Chiropractors and chiropractic treatment

A chiropractor is a type of allied health professional. They treat problems with the muscles, bones and joints.

Chiropractic treatment may include:

• manipulation, where the therapist uses their hands to move your joints
• manual therapy, such as massage
• ergonomic advice, for example how to improve your posture or set up your workstation

Chiropractors may work with other health professionals as part of your care. These may include physiotherapists or occupational therapists. Chiropractors are not medical doctors.

You may choose to see a chiropractor if you have problems with your muscles, bones or joints.

Common reasons people see a chiropractor include:

• low back pain
• neck pain
• some types of headaches, including migraine

Are chiropractic treatments effective?

How well chiropractic treatment works depends on the condition being treated.

Spinal manipulation and other manual therapies may help some people with low back pain. These treatments may also help some types of neck pain and headaches, especially when combined with exercise.

For other conditions, the evidence is less clear.

It's important to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor before starting any treatment. Your GP can help diagnose your condition. They may refer you to an allied health professional, such as a chiropractor, if appropriate.

Your chiropractor will usually ask about your symptoms and examine your muscles, bones and joints.

Chiropractors use treatments such as:

• joint manipulation or mobilisation
• soft tissue therapy (on your muscles, fat, cartilage, nerves or tendons), such as massage
• exercise or rehabilitation advice
• education on good posture

They may also use other supportive treatments, such as:

• heat
• ice
• taping
• bracing

If chiropractic care is not suitable for your condition, they may refer you to another health professional.

Here are some questions you may want to ask your chiropractor:

• Why do you recommend this treatment? What are the potential benefits?
• What are the potential risks or side effects?
• What is the evidence for its effectiveness?
• How long will my treatment take? How many sessions will I need?
• Should I discuss this treatment plan with my doctor first?

What should I tell my chiropractor before treatment?

Tell your chiropractor about any health conditions or medicines that could affect your treatment. This includes anything that may increase your risk of side effects from chiropractic treatment.

Let your chiropractor know if you:

• have a condition that affects your bones or joints, such as osteoporosis, arthritis or hypermobility (very flexible joints)
• take blood-thinning medicines or have a health condition that increases your risk of bleeding
• have conditions that increase your risk of stroke
• have a condition that makes your skin fragile or slow to heal
• have had recent injuries, surgery or severe pain in your neck or back

Sharing this information helps your chiropractor decide if treatment is safe for you.

All chiropractors must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra). They must be qualified and complete ongoing training.

You can check if your chiropractor is registered on the Ahpra website.

Many chiropractors will treat people privately, without a referral.

If you have a chronic health condition diagnosed by a GP, you may be eligible for Medicare-funded chiropractic sessions.

Your GP can work with you to develop a chronic disease management plan. They can also refer you to a chiropractor. Read more about GP Management Plans.

• Allied Health Professions Australia has more information about chiropractors.
• Chiropractic Australia can help you find a chiropractor.
• Check if your chiropractor is qualified and registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia.
• The Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) provides information about chiropractic care.
• Pain Australia has information about how to manage your pain.
• Musculoskeletal Health Australia has information about managing back pain.
• Migraine Australia has information about managing migraine.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.