons, but research and clinical practice are most strongly centered on musculoskeletal conditions.
Low Back Pain
Headaches
Neck Pain
Mobility & Function
See What the Research Says About These Conditions →
3. What Does the Research Say?
Research on chiropractic care has grown substantially, especially for common musculoskeletal conditions.
Low Back Pain
What the evidence shows →
Neck Pain
What the evidence shows →
Headaches
What the evidence shows →
Safety
What the evidence shows →
4. What is a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment, also called spinal manipulation, is a precise, controlled force applied to a joint to improve movement and function. Chiropractors use different techniques, instruments, and levels of force based on your needs and preferences.
Does an adjustment hurt?
An adjustment should not generally be painful, although some people experience temporary soreness, stiffness or discomfort afterward. Tell your chiropractor if you are uncomfortable with a particular technique or have concerns about treatment.
Does everyone receive the same type of adjustment?
No. Chiropractic techniques and treatment approaches vary. Your care should be based on your individual condition, health history and preferences.
Is an adjustment the only thing chiropractors do?
No. Depending on the patient's needs and the chiropractor's scope of practice, chiropractic care may also include other manual therapies, exercise, rehabilitation, movement or ergonomic recommendations and patient education.
Learn more about spinal manipulation from the NCCIH →
5. Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when provided by a trained and licensed professional. Temporary soreness, stiffness, or discomfort can occur. Serious complications are rare.
Common temporary side effects
Mild to moderate soreness or stiffness may occur after an adjustment and usually resolves quickly.
Serious complications are rare
Your chiropractor will evaluate your health history and risk factors before recommending care.
Your safety matters
You should feel comfortable asking questions and sharing your full health history during your visit.
6. What Else Does Chiropractic Care Include?
Chiropractic care looks beyond symptoms to support long-term health and function. This may include:
Manual Therapies
Soft tissue techniques, mobilization and other hands-on approaches may be used based on your needs.
Exercise & Rehab
Your chiropractor may recommend exercises to improve strength, mobility, stability and function.
Education
Understanding your condition can help you make informed decisions and better manage your health.
Lifestyle
Your chiropractor may offer guidance on activity, ergonomics, movement habits and other factors that affect how you feel and function.
7. What Else Should I Know?
Are chiropractors doctors?
Doctors of Chiropractic earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree and are licensed healthcare professionals. In New York, chiropractors must meet education and examination requirements established by the New York State Education Department before becoming licensed.
Is chiropractic care evidence-based?
There is a substantial body of research examining chiropractic care and spinal manipulation, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions such as low back pain, neck pain and certain headaches. As with many healthcare interventions, the amount and strength of evidence varies depending on the condition and treatment being considered.
Explore NYSCA's Research & Evidence-Informed Practice Center
Is chiropractic just “cracking backs”?
No. Chiropractic adjustments are only one part of chiropractic practice. Chiropractors evaluate and diagnose musculoskeletal conditions and may use a variety of manual therapies, exercise, rehabilitation, patient education and other conservative approaches as appropriate.
The sound sometimes heard during an adjustment is not the goal of treatment and does not determine whether an adjustment was successful.
Will I have to keep going forever?
Not necessarily. The length and frequency of care should depend on your condition, response to treatment, goals and preferences. Your chiropractor should explain the recommended plan of care and periodically evaluate your progress.
You can always ask what goals are being used to measure improvement and whether the treatment plan should change as you progress.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
In New York, patients generally do not need a referral from another healthcare provider to consult a chiropractor. However, individual insurance plans may have their own requirements, so check your coverage if you plan to use insurance.
Is chiropractic covered by insurance?
Many health plans include some chiropractic benefits, but coverage, visit limits, deductibles, copayments and network requirements vary. Contact your insurance company or the chiropractic office to understand your specific benefits before beginning care.
Can children receive chiropractic care?
Chiropractors may treat children, but children are not simply smaller adults. The reasons for seeking care, available evidence, treatment approach and potential risks can differ by age and condition.
Parents should discuss why treatment is being recommended, what evidence supports it, what alternatives are available and whether consultation with the child's pediatrician or another healthcare professional is appropriate.
How do I know whether chiropractic care is right for me?
That depends on your symptoms, health history, diagnosis, goals and preferences. A chiropractor should evaluate your condition before recommending care and should explain whether chiropractic treatment is appropriate, what options are available and when another healthcare professional should be involved.
You should feel comfortable asking questions and participating in decisions about your care.
Considering Chiropractic Care?
Choosing the right healthcare provider is an important part o making an informed decision about you care. The NYSCA's directory can help you locate a doctor of chiropractic in your area.
Additional Resources
- How Chiropractic Care Supports Whole-Person Health
- An Evidence-Based Overview of the Safety, Effectiveness, and Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care
- HandsDownBetter.org by the American Chiropractic Association
- DrugFreePainCare.org by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress
- If your healthcare claim is denied: https://www.dfs.ny.gov/complaint#external-appeals-and-disputes
Important: Chiropractic care is not appropriate for every condition or every patient. A qualified healthcare professional can help you determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your individual needs or whether another type of evaluation or treatment is indicated.