Chiropractic (or chiropractic or chiropractic) is a health profession interested in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and their consequences on the general condition of the individual.

Born in the United States in 1895, this health profession is very common in North America. It is recognized in France, but is much less widespread than theosteopathy.

Many disorders of the musculoskeletal system fall within the scope of chiropractic. These include:

• lower back pain (low back pain mechanical), at the cervical level, or in the coccyx;
• the sciatic ;
• headaches of cervical origin;
• dizziness ;
• stiff necks;
• lumbago;
• pain in the knees, shoulders, shoulder blades, heels, ankles;
• tendonitis;
• or even epicondylitis of the tennis player (a tennis elbow).

To best relieve his patient, the chiropractor:

• establishes a balance sheet during the first visit;
• he questions his patient, to find out the reasons for his arrival, his family and medical history, his living and working conditions, etc .;
• he performs a physical examination;
• he may request additional examinations (radiology, biological examinations, etc.);
• it then offers various treatments depending on the problem:
• he performs manipulations of the spine, joints, he intervenes at the level of muscles, tendons or ligaments;
• it offers curative or preventive exercises;
• he can use physiotherapy techniques on painful areas (thermotherapy, ultrasound).

The consultation with a chiropractor does not involve any risk for the patient. However, it is possible that the patient feels stiffness, a slight pain or more rarely a headache. These physical manifestations disappear spontaneously within a day or two.

Training as a chiropractor in France

To become a chiropractor, you must follow a course provided by the Franco-European Chiropractic Institute (IFEC) (2), which lasts 6 years and is open to students holding a Baccalaureate or official equivalent. Note that this is the only school in France to offer such training.

Training as a chiropractor in Quebec

The student must obtain a doctorate in chiropractic, provided by the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (3) and lasting 5 years. Admission is on a college or university basis.

Prepare the visit

Before going to the appointment, it is important to take recent prescriptions, any x-rays, scans or MRIs performed.

To find a chiropractor:

• in Quebec, you can consult the website of the association of dermatologists of Quebec, which offers a directory (4);
• in France, via the website of the French chiropractic association (5).

Chiropractic care is not reimbursed by Health Insurance (France) or by the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec. But mutuals or insurance companies can offer a partial refund.