Chiropractic is the science, art, and philosophy of locating and correcting vertebral subluxations and maintaining the health of the spine as close to its normal state as possible. Chiropractors recognize that the human body operates best with proper biomechanics and neurologic function and therefore seek to correct subluxations for the purpose of optimized human potential.

2. Chiropractic care is beneficial for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It is suitable for newborn babies, seniors, professional athletes, office workers, and everyone in between. Whether you're seeking overall wellness, relief from pain, or improved mobility, chiropractic care at Back2Balance can be beneficial for you.

A subluxation refers to a slightly altered position of a vertebra in the spine that results in restricted mobility of that vertebra. Restricted joint mobility leads to degenerative changes of the joint as well as nerve irritation and adverse effects on the nervous system. Chiropractic is the specialized field of healthcare that identifies and corrects subluxations to restore optimal spinal function.

The longer subluxations are present, the more irreversible the degenerative changes become. Degenerative changes may lead to a variety of health consequences including herniated discs and neurologic complications. All these factors decrease your health potential and your quality of life.

Subluxations can occur due to various factors, including poor posture, repetitive motions, physical trauma, stress, and lifestyle habits. These factors can disrupt the natural alignment of the spine and lead to subluxations.

The only way to know if you have subluxations is to have your spine evaluated by a licensed chiropractor. Since subluxations often present without any noticeable symptom, a chiropractic evaluation will assess objective factors like vertebral motion, posture, neurologic signaling, and structural assessments involving diagnostic imaging (X-ray, CT scan, MRI). Many people wait to get evaluated only when symptoms appear, but at that point subluxations have likely been present for months, years or even decades. This is why at Back2Balance we recommend that everyone gets their spine checked even if they are symptom-free.

An adjustment is a precise manual procedure performed by a chiropractor to correct subluxations. It involves applying controlled force to the affected vertebrae, restoring proper alignment and mobility. Adjustments are safe, effective, and tailored to each individual's specific needs. At Back2Balance, we use a variety of chiropractic adjusting techniques. Adjustments may also be applied to other areas of the body like shoulders, wrists, or knees.

Our first priority is always your safety. Chiropractic care is considered safe when performed by a qualified and licensed chiropractor. Chiropractors undergo extensive training to ensure the safe and effective delivery of care. We consider your unique health history, perform thorough examinations, and use appropriate techniques to minimize any potential risks.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in managing various musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint issues. Many patients also report improvements in overall well-being, mobility, and function. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of chiropractic care, and it is considered a valuable approach to promoting optimal health. Most of our patients choose to continue chiropractic care long after their symptoms are gone due to the preventative effects of ongoing care.

We make it our priority that your adjustments are specific to your needs, although a plan of care will be very similar in most cases. The nature of the healing process in general mandates that we follow a process to allow the body to adapt and improve. We consider factors such as your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, and personal health goals. Plans are individualized based on the adjustment technique, the location adjustments are performed to the spine, the types of corrective exercises applied, lifestyle recommendations, and in certain situations, supplementation, or referral for other complementary therapies to address specific conditions.

Check out the detailed “Visit Map” on our site. This explains exactly what happens on your first and subsequent visits at Back2Balance.

We base our initial recommendations on the basic principles of adaptation and healing. It is normal in the initial phase of care to be checked more frequently (often 2-4 visits per week) with a gradual increase in the interval between visits. The length of time and the visit frequency are dependent on the results of the evaluation, your health history, and your goals.

The structures and tissues of the spine adapt to certain patterns over time, especially in chronic conditions. By introducing a higher frequency of visits initially, we are able to alter those patterns and establish healthier alignment and movement habits.

Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training. Most courses for licensed chiropractors in Europe include a minimum of a four-year Chiropractic degree program. The standards are more rigorous in the United States and Canada with higher minimum standards of a 4-year undergraduate degree followed by a 4-year Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. Their education includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, radiology, diagnosis, chiropractic techniques, and clinical practice. Chiropractors are also required to pass licensing exams to practice professionally. Click here to learn about the education of the chiropractors at Back2Balance.

Yes, chiropractic care is safe and beneficial for pregnant women. Pregnancy can cause changes in the spine and pelvis, leading to discomfort and potential complications. Chiropractors trained in prenatal care can provide gentle and effective adjustments to alleviate pregnancy-related pain, improve pelvic alignment, and support overall well-being during this important time. We use a specialized technique with pregnant mothers known as Webster’s. This has been shown to assist in the positioning of the baby to allow for a proper birth.

Absolutely. Children can benefit from chiropractic care as they grow and develop. Chiropractic adjustments for children are gentle, safe, and specifically tailored to their age and size. Chiropractors can address common childhood issues such as colic, ear infections, bedwetting, and musculoskeletal conditions. Early chiropractic care can contribute to the overall health and well-being of children.

Surely! Just ask our staff about setting up your first consultation to include your kids/husband/wife.

In most cases, individuals who have undergone spinal surgery can still receive chiropractic care. However, it is essential to inform your chiropractor about your surgical history and provide relevant medical records. We will adapt our techniques and approach to ensure safe and appropriate care based on your specific needs and surgical considerations.

In Portugal, chiropractic is regulated by the Entidade Reguladora da Saúde (ERS). ERS ensures that chiropractors meet the necessary qualifications and adhere to professional standards to provide safe and effective care.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the Clinic directly through our usual contact details (see contact page), send an email to: geral@back2balance.pt or fill out the contact form available on this website and ask your questions .