What Does a Chiropractor Do? A Guide for Beginners in India

Chiropractic care in India is a relatively new field, introduced in the late 20th century and evolving significantly over the past few decades. To be precise, Chiropractic care arrived in India in the late 1990s. It came through foreign-trained chiropractors or Indian professionals who studied abroad, particularly in the US, Canada, or Australia. However, there are still many who want to know what a chiropractor does. Here is the guide for beginners in India. 

Early practitioners set up their clinics in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, thereby catering to the urban population with increasing musculoskeletal issues. However, in cities like Jammu, there are clinics like Swasthya Shastra that offer chiropractic services that are on par with those of clinics elsewhere in India or the world. The clinic is run by me, Dr. Gaurav Vaid. I have been practicing as a Chiropractor for decades now.  

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine, through non-invasive, hands-on techniques. India’s longstanding tradition of alternative therapies, such as Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy, made chiropractic appealing as a non-invasive, holistic approach.

Chiropractors focus on the relationship between the spine, nervous system, and overall body function. The primary goal is to alleviate the pain, improve mobility, and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal without relying on medications or surgery. Here is how it works: 

1. Diagnosis and Assessment

Chiropractors evaluate patients through physical examination, medical history review, and sometimes diagnostic imaging such as X-rays to identify the issues. 

Some of the common issues they address include back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches, and joint stiffness. 

2. Spinal Adjustments and Manipulations

The hallmark of chiropractic care is the spinal manipulation. It is also known as “adjustment.” This involves applying a controlled force to specific joints to correct misalignment. 

Some of the notable techniques include manual adjustments, instrument-assisted manipulations, or gentle mobilization methods.

3. Holistic Treatment Plans

In addition to the adjustments, there are a few other therapies like soft tissue massage, stretching, or corrective exercises. These therapies are offered to address muscle tension and improve posture. 

Besides, you are also offered lifestyle advice, which includes guidance on ergonomics, nutrition, and stress management to support long-term health. 

4.  Pain Management and Rehabilitation

If you are facing acute and chronic pain, particularly in the back, neck, and joints, often caused by poor posture, injuries, and repetitive strain, Chiropractors help you manage the pain. 

Chiropractors may assist in rehabilitation after injuries, such as those from sports injuries or accidents, to restore function and prevent recurrence.

Also, read Physiotherapy vs. Chiropractic Care: Which is Right for You?

Chiropractic Care in India

Chiropractic Care in India is relatively new, but it is a growing field. Here is what you need to know as a beginner: 

1. Scope of Practice

Chiropractors in India primarily treat conditions like lower back pain, sciatica, cervical spondylosis, migraines, and posture-related issues. These problems are common due to sedentary lifestyles, desk jobs, and increasing smartphone use. 

Chiropractors often work alongside physiotherapists, orthopedic doctors, or other healthcare providers for a multidisciplinary approach.

2. Training and Regulation

Chiropractors in India are degree holders from accredited international institutions. It is important to highlight that there are no recognized chiropractic colleges in India yet.

The said field is not fully regulated in India. Therefore, it is important to verify the credentials of a chiropractor before you visit them. Some of the notables are: Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, and ensure they are registered with a reputable international body like the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC).

3. Availability

Chiropractic clinics are primarily located in metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. Besides, there are some hospitals and wellness centres that offer chiropractic services. However, that does not mean Chiropractic clinics are not available in small cities like Jammu. Swasthya Shastra is a reputable chiropractic clinic located in Jammu that boasts an incredible track record and up-to-the-mark patient services.

The awareness is growing, and people are looking for ways and methods to bring in such centres in smaller cities or rural areas; however, the access so far is limited. 

4. Cost

This is the most defining factor. A single chiropractic session costs between ₹1,000 and ₹3,000. This is the set price. It can vary. The actual cost depends on several factors, like city, clinic, and treatment complexity. Packages for multiple sessions may be available; most clinics resort to this tactic to retain the clients. 

One of the notable features is that Health Insurance in India rarely covers chiropractic care, so patients are supposed to pay out of their own pocket for any sort of chiropractic services. 

Conclusion

So it has come to the fore that even though chiropractic care is new to India comparatively, it is by and large limited to metropolitan cities. As the said service is widely accepted and a reliable treatment for musculoskeletal disorders, there are chiropractic centres in cities like Jammu. Swasthya Shastra is one such centre where I, Dr Gaurav Vaid, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders. If you are looking for one such chiropractic clinic, you can visit Swasthya Shastra -Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre. 

For further queries, please reach out to Dr. Gaurav Vaid or Swasthya Shastra.