What is chiropractic?

It is a manual therapy that can diagnose, treat and prevent malfunctions of the musculoskeletal system, that is to say, all musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The chiropractor therefore performs vertebral adjustments and mobilizes joints to reduce pain or restore flexibility where there are more.

What is the difference between chiropractic and osteopathy?

Both disciplines are manual therapies. They do not oppose. Simply a French specificity is that we have in France several thousand osteopaths and barely 700 chiropractors. But in the world, it's the opposite: chiropractic is the reference manual medicine for the care of the back, joints and soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles). All world sports teams, for example, have chiropractors in their team.

Is chiropractic recognized?

Yes. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized chiropractic worldwide and has entered the French public health code since 2002. It is thus the only non-medical profession that has the right to practice spinal manipulation. in first intention , that is to say without prior medical advice. The chiropractors follow them, a 6-year training, common to all chiropractors around the world.

Is chiropractic reserved for back pain?

No. Back pain is obviously a very good reason to go see a chiropractor. Whether this pain is physical or psychological, it can be supported by this manual therapy. Thus a recent study published in the medical journal Spine has shown that in combination with medication management, it brings a real plus on low back pain . Chiropractic is even advocated by the American Medical Association (the equivalent of our Academy of Medicine) even before taking analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs. And it is important to defuse painful crises to prevent low back pain from becoming chronic.

But chiropractic can also intervene on other types of pathologies. Notably joint diseases such as tendonitis, painful shoulders, sore muscles or carpal tunnel syndrome . A feeling of numbness that starts from the hand and goes up in the arm (15% of the population would be affected).

Finally, it would seem, without scientific proof, that chiropractic also improves certain conditions such as complicated transits or toddlers' colic .

See a chiropractor for migraines, good idea?

Yes. But, chiropractic is not effective on all migraines. A chiropractor can act on migraines resulting from cervicalgia : a nerve stuck in these vertebrae and inflammation can lead to migraine attacks.

Should we take his children to a chiropractor?

There is obviously no obligation. Nevertheless, chiropractic has a preventive vocation. In other words, in children it may be interesting to consult once a year, to check that the growth is harmonious and is not done at the expense of certain areas of the body. Key periods: after birth , if it was a bit difficult. There may well have been some micro-articular lesions, causing sleep disturbances or digestive difficulties.

In adolescence, when the growth is fast and the rate of hormones makes the ligaments less tonic, problems can settle, like scoliosis. Finally, during an orthodontic treatment that can sometimes lead to disturbances at a distance (modified posture, headaches ...), chiropractic can help to readjust a certain harmony in the vertebral chain.

Are there contraindications to chiropractic?

Some: if you have a stroke, osteoporosis that weakens the bones, some infections, tumors ....

Can chiropractic be prescribed by a doctor?

It may be advised by a doctor, especially a rheumatologist, but it is not necessary to have a medical prescription to make an appointment with a chiropractor. Conversely, the latter can not prescribe medications or exams . But he can advise a radio (it is then the radiologist who self-examines his exam) and often does it during a very first consultation.

Are chiropractic sessions expensive?

It usually takes around 35-50 € in the province but the price goes up to 70 or 80 € in Paris. There is no reimbursement by the social security but some mutual offer an annual fee covering all or part of the costs generated by certain complementary disciplines such as chiropractic. Namely: the first consultation with the chiropractor is often long because it includes a thorough interrogation.

Where to go to find a reliable chiropractor?

On the website of the French Chiropractic Association which lists chiropractors graduating from schools accredited by the international bodies of chiropractic. There is also an indigo number: 0820 888 377 (0.118 € the min, price of a local call).