Chiropractors are university-trained medical professionals who deal with the musculoskeletal system, that is, with all the organs and structures that support and move our body. Chiropractors are specialists in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their effects on nervous system functioning and general health. An area of focus is on manual treatment techniques, including joint manipulation [1].
Viewing people holistically
This means that we don’t limit ourselves to the area of the body experiencing pain, but take into account the whole body, including the psyche and the challenges of everyday life. Lack of exercise, low mood, stress, insufficient sleep and unbalanced diet can also exacerbate musculoskeletal system pain and contribute to it becoming chronic.
Manual therapy–chiropractic joint manipulation
In chiropractic treatment, functional joint disorders are treated to a large extent by means of targeted hand movements. The type of treatment is tailored to each patient’s symptoms and needs. The aim is to improve the function and mobility of the spine and other joints, thereby positively impacting surrounding tissues such as muscles and tendons and relieving trigger points, for example.
The infamous cracking
The primary technique of chiropractic medicine is manual therapy, which involves many years of practiced and refined manual manipulation of muscles, tendons and joints. In particular, manipulation of the spinal joints optimizes mobility and thus alleviates pain.
During chiropractic joint manipulation, a cracking noise is often heard, caused by gases in the synovial fluid. During the manipulation, the joint surfaces are slightly pulled apart, resulting in a negative pressure that causes the gases to be released from the liquid in a fraction of a second, creating the familiar cracking sound. The effectiveness of the manipulation does not depend on whether or not there is noise.
A good chiropractic treatment always includes an individual and in-depth consultation, which allows patients to learn how to deal with their complaints in everyday life, at work, in their leisure time and during sports activities. In addition, active training programs and tailored, actionable advice for a healthy lifestyle can help prevent relapses or, if possible, help you overcome them yourself.
Interdisciplinary collaboration with other specialist departments, for example spinal orthopedics, rheumatology, sports medicine or physiotherapy, is important for holistic treatment.
Scientific basis
An increasing number of studies confirm the efficacy of chiropractic medicine. Manual therapy improves mobility and alleviates pain in cases of acute back problems. If the back pain is chronic, advice and active measures are needed to be particularly effective [2].
An increasing number of studies and guidelines—including those of our own research department—show that chiropractic medicine and its treatment of back pain are expedient and preferable to previous drug therapies.ntersuchungen und Richtlinien – auch solche unserer eigenen Forschungsabteilung – zeigen, dass die chiropraktische Medizin und deren Behandlungen von Rückschmerzen zielführend und den bisherigen medikamentösen Therapien vorzuziehen sind.
Who's paying?
Since 1964, chiropractic treatment has been one of the statutory health insurance benefits in Switzerland and is recognized by all health insurers. Accident insurance, military insurance and disability insurance also cover chiropractic medicine services.
You do not usually need a referral from your doctor. Instead, you can make an appointment with us directly. However, if you are insured under the general practitioner model or another restrictive contract type, you will be referred by your GP’s practice or the appropriate body.
References
ChiroSuisse Definition of Chiropractic, adopted by the General Assembly on 7th May 2020.
World Health Organization. WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings. Geneva: World Health Organization. 2023. ISBN-13: 978-92-4-008178-9, ISBN-13: 978-92-4-008179-6.