{"id":5071,"date":"2026-02-07T12:05:12","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T12:05:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/"},"modified":"2026-02-07T12:05:12","modified_gmt":"2026-02-07T12:05:12","slug":"que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/","title":{"rendered":"What is chiropractic and what is its current health approach?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseprofile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Que_es_la_quiropractica_y_cual_es_su_enfoque_sanitario_actual_definicion_clara_y_papel_en_el_cuidado_musculoesqueletico\" >What is chiropractic and what is its current approach to healthcare: a clear definition and its role in musculoskeletal care<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Definicion_y_alcance\" >Definition and scope<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Enfoque_sanitario_actual\" >Current approach to healthcare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Papel_en_el_cuidado_musculoesqueletico\" >Role in musculoskeletal care<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Evidencia_cientifica_sobre_la_quiropractica_en_la_actualidad_que_se_sabe_y_que_sigue_en_estudio\" >Current scientific evidence on chiropractic: what is known and what is still under investigation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Usos_habituales_de_la_quiropractica_limites_clinicos_y_situaciones_en_las_que_conviene_evitarla\" >Common uses of chiropractic, clinical limitations and situations in which it should be avoided<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Usos_habituales\" >Common uses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Limites_clinicos\" >Clinical limits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Situaciones_en_las_que_conviene_evitarla\" >Situations in which it is best to avoid it<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Seguridad_en_quiropractica_riesgos_potenciales_efectos_adversos_y_senales_de_alarma\" >Safety in chiropractic care: potential risks, adverse effects and warning signs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Riesgos_potenciales\" >Potential risks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Efectos_adversos\" >Adverse effects<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Senales_de_alarma\" >Alarm signals<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/que-es-la-quiropractica-y-cual-es-su-enfoque-sanitario-actual\/#Regulacion_y_formacion_en_quiropractica_como_verificar_credenciales_y_elegir_un_profesional_cualificado\" >Regulation and training in chiropractic: how to check credentials and choose a qualified practitioner<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Que_es_la_quiropractica_y_cual_es_su_enfoque_sanitario_actual_definicion_clara_y_papel_en_el_cuidado_musculoesqueletico\"><\/span>What is chiropractic and what is its current approach to healthcare: a clear definition and its role in musculoskeletal care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Definicion_y_alcance\"><\/span>Definition and scope<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Chiropractic is a <b>healthcare profession<\/b> focusing on the assessment, diagnosis and management of mechanical disorders of the <b>neuromusculoskeletal system<\/b>, with particular focus on the spine and related joints. The practice is aimed at <b>conservative treatment<\/b> It is non-invasive and focuses on patient education, incorporating manual techniques, exercise recommendations and self-care strategies. It is delivered within formal clinical settings and does not replace other necessary medical care.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enfoque_sanitario_actual\"><\/span>Current approach to healthcare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The clinical approach is prudent and based on the best available information: a structured medical history, physical and neurological examination, identification of warning signs, and the selective use of diagnostic tests where indicated. Interventions may include <b>spinal manipulation<\/b> and mobilisation tailored to the individual, soft-tissue techniques, therapeutic exercise and education to promote activity and self-management. Priority is given to informed consent, shared decision-making, the monitoring of functional outcomes and the ongoing assessment of risks and contraindications.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Papel_en_el_cuidado_musculoesqueletico\"><\/span>Role in musculoskeletal care<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>In the context of musculoskeletal pain of mechanical origin, chiropractic care can form part of a <b>multimodal approach<\/b> in conjunction with other disciplines where appropriate, with the aim of reducing symptoms and improving function in line with the individual\u2019s response. It typically emphasises the maintenance of physical activity, ergonomic education and secondary prevention. Coordination and referral to other professionals take place when progress is not as expected or when findings suggest conditions requiring a different type of care.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Evidencia_cientifica_sobre_la_quiropractica_en_la_actualidad_que_se_sabe_y_que_sigue_en_estudio\"><\/span>Current scientific evidence on chiropractic: what is known and what is still under investigation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Current evidence on chiropractic, which focuses on spinal manipulation and mobilisation techniques, is mixed and depends on the clinical presentation. Generally speaking:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Acute lower back pain<\/b>: signs of modest short-term relief; effects similar to those of other non-pharmacological conservative approaches.