Chiropractor (chiropraxy): definition, price, what does he treat?

THE chiropractor practical chiropractic : the specialty ofneuromusculoskeletal apparatus. Concretely, we consult him for a problem of contracture, lower back pain, stiff neck, osteoarthritis, hernia, tendinitis. Discovery with Stéphane Docoche, chiropractor and founder of Urgence Dos, chiropractic service in business and at home.

Definition: what is chiropractic?

There chiropracticOr chiropracticis a technique based on manipulationscarried out most often with bare handswith the objective the release of nerves and the treatment of spinal injuries responsible for musculo-tendinous disordersbut also organic by blocking nerve impulses. This method comes from a theory according to which the nervous system would connect the elements of the spiritual, immaterial sphere (the psyche, the soul) to the physical, material sphere (the body).

What is the role of a chiropractor?

The chiropractor is a health professional who diagnoses, prevents and treats neuro-musculoskeletal disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the human body as well as their consequences. “These malfunctions can cause pain or limitation of movement. Chiropractic is ae natural method, preventive as well as curative“, explains Stéphane Docoche. The chiropractor offers his patient care adapted to his needs and when the situation requires it, he can refer him to a competent doctor.

What is the difference between osteopath and chiropractor?

“Worldwide, chiropractors all have the same basic training (in France there is only one training center with an appendix) while the level of osteopathy training varies (there are many schools in France)”, specifies the specialist. “The chiropractor can perform cervical manipulations without medical advice while the osteopath will need a medical certificate from the doctor to practice them“, he emphasizes. Chiropractic is more focused on the nervous and osteoarticular systems, while osteopathy is more focused on the visceral, fluid and cranial systems. “L’osteopath can only practice with his hands. THE chiropractor can use instruments in addition“, nuance Stéphane Docoche.

Indications: when to consult a chiropractor?

“Chiropractic is recommended in the treatment and prevention of numerous functional or pathological disorders of the musculoskeletal system“, explains the chiropractor. The musculoskeletal system brings together the organs that allow you to move : bones, joints, muscle, spine… It may be indicated for relieve pain:

• at the shoulder: rotator cuff syndrome, tendinitis,
• at the elbow: epicondylitis, epitrochleitis,
• at the wrist for tunnel syndromes: carpal, Guyon,
• at the level of the hand: tendinitis…,
• neurovascular conditions: Raynaud syndrome, hypothenar hammer syndrome,
• muscle and disc conditions: lower back pain, lower back pain, neck tension syndrome
• at the knees: bursitis

“Pain is one of the ways our body tells us something is wrong. We must therefore not neglect our pain. Just like dental hygiene, spinal hygiene is very important for optimal health. Indicated for everyone, regardless of age, chiropractic is particularly recommended children, pregnant women, the elderly and athletes who tend tooveruse” their joints, muscles or tendons and to adopt inappropriate gestures and postures“, specifies the specialist.

50 euros per session in the provinces; 70 to 80 euros in Paris

A chiropractic consultation takes place in three stages:

• Detect : The chiropractor begins by asking you about your health, your medical history and the reasons for your consultation. He seeks to determine what could have contributed to the emergence of these disorders. After a physical examination, he defines his treatment plan and tells you the number of consultations he considers necessary to improve your condition.
• To correct : the chiropractor intervenes manually and performs manipulative acts on the spine and joints (called chiropractic adjustments). It also works on soft tissues (muscles, tendons and ligaments).
• Prevent : the chiropractor can also give you advice in terms of postures, nutrition or lifestyle to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

“You just need to come with your various examinations and be prepared beforehand to take a brief history of your medical history as well as the pain that motivates the consultation.“, explains the chiropractor.

What does a chiropractor treat?

• THE spinal pain such as neck pain (torticollis, cervical sprains, whiplash),
• THE back pain (pain between the shoulder blades, intercostal neuralgia),
• THEs low back pain (lumbago, lumbar sprains),
• L’osteoarthritis, herniated discs, sciatica, sciatica, cruralgia, cervico-brachial neuralgia.
• certain forms of migraines, headaches, tension headaches,
• THE joint pain (knees, shoulders, elbows, hands, feet, hips) such as sprains, epicondylitis (tennis elbow, golfer elbow), tendonitis.
• some stress-related pathologies such as anxiety, sleep disorders.

L’professional use of the title of chiropractor is reserved for people with a diploma sanctioning a specific training to chiropractic (decree no. 2011-1127 of September 20, 2011). There are doctors who are also chiropractors because they have followed specific training. And non-physician chiropractors. There training is standardized globally. To date, 5 colleges are accredited in Europe. In France, the Franco-European Institute of Chiropractic (IFEC)located in Paris and Toulouse, has been accredited since 1996. “The student passes 15 months in chiropractic internship during which he must carry out several hundred consultations supervised by professors, as well as hospital internships of several weeks. You must also add 3 months of post-graduation assistantship. He can then complete his training with a specialty of 1 to 3 years of additional study. Among them: neurology, radiology, sport or even pediatrics“, explains our interlocutor. The chiropractor is not a doctor.

Since 2013, chiropractors have been registered with regional health agencies. “To ensure that a chiropractor has his or her ADELI number, you can contact the Regional Health Agency in your area or consult the directory of the French Chiropractic Association“, advises the specialist.

How much does a chiropractic consultation cost? Is this reimbursed?

Depending on the chiropractors, their experience and their place of practice, consultation fees range from €45-55 in the provinces to €70-80 on average in Paris. “Supplementary health contracts including chiropractic care are becoming more and more common.”reassures Stéphane Docoche.

Thanks to Stéphane Docoche, chiropractor in Paris and founder of Urgence Dos, chiropractic service in business and at home.