Chiropractic care often finds itself at the centre of varied public discourse, generating mixed feelings, from stories of costly treatments with no results to supportive claims about paediatric chiropractic interventions.
However, with over 50 clinics and about 150 practitioners, as reported by TODAY Online and the Ministry of Health, the presence of chiropractic care is undeniable. The Chiropractic Association Singapore, boasting around 30 registered members as of 2018, according to Channel News Asia, also highlights a growing professional community.
This leads to questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of chiropractic as an alternative therapy for pain relief. Is chiropractic care all about back ‘cracking,’ or is there more to this practice? Does it offer a safe and credible form of treatment? This blog aims to explore the status and credibility of chiropractic care in Singapore, clarifying its role and efficacy within the broader health system.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic is a distinct approach to healthcare that prioritises the body’s structural alignment—primarily the spine—to promote self-healing. This holistic approach centres not just on bone manipulation but considers the entire nervous system, which links the brain to the rest of the body. Effective spinal health is crucial because it supports the central nervous pathway that influences overall bodily functions.
Originating in the United States as a complementary alternative medicine, chiropractic care employs natural methods to manage joint issues and enhance bodily functions. The practice typically involves manual therapy, including adjustments of the spine. Chiropractors may also integrate other therapeutic interventions such as exercise, nutritional counselling, and ergonomic training to facilitate the body’s natural healing processes and maintain optimal health.
Are Chiropractors Doctors?
In Singapore, chiropractors holding Doctor of Chiropractic degrees, which often include four or more years of university or postgraduate studies overseas, are distinct from medical doctors and are recognised under separate professional criteria. This is because they do not fall under the Medical Registration Act (MRA), which governs medical practitioners. This distinction means that while chiropractors possess knowledge of musculoskeletal health, they are not recognised by the law to practice medicine or prescribe medications. Their role remains within the bounds of chiropractic care, focusing on addressing and managing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine.
Registration and Licensing
In Singapore, chiropractic services fall under the category of complementary and alternative treatments and thus are not governed by the Private Hospital and Medical Clinic Act (PHMCA). This legislative position underscores the importance of self-regulation within the chiropractic community.
However, chiropractors are licensed under chiropractic boards in countries such as the United States of America, Australia, and New Zealand following successful completion of chiropractic courses and examinations. Moreover, to maintain their licenses and keep abreast of current techniques and research, these chiropractors must attend seminars, talks, and courses on a yearly basis.
In addition, chiropractors in Singapore are encouraged to adhere to the high standards of practice and ethics set forth by the Chiropractic Association (Singapore). This professional body plays a pivotal role in shaping the practice by developing comprehensive codes of practice, ethical guidelines, and advertising standards that help maintain professionalism and safeguard public trust in chiropractic care.
Qualifications and Education
According to the Alliance of Chiropractic Singapore, becoming a chiropractor involves proper education and training. For instance, prospective chiropractors must complete a rigorous 5-year full-time course leading to a Masters in Chiropractic or a Doctorate in Chiropractic, depending on the institution and country of study. This academic path, although thorough, does not equate to a medical or dental degree.
Moreover, in Singapore, to practice as a resident chiropractor, it is mandatory for practitioners to be affiliated with recognised professional boards like the General Chiropractic Council (UK), the American Chiropractic Association (USA) and the New Zealand Chiropractors’ Association (New Zealand), depending on where they have graduated. And to ensure they stay current with the latest developments in the field, chiropractors must fulfill Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements through participation in relevant activities.
Role in Healthcare
As mentioned, chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to managing health issues, focusing significantly on maintaining the nervous system’s integrity through proper spinal alignment. This type of care supports the body’s natural healing capabilities, similar to how a balanced diet supports overall health. By optimising spinal health, chiropractic treatments can facilitate better communication between the brain and various body parts, ensuring a harmonious function across different systems.
Chiropractors use adjustments to support the biomechanics of the spine and alleviate pressure on neurological structures. These adjustments are usually performed by hand but can also involve the use of various instruments. The idea is to restore proper alignment and movement to the spinal joints, which can often be compromised by everyday activities and poor posture.
This method of care is akin to correcting a misaligned joint that, if left unchecked, could lead to complications like nerve irritation or musculoskeletal pain. Correcting these issues helps to alleviate discomfort and enhances the body’s ability to perform optimally.
Whether it’s a sports therapy chiropractor managing joint pain or a prenatal chiro providing pelvic pain relief experienced by pregnant women, chiropractic care aims to restore and maintain proper nerve function, which is crucial for overall health and well-being.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Now, to address a commonly asked question: Is chiropractic care safe?
Despite the scepticism some might express regarding the scientific backing of chiropractic care, it is generally recognised as safe and effective, especially when conducted by a licensed and experienced practitioner.
However, although chiropractic adjustments are well-tolerated, as with any medical treatment, they are not completely devoid of risk. Some patients might experience temporary discomfort, mild soreness, or a bit of stiffness after an adjustment, but these symptoms usually resolve over time without any need for further intervention.
Ensuring the safety of chiropractic treatments also involves selecting a qualified chiropractor who adheres to the highest standards of practice. One key factor is ensuring your chiropractor conducts a detailed examination and analysis rather than going straight to treatment. Additionally, patients should feel encouraged to discuss their full medical history and any concerns they may have with their chiropractor. This open communication helps tailor the care to individual needs and minimises any potential risks.
If you’re considering chiropractic care and want to discuss how it can be safely integrated into your healthcare regimen, don’t hesitate to contact us at Chiro Time. Our team is committed to providing safe, personalised chiropractic care to support your health and well-being.