If you’ve got a sore back, a stiff neck or a niggling injury, you may be wondering whether a chiropractor is worth trying, or whether you should see a GP, a physio, or simply wait it out. Here’s an honest guide to help you decide.
What chiropractors actually do
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat problems of the muscles, joints and nerves, especially the spine. In South Africa, chiropractors complete a five- to six-year university qualification, ending in a Master’s degree, and must be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA).
Treatment isn’t just “cracking backs”. Depending on the problem, it can include:
- Spinal and joint manipulation (adjustments) and gentler mobilisation
- Soft tissue work on tight or injured muscles
- Dry needling (see what is dry needling?)
- Stretching and rehabilitation exercises to do at home
- Advice on work setup, sport, sleep, posture and activity
Good reasons to see a chiropractor
Chiropractic is a sensible option if you have:
- Low back pain, recent or long-standing. This is where the research support is strongest. Clinical guidelines for low back pain include spinal manipulation as one of the non-drug treatment options, alongside staying active and exercise.
- Neck pain and stiffness, including the kind that comes with desk work and screens
- Headaches that start in the neck
- Joint and muscle problems in the shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and feet
- Sports and overuse injuries, and rehab to get back to sport
- Back and pelvic pain in pregnancy
- Musculoskeletal problems in children and teenagers, like neck and back pain, posture-related aches and sports injuries
When to see a doctor first
Some symptoms need a medical assessment before anything else. See a GP or go to an emergency unit if you have back or neck pain with:
- Numbness around the groin or buttocks, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowel. This is an emergency.
- Weakness in the legs or arms that’s getting worse
- Fever, or feeling generally unwell
- A history of cancer, or unexplained weight loss
- Pain after a significant fall or accident
- Severe pain that is constant and doesn’t change with position or movement, or that’s worse at night
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or pain that spreads to the jaw or left arm. Call an ambulance.
- A sudden, severe headache, or a headache with neck stiffness and fever
Call 10177 or 112 from a cellphone in an emergency. See when back pain needs a doctor urgently for more detail.
Chiropractor, physio or biokineticist?
All three are good options for many musculoskeletal problems, and their work overlaps more than people think. See chiropractor, physio or biokineticist: who should I see? for a plain comparison.
What a good chiropractor will do
Whoever you see, you should expect them to:
- Take a proper history and examine you before treating
- Explain what they think is wrong, in plain language, and what they plan to do
- Ask for your consent, and let you say no to any technique you’re not comfortable with
- Tell you roughly how many visits to expect, and review progress
- Give you things to do yourself, not just book you in indefinitely
- Refer you on if your problem is outside their scope or isn’t improving
If you’re being told you need dozens of visits paid in advance, or that chiropractic will cure conditions unrelated to muscles and joints, be cautious.
Not sure? Ask
If you’re still not sure whether a chiropractor is right for your problem, give the practice a call. If it’s something I can’t help with, I’ll tell you, and suggest who can.
Read next: what to expect at your first visit or lower back pain: what actually helps.
Questions parents and patients ask
Do I need a referral from a doctor to see a chiropractor?
No. In South Africa chiropractors are primary-contact practitioners, registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), so you can book directly. If you've had scans or seen a doctor about the problem, bring any reports along.
Does medical aid cover chiropractic?
Many South African medical aid plans pay for chiropractic, usually from day-to-day benefits or a savings account, but it depends on your scheme and plan. Check with your medical aid before your visit.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem, how long you've had it, and your general health. Many people with a recent back or neck problem notice a difference within a few visits. I'll tell you at the first visit what I expect, and if you're not improving as expected, we'll change the plan or I'll refer you.
Is chiropractic safe?
For most people, yes. The most common side effect is temporary soreness or stiffness for a day or two after treatment. Serious complications are rare. A thorough assessment beforehand is how we make sure treatment is appropriate for you.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you're worried about yourself or your child, get checked by a health professional. In an emergency, call 10177 or 112 from a cellphone.