What is chiropractic? A complete guide
Chiropractic is a discipline focused on the relationship between the spine, the nervous system and overall body function. The chiropractor assesses how your spine moves and, through precise manual spinal adjustments, works to restore joint mobility so the body can move more freely.
How the World Health Organization defines chiropractic
According to the WHO, in its international guidelines on basic training and safety in chiropractic (2005):
"Chiropractic is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health."
Important — note for Spain: This definition reflects the WHO's international framework. In Spain chiropractic is legal and has been practised for more than four decades, but it is not currently recognised as an official healthcare profession. Every AEQ member holds a university-level degree accredited by the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE), a standard equivalent to that of countries where the profession is formally regulated.
The spine and the nervous system
The spine protects the spinal cord, the channel through which nerve signals travel from the brain to every organ and muscle in the body. In the chiropractic model, when a vertebra loses its normal mobility or alignment (what chiropractic calls a vertebral subluxation), the function of that area of the spine can be affected.
What is a vertebral subluxation?
In chiropractic, a vertebral subluxation describes a spinal joint dysfunction with loss of the normal mobility or alignment of one or more vertebrae.
Main causes of subluxation
- 1 Physical trauma (falls, traffic accidents, sports injuries)
- 2 Sustained poor posture (desk work, phone use)
- 3 Emotional stress and chronic muscle tension
- 4 Sedentary lifestyle
The chiropractic adjustment
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific, controlled manual technique directed to a particular spinal joint, aimed at restoring its normal mobility and alignment. Robert Pujol applies precisely the right force in the right vector for each patient.
What is the popping sound?
The popping sound that sometimes occurs during an adjustment (cavitation) is the release of nitrogen gas inside the joint as it returns to its normal space. It is harmless and does not always happen.
Training and qualifications
An AEQ-member chiropractor has completed between 5 and 6 years of specific university training, with more than 5,500 hours of study.
About me, in Barcelona
Chiropractic in Spain
In Spain, chiropractic is legal and has more than four decades of clinical practice behind it. The Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ), founded in 1986, requires its members to hold a university-level degree recognised by the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE). Robert Pujol is a registered member of the AEQ.
Looking for a chiropractor outside Barcelona? Quiropractica.com lists chiropractors across Spain with their training, techniques and patient reviews.
What to expect on your first visit
On the first visit, Robert carries out a detailed case history and a full postural and orthopaedic assessment. If chiropractic is suitable for your situation, he will explain the findings and the proposed care plan before applying any adjustment. If your case calls for a different kind of attention, he will refer you to the right specialist.
Professional associations
FAQs about chiropractic
It depends on the person. On the first visit we assess your case and propose a personalised plan, which we review with you every few sessions to fit how you are progressing.
Adjustments have a favourable safety profile when delivered by a university-trained chiropractor. Robert Pujol is an AEQ member with training recognised by the European Council on Chiropractic Education, and he reviews your health history for contraindications before any adjustment.
Generally no. Some patients feel mild pressure or immediate relief. If there is acute inflammation, you may notice some short-lived sensitivity, which Robert manages by adapting the technique.
