Trying to understand the world of chiropractic can feel overwhelming—especially when different chiropractors offer different opinions, use different techniques, and promise different results. If you’ve ever felt unsure about which type of chiropractor is right for you, you’re not alone. Let’s clear that up. There are basically two types of chiropractors, and knowing the difference can help you make an informed decision for your health and wellness goals.
Understanding the Two Main Types of Chiropractors
Within chiropractic, most practitioners fall into one of two camps: traditional chiropractors and musculoskeletal chiropractors.
Let’s look at the two types of chiropractors so you can choose the one who fits your needs best.
1. The Traditional Chiropractor: Rooted in Philosophy
This type of chiropractor practices the traditional chiropractic philosophy that subluxations in the spinal column disrupt the nervous system and overall health. The focus here isn’t just pain relief—it’s wellness, prevention, and long-term health through regular spinal adjustments.
Key characteristics of traditional chiropractors:
- Emphasize spinal health to improve nervous system function
- Often recommend routine, long-term care—even when you’re not in pain
- May take X-rays to detect misalignments or vertebral subluxations
- Believe in a holistic approach to health and wellness
Chiropractors who practice traditional chiropractic care often follow the philosophy that chiropractic was based on: that correcting spinal subluxations restores the body’s innate healing ability.
While this may sound far-reaching to some, many patients experience the great results chiropractic care can give, especially when combined with other wellness practices like exercise, nutrition, and massage.
This wellness chiropractor may recommend degrading treatment schedules like 3 to 2 to 1 per week, eventually tapering to periodic maintenance care depending on your goals and lifestyle.
2. The Musculoskeletal Chiropractor: Focused on Symptom Relief
This type of chiropractor primarily focuses on relief—specifically, treating back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal disorders related to muscles, joints, and the spine. These relief chiropractors aim to reduce pain, increase mobility, and support healing from physical injuries.
What sets them apart:
- Emphasize diagnosis and evidence-based care
- Often integrate other therapies like ultrasound, electrotherapy, or physical therapy
- Commonly found working with medical doctors and orthopedic specialists
- Typically work with patients for short-term treatment goals
When you need symptom relief for an injury, accident, or acute condition, a musculoskeletal chiropractor may be your go-to. Many sports chiropractors and pediatric chiropractors also fall into this camp, offering specialized care for athletes or children with joint or spine issues.
Benefits:
- Usually means shorter overall treatment time
- Chiropractors use X-rays, physical assessments, and modern technology
- Focus on reducing inflammation, improving function, and restoring range of motion
This type of chiropractor primarily focuses on techniques that offer immediate and measurable results—like reducing pain and resolving specific complaints.
Why Chiropractors Often Differ in Opinion
You may not be imagining things when patients go to different chiropractors they get different opinions. In fact, that’s expected.
Because chiropractors today differ greatly in training, chiropractic philosophy, and approach, your treatments and results will vary depending on which type of chiropractor you choose.
Some chiropractors specialize in manual therapy, others in laser therapy, acupuncture, or even nutrition. And within these practices, the types of chiropractic techniques used will also vary.
What Chiropractic Care May Involve
Regardless of which chiropractor you choose, certain elements of chiropractic care will be common:
- Chiropractic adjustments (also called spinal manipulations) to realign the vertebrae
- Assessment of joint functionality and soft tissue condition
- Monitoring the frequency of adjustments based on pain levels, mobility, and progress
- A focus on your muscle, nerve, and joint health
- Discussions about diet, exercise, and wellness habits
Some chiropractors focus exclusively on the spinal cord, while others address headaches, neck pain, or even temporomandibular joint dysfunction and scoliosis.
Regular Chiropractic Care vs. Symptom-Targeted Care
Both forms of chiropractic offer value. But understanding what you’re looking for can help you match with the right type of chiropractor.
If your goal is:
- Pain management after an injury: A musculoskeletal chiropractor may be ideal.
- Improving your overall health and energy long-term: A traditional wellness chiropractor could serve you best.
- A combination of therapy, education, and holistic strategies: Look for a chiropractor who works with integrated care teams.
Keep in mind that the length of treatment and frequency of adjustments will depend on your chiropractor’s philosophy. A traditional chiropractor recommends families consider regular adjustments, even when not in pain, often claiming this keeps the nervous system functioning optimally.
In contrast, a relief chiropractor will work out fair treatment plans that focus strictly on current signs and symptoms. They may use treatment schedules like 3 to 2 to 1, eventually stopping visits once symptoms subside.
Which Chiropractor Is Right for You?
Choosing a chiropractor in Walnut Creek comes down to your personal health goals.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want fast pain relief, or are you in for the long haul?
- Are you seeking help for a specific issue like low back pain, or are you looking to boost your overall wellness?
- Do you prefer a chiropractor who uses scientific diagnostics or one that embraces the philosophy of chiropractic and healing from within?
Also, ask questions during your consultation. Reputable chiropractors aim to educate and empower their patients—not pressure them.
Learn More About Chiropractic and Your Options
The more you know about the different types of chiropractors, the easier it will be to make the right choice.
If you’re in the Walnut Creek area and unsure where to start, visit our chiropractic services in Colorado Springs to explore how chiropractic can support your pain recovery or wellness journey.
Final Thoughts
Chiropractic is a healthcare approach that bridges natural healing with physical therapy. And while not all chiropractors are alike, both main types of chiropractors offer something valuable to patients.
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, a chronic condition, or just want to support your spinal health, the right chiropractor can help. Just keep in mind:
- Some chiropractors practice traditional chiropractic and aim to restore the nervous system through spinal adjustments.
- Others practice short-term chiropractic treatments for symptom relief, typically using modern therapies and shorter treatment plans.
- Chiropractors treat a wide range of issues—from neck and joint pain to headaches, muscle strains, and even pediatric conditions.
Still uncertain which path fits you best? Don’t worry. Many people try both styles before they find what works for their body and goals.
If you’re ready to learn more about chiropractic, schedule a consultation today. Let your health journey be guided by knowledge—and the right chiropractor.
