Chiropractor

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

Neil Liebman has been with the Philadelphia 76ers for a few years, but not as one of Allen Iverson’s teammates—he is one of the seven team chiropractors. Suzanne visited Dr. Liebman to find out more about what he does.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

A chiropractor’s goal is to improve mobility, function and range-of-motion, and to establish normal movement in the back by adjusting the spine. As Dr. Liebman explains, chiropractors do not treat conditions, they treat misalignments of the spine. Besides their hands, chiropractors use a variety of tools to work into the muscles, bones and nerves of the spine.

For example, a percussor is an instrument used to palpate the muscles enough to take spasm out of the back. To successfully separate out the bones, Dr. Liebman carefully realigns the vertebrae of the back using an arthrostim (which resembles a vibrating fork). This also relieves pressure. A cold laser can be used to increase circulation in the nerve flow.

If the patient has a serious medical problem that extends beyond chiropractic care, a chiropractor will refer the patient to a medical specialist or physical therapist.

Why See a Chiropractor?

According to Dr. Liebman, there are four types of patients who come to his office for chiropractic treatment: people experiencing back pain, neck pain, or severe headaches; athletes who want to perform better; those who suffer from scoliosis (a crookedness of the spine); and healthy patients who see a chiropractor for preventative care.

But I’m Older, Won’t it Hurt?

No. Not only does a chiropractor adjust treatment technique to alleviate each patient’s aches and pains, the patient’s age is also taken into consideration. Osteoporosis is among the most common ailments that affects older women and can make the bones very sensitive to pain. It is for this reason that Dr. Liebman uses different types of massage tables for rehabilitation. There is not a lot of pushing or pressure put on the patient’s back. In fact, the goal is to loosen and exercise the patient’s muscles. Although it is an extremely gentle working of the spine, older patients still benefit and see successful results.

Tips on Finding a Chiropractor

The best way to find a chiropractor is probably through word-of-mouth. Ask your doctor for reliable references. Look for chiropractors who are certified and who are members of chiropractic organizations, such as the National Association for Chiropractic Medicine. Don’t be afraid to call the chiropractor before making the visit. Learn what methods of treatment he/she uses—to find out if they’re right for you.