What is a Chiropractor? Plus 7 Signs You Need One

What is a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic physicians are trained to treat disorders of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. They can work with people of all ages, including children, pregnant women, and senior citizens.

Chiropractors assist their patients with spinal issues, pain relief, and posture improvement using non-invasive treatments.

Chiropractic treatments focus on healing the body as a whole rather than only treating the symptoms. Chiropractors focus heavily on the spine but also work on other areas of the body. They use everything from manual manipulation to exercise and nutrition in a combination designed specifically for you.

What Should I Expect When Visiting a Chiropractor?

A visit with a chiropractor is comparable to other doctor appointments.

When you first visit Unify Chiropractic in St. Petersburg, you will be greeted warmly by our friendly front office staff, who will ask you to fill out a brief medical questionnaire so we can learn your medical history. 

You will then speak with a doctor of chiropractic who will ask you about your pain and symptoms, and perform a physical exam, and may want to give you some diagnostic tests with your permission, such as x-rays or blood tests.

After a diagnosis is made, your St. Pteterburg chiropractor will recommend a custom treatment plan to address your pain or other issues.

How Much is a Chiropractor?

When it comes to chiropractor cost, most chiropractors take health insurance. If your insurance doesn't cover chiropractic care, you can work out a pricing agreement with your chiropractic office that works with your treatment plan.

Do I Need a Chiropractor?

Contrary to what people may think, chiropractic care can treat much more than just back pain. If you have any of the following conditions, you should consider visiting your chiropractor in St. Petersburg, FL.

#1 Back Pain

In the United States, back pain alone accounted for more than 264 million lost workdays in one year. It is the most common reason people seek treatment from a chiropractor, meaning chiropractic care helps ease back pain.

If you suffer from back pain due to an injury or other conditions, chiropractic treatment may help reduce your pain and restore your range of motion.

What Does a Chiropractor do to Help With Back Pain?

Chiropractic adjustments can align your spine and posture naturally, leading to improved blood circulation. Without a good circulation of blood, your nerves will not function properly, which is one of the primary reasons for back pain.

#2 Neck Pain

Chiropractors treat neck pain with a process that involves the manipulation of the spine. In many situations, neck adjustments may work better for neck pain than pain medicines.

Spinal adjustments can remove pressure off of your nerves and allow the entire body to function better. As a result, neck pain tends to dissipate or even disappear when the tension is released.

#3 Headaches and Migraines

Bad posture and stress can both cause headaches. A chiropractor may be able to ease your headaches by adjusting your neck and giving you some stretching exercises.

Chiropractic spinal manipulations have been shown to reduce pain, lower migraine frequency, and decrease the need for medicine. Your chiropractor can also advise you on ways to decrease stress and suggest changes you can make to your diet that may help treat migraines and other types of headaches.

#4 Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can affect the alignment of the spine, particularly in the neck. These fast changes in force can strain the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the neck, contributing to whiplash and other injuries.

Chiropractic care offers many advantages over medications after an accident. Chiropractic treatments are an effective, safer, and more natural way to recover from car accident injuries.

When dealing with whiplash pain, you need someone who recognizes the problem and can provide effective treatment. Dr. Shay Ridge at Unify Chiropractic has been helping many St. Petersburg car accident victims recover from their injuries, and he may be able to help you too. Get in touch with us to speak with a chiropractor in St. Petersburg, FL, today.

#5 Shoulder Pain

If you have lost some range of motion in your shoulder and can't reach behind your back, up above your head, or avoid using your shoulder due to a lingering injury, chiropractic care may be able to help you get back to feeling better.

A Chiropractor may be able to relieve symptoms of inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms in your shoulder. Through a particular manipulation of the upper neck and back, the spinal muscles, bones, and nerves can be restored to their proper places.

#6 Pregnancy

Moms-to-be have been finding relief at Unify Chiropractic for all sorts of common side effects during pregnancy. Ailments such as back pain, circulation problems, and heartburn can all be treated with chiropractic care.

In addition to other benefits, patients who see chiropractors have been shown to have less painful and shorter deliveries! This makes for happy mothers, particularly moms who choose natural childbirth.

#7 Knee Pain

Wear and tear on the knee joint can often cause osteoarthritis. This is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage and joint surface. It may start with a minor injury or occur with overuse over time.



Chiropractic care is very effective for treating knee pain due to wear and tear of the knee joint.

Visit a Chiropractor in St. Petersburg, FL

Make an appointment with a top-rated chiropractor in St. Petersburg, FL at Unify Chiropractic, and wonder, "what is a chiropractor" no more. Let us help you get rid of your pain so you can get back to living your life.

Give us a call at 727-440-0404, or contact us online to schedule your appointment today.