<\/li>\n<li><b>Chronic lower back pain<\/b>: small to moderate improvements in pain and function; results vary between studies and patients.<\/li>\n<li><b>Cervical pain<\/b>: possible small short-term benefits; uncertainty regarding the extent and duration of the effect.<\/li>\n<li><b>Cervicogenic headache<\/b> and, to a lesser extent, <b>tensional<\/b>: indications of benefit in some cases, with limited evidence.<\/li>\n<li><b>Radiculopathy\/sciatica<\/b>: inconsistent results and varying quality.<\/li>\n<li><b>Non-musculoskeletal conditions<\/b> (e.g. asthma, high blood pressure, infant colic): lack of conclusive evidence of efficacy.<\/li>\n<li><b>Paediatric population<\/b>: limited evidence with methodological limitations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>In terms of <b>security<\/b>, the most commonly reported adverse effects are mild and transient (local pain, stiffness, headache). Rare serious events have been reported, particularly following high-speed cervical manipulation, such as arterial dissections and neurological events; the exact causal relationship remains a matter of debate. The assessment of <b>RED FLAGS<\/b>, comorbidities and contraindications, together with the careful selection of techniques, are key components of the clinical approach.<\/p>\n<p>Issues such as the following are still under consideration:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Identify <b>subgroups of patients<\/b> most likely to respond.<\/li>\n<li>Define <b>optimal dosage<\/b> (technique, intensity and frequency) and compare it with exercise, physiotherapy and education.<\/li>\n<li>Estimate <b>long-term effects<\/b>, including recurrences and the need for maintenance.<\/li>\n<li>Specify <b>cost-effectiveness<\/b> depending on the healthcare context.<\/li>\n<li>Understand <b>neurophysiological mechanisms<\/b> of manipulation.<\/li>\n<li>Improving the <b>security surveillance<\/b> and the standardised reporting of adverse events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Usos_habituales_de_la_quiropractica_limites_clinicos_y_situaciones_en_las_que_conviene_evitarla\"><\/span>Common uses of chiropractic, clinical limitations and situations in which it should be avoided<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Usos_habituales\"><\/span>Common uses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Chiropractic is used as <b>complementary approach<\/b> in musculoskeletal disorders of mechanical and non-specific origin: <b>lower back, upper back or neck pain<\/b> mild to moderate in intensity, with joint stiffness and functional limitations associated with maintaining certain postures or overexertion. It is usually incorporated into a <b>multimodal plan<\/b> which prioritises therapeutic exercise, education and activity modification. The response varies and depends on the differential diagnosis, the chronicity of the condition and psychosocial factors.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Limites_clinicos\"><\/span>Clinical limits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is not a substitute for a medical assessment where warning signs are present, nor does it replace treatments prescribed for specific conditions. Manual techniques do not correct structural deformities or \u201calign\u201d organs; their scope is limited to musculoskeletal symptoms. The <b>high-speed manoeuvres<\/b>, particularly in the cervical region, require an individual assessment of risks and benefits; rare adverse events have been reported. The indication must be based on diagnosis, informed consent and regular review of objectives and safety.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Situaciones_en_las_que_conviene_evitarla\"><\/span>Situations in which it is best to avoid it<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Progressive neurological deficits<\/b>, signs of <b>myelopathy<\/b> or suspected <b>cauda equina syndrome<\/b> (urinary retention, saddle anaesthesia).<\/li>\n<li><b>Acute trauma<\/b>, fractures, <b>spinal instability<\/b> or recent spinal surgery without medical authorisation.<\/li>\n<li><b>Infection<\/b> suspected or confirmed (e.g. osteomyelitis, discitis) or spinal pain accompanied by a fever.<\/li>\n<li><b>Tumour<\/b> known, bone metastases or unintentional weight loss accompanied by persistent night-time pain.<\/li>\n<li><b>Severe osteoporosis<\/b> or other conditions that increase the risk of fracture.<\/li>\n<li><b>Anticoagulation<\/b> with a high risk of bleeding or haemorrhagic disorders.<\/li>\n<li>Sudden, severe neck pain associated with neurological symptoms or <b>suspected cervical vascular event<\/b>.<\/li>\n<li><b>Inflammatory arthritis<\/b> with cervical instability (e.g. atlantoaxial involvement) or connective tissue disorders with marked hyperlaxity.