What Does a Chiropractor Do?

Most people think chiropractors only crack backs. But the reality is much more comprehensive, as chiropractic therapy encompasses various forms of treatment . Chiropractic care is about improving how your body moves and functions — not just your spine. From back pain to headaches and posture problems, chiropractors help restore balance to your musculoskeletal system so you can move freely, feel better, and enjoy life without ongoing pain.

Chiropractic care is increasingly popular in Australia, especially among adults aged 45–64, with more women than men seeking treatment. Whether you’re managing chronic pain or simply looking for ways to stay healthy and active, understanding what chiropractic services a chiropractor provides can help you make informed choices about your musculoskeletal health.

What Exactly Is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a registered healthcare professional who has earned a chiropractic degree and specialises in diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems related to the muscles, joints, and spine. They’re trained to understand how your spine interacts with your nervous system and overall body function.

Chiropractors don’t replace your medical doctors — they work alongside medical professionals to help you manage pain and restore movement. In Australia, chiropractors are regulated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and must hold a recognised university degree in chiropractic science.

That means they are legitimate, highly trained clinicians who take a whole-body approach to health, focusing on improving function, relieving pain, and preventing future injuries through chiropractic treatments .

The Science Behind Chiropractic Care

You might wonder — is chiropractic treatment actually based on science?

Yes. Chiropractic care is an evidence-based healthcare practice centred around the relationship between your spine and nervous system, making it a key component of complementary and integrative health . When the spine isn’t moving as it should — due to stress, poor posture, or injury — it can cause pain, stiffness, and even affect how your body communicates internally.

Through techniques such as spinal manipulation and chiropractic adjustments, practitioners aim to restore normal joint movement, improve nervous system function, and reduce pain.

Research shows that chiropractic treatment is highly effective for lower back pain and some types of back and neck pain. There’s also growing evidence that it can help with headaches, joint stiffness, and mobility issues. While results vary for other conditions, modern chiropractors rely on the latest research to guide safe, personalised care plans.

Professional Training and Standards

Becoming a chiropractor isn’t easy — it takes years of study and clinical experience.

Australian chiropractors complete five years of chiropractic education at university, including over 4,200 hours of supervised clinical training. This rigorous program covers anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, physiology, and evidence-based musculoskeletal care.

After graduation, chiropractors must register with AHPRA to legally practise. They also commit to ongoing professional development through various chiropractic programs o maintain high standards and stay current with scientific research.

If you want to confirm your practitioner’s credentials, you can easily check their registration on the AHPRA website — it’s public, transparent, and ensures your chiropractor meets national safety and competency standards.

What to Expect During Chiropractic Treatment

If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, you might be unsure what actually happens during a session.

Here’s what you can typically expect:

1 – Initial consultation

Your chiropractor will take a detailed health history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a physical exam to assess posture, range of motion, and muscle function. Sometimes, diagnostic imaging like X-rays may be recommended.

2 – The Adjustment

During a chiropractic adjustment, your practitioner uses controlled, gentle force to move a joint back into its proper position. You may hear a popping sound — this isn’t bones cracking, but gas bubbles releasing from the joint (similar to cracking your knuckles).

Most people find adjustments relieving and non-painful, though mild soreness or stiffness can occur temporarily afterward — a normal response as your body adjusts.

3 – Complementary Therapies

Many chiropractors include soft tissue therapy, massage therapy, stretching, or rehabilitation exercises as part of your care. You may also receive lifestyle advice to support recovery — such as improving posture, ergonomic habits, and stress management.

Chiropractic treatment is holistic, targeting both symptoms and root causes to restore balance and prevent recurrence.

Conditions Chiropractors Treat

So, what can a chiropractor help with? Chiropractic care isn’t a cure-all, but it’s extremely effective for a range of musculoskeletal problems, often providing immediate relief .

Strong Evidence:

• Lower back pain – Chiropractic care is well-supported by research for relieving chronic and acute back pain.
• Neck pain – Gentle spinal adjustments and mobilisation techniques can reduce stiffness and improve movement.

Good Evidence:

• Joint stiffness and mobility issues – Especially in the shoulders, hips, and knees.
• Sports injuries – Many athletes use chiropractic care to treat sprains, improve joint function, and speed up recovery.
• Postural problems – Adjustments can help correct spinal alignment and reduce strain from prolonged sitting or poor posture.

Limited or Mixed Evidence:

• Headaches and migraines – Some people experience significant relief, while others find mixed results.
• Other conditions – Such as scoliosis or sciatica may require multidisciplinary care. Chiropractors often collaborate with physiotherapists or GPs for best outcomes.

By being transparent about what chiropractic treatment can and can’t do, patients can set realistic expectations and make confident decisions about their health.

Chiropractor vs Other Healthcare Options

It’s common to wonder whether you should see a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or primary care physician — and the answer often depends on your specific condition.

Chiropractors and physiotherapists often work together, combining manual therapy, exercise, and education for the best results. Chiropractors focus more on spinal and joint alignment, while physiotherapists may emphasise muscle strength and rehabilitation.

For most musculoskeletal issues, using both can be beneficial — not competitive.

Your Chiropractic Treatment Journey

Every patient’s journey is unique, but most people notice improvement within the first few sessions.

Phase 1: Relief Care

In the beginning, treatments are more frequent (often 1–2 times per week) to relieve pain and restore movement.

Phase 2: Corrective Care

As symptoms improve, sessions focus on correcting the underlying issues, such as posture or joint imbalances.

Phase 3: Maintenance and Prevention

Once you’re feeling better, occasional visits help maintain spinal health, prevent relapse, and support long-term wellness.

Your chiropractor will also recommend home exercises, stretching routines, and ergonomic tips to reinforce your progress. Most people report improved mobility, posture, and energy levels — often noticing they can return to their normal activities with more confidence.

Safety and Who Shouldn’t Have Chiropractic Care

When performed by a qualified, registered chiropractor, treatment is generally very safe.

The most common side effects are mild soreness, stiffness, or fatigue after an adjustment — similar to how you might feel after exercise.

Rare but Serious Risks:

Although extremely uncommon, risks may include worsening of disc problems or nerve irritation. Your chiropractor will always assess whether adjustments are appropriate before proceeding.

Who Should Avoid Chiropractic Adjustments:

• People with severe osteoporosis
• Those with spinal fractures or bone infections
• Individuals with advanced arthritis
• Anyone with neurological conditions affecting the spine

Always share your full medical history with your chiropractor so they treat you safely.

If you experience any unusual symptoms after treatment — such as numbness, severe pain, or dizziness — contact your healthcare provider immediately.

FAQs

What are the benefits of seeing a chiropractor?

Chiropractic care can help reduce pain, improve posture, enhance mobility, and support nervous system health. Many patients also report better sleep, reduced stress, and improved day-to-day function.

Which is better, a chiropractor or physiotherapist?

Both are valuable for musculoskeletal health. Chiropractors specialise in spinal alignment and nervous system balance, while physiotherapists focus on rehabilitation and muscle conditioning. The best results often come from combining both.

How do you tell if you need a chiropractor?

If you experience persistent back or neck pain, joint stiffness, frequent headaches, muscle pain or feel misaligned after sitting or sleeping, a chiropractor can assess and treat these issues safely.