<\/li>\n<li><b>Pregnancy with complications<\/b> or situations in which high-speed techniques or abdominal pressure are not recommended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Seguridad_en_quiropractica_riesgos_potenciales_efectos_adversos_y_senales_de_alarma\"><\/span>Safety in chiropractic care: potential risks, adverse effects and warning signs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Riesgos_potenciales\"><\/span>Potential risks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Chiropractic includes <b>spinal manipulation<\/b> and demonstrations which, although they are usually held with safety measures in place, entail <b>potential risks<\/b> depending on the area treated, the intensity of the procedure, the condition of the bone and blood vessels, and any concomitant medical conditions. Rare complications have been reported, particularly following <b>high-speed cervical manipulation<\/b>, such as cervical vascular injury and acute neurological events. It may also lead to a worsening of pre-existing radiculopathy or a herniated disc, a fracture in an osteoporotic bone, a rib injury during chest manoeuvres, or cauda equina syndrome in specific contexts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Efectos_adversos\"><\/span>Adverse effects<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <b>adverse effects<\/b> The most common side effects are mild and temporary: localised pain or stiffness, headache, a feeling of tiredness or mild dizziness, which usually resolve within a short time. Less frequently, autonomic reactions (nausea, sweating), severe dizziness or blurred vision may occur. Serious complications are rare, but cases of cervical vascular injury with neurological symptoms, worsening of pre-existing neurological deficits, and fractures in the presence of <b>osteoporosis<\/b> or marked osteopenia, bruising in people on anticoagulants, and soft-tissue injuries.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Senales_de_alarma\"><\/span>Alarm signals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The following are considered <b>alarm signals<\/b> which warrant urgent medical assessment following a procedure or constitute relevant contraindications prior to undergoing it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>New or progressive neurological deficits: weakness, loss of sensation, gait disturbance, <b>incontinence<\/b> or \u201csaddle\u201d anaesthesia.<\/li>\n<li>Sudden, severe neck pain associated with a severe headache, <b>severe dizziness<\/b>, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing.<\/li>\n<li>Chest pain, shortness of breath or focal neurological symptoms of acute onset.<\/li>\n<li>Fever, chills, night-time pain that does not improve with rest, or a history of <b>cancer<\/b>, active infection, recent trauma or unexplained weight loss.<\/li>\n<li><b>Contraindications<\/b> or high risk: severe osteoporosis, use of anticoagulants, suspected fracture, cervical instability, spinal neoplasm or infection, myelopathy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Regulacion_y_formacion_en_quiropractica_como_verificar_credenciales_y_elegir_un_profesional_cualificado\"><\/span>Regulation and training in chiropractic: how to check credentials and choose a qualified practitioner<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Regulations governing chiropractic vary between countries and regions. Before booking an appointment, check whether there is a requirement in your jurisdiction to <b>licence or registration<\/b> and check the official directory of the health authority or the professional body. Check that the practitioner holds a specific university degree in chiropractic awarded by an institution accredited by recognised bodies (e.g., <b>accreditation<\/b> (such as the Council on Chiropractic Education or its regional equivalent), and confirm the legal scope of your local practice (permitted techniques, requests for imaging, referrals).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Valid licence\/registration<\/b> and a verifiable number from an official source; please also check <b>disciplinary history<\/b> public.<\/li>\n<li>Qualification and <b>continuing professional development<\/b> documented; avoid practices that lack recognised formal training.<\/li>\n<li>Clarity on <b>informed consent<\/b>, instructions and <b>contraindications<\/b> (e.g. fractures, infection, acute neurological deficits, severe osteoporosis or anticoagulation without assessment).<\/li>\n<li>Use imaging tests judiciously, only when clinically indicated; be wary of routine X-rays.<\/li>\n<li><b>Professional indemnity insurance<\/b> current legislation and data privacy policies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The clinical criteria for making a choice include a comprehensive assessment (medical history, neurological and orthopaedic examination), an explanation of plausible risks and alternatives, realistic objectives, and regular review of progress. Signs of good practice include interprofessional communication where appropriate, and a willingness to <b>to derive<\/b> If there are any warning signs, ensure transparency regarding the estimated frequency and duration, and avoid fixed-price packages or promises of specific results.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Qu\u00e9 es la quiropr\u00e1ctica y cu\u00e1l es su enfoque sanitario actual: definici\u00f3n clara y papel en el cuidado musculoesquel\u00e9tico Definici\u00f3n y alcance La quiropr\u00e1ctica es una profesi\u00f3n sanitaria centrada en la evaluaci\u00f3n, el diagn\u00f3stico y el manejo de alteraciones mec\u00e1nicas del sistema neuromusculoesquel\u00e9tico, con especial atenci\u00f3n a la columna vertebral y a las articulaciones relacionadas. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5072,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-educacion-quiropractica"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5071","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5071"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5071\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5071"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5071"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saludquiropractica.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5071"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}