What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a discipline focused on the care of the spine and the nervous system, recognised as a healthcare profession by the World Health Organization (WHO) in over 90 countries, though it is not yet regulated as a registered healthcare profession in Spain. Through specific manual vertebral adjustments, the chiropractor helps correct biomechanical dysfunctions (known as subluxations) that interfere with the body's nerve communication, supporting its natural ability to self-regulate and recover without resorting to medication or surgery. At Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona, Dr. Puig applies this discipline with over a decade of experience and 6 specialised techniques.
WHO definition
Chiropractic is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health.
The situation in Spain: Chiropractic is a profession lawfully practised in Spain, though it is not yet regulated as a registered healthcare profession.
The spine and the nervous system
Your spine is not just the structural axis of your body: it is the motorway along which all the information travels between your brain and every organ, muscle and cell. The nervous system, protected by the vertebrae, controls and coordinates every bodily function: digestion, movement, the immune response.
When the spine works properly, nerve signals flow without interference. But when one or several vertebrae lose their normal alignment or mobility, that communication can be compromised. The chiropractor focuses precisely on detecting and correcting those dysfunctions so that your nervous system can work optimally.
What is a vertebral subluxation?
A vertebral subluxation is a joint dysfunction in which a vertebra loses its normal position or mobility, creating interference in the nervous system. This interference can affect communication between the brain and the body, influencing the function of organs, muscles and tissues. At Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona, Dr. Puig locates and corrects subluxations through specific adjustments using the technique best suited to each case.
Three main causes of subluxation
- 1 Physical stress: trauma, poor posture, repetitive movements, sedentary lifestyle, intense sport, falls or even the birth process itself.
- 2 Chemical stress: poor diet, dehydration, exposure to toxins, prolonged medication or hormonal imbalances.
- 3 Emotional stress: anxiety, sustained tension, chronic worry or lack of rest, which lead to muscle tightness and spinal stiffness.
The chiropractic adjustment
The chiropractic adjustment is a precise manual movement, of high velocity and low amplitude, applied to a specific spinal joint. It is not about brute force: it is a refined technique that takes years of university training to master.
The aim of the adjustment is to restore the mobility and normal position of the vertebra, releasing pressure on the surrounding nerves. This allows the nervous system to get back to working without interference.
Every adjustment is tailored to the person: adjusting an adult athlete is not the same as adjusting an expectant mother or a newborn. At Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona, Dr. Puig is skilled in 6 techniques (SOT, Diversified, Gonstead, Thompson, Cox Flexion-Distraction and Activator Method), which means he can pick the most suitable approach after a full functional assessment.
What is the "crack" sound during an adjustment?
The "crack" sound you sometimes hear during a chiropractic adjustment is completely normal and harmless. It is produced by the release of small gas bubbles (carbon dioxide) inside the joint capsule, a phenomenon called cavitation. It is not bone on bone and it does not indicate any damage. Many adjustments, in fact, produce no sound at all, particularly with low-force techniques such as Activator Method or SOT.
Training and qualifications of a chiropractor
A chiropractor who is an AEQ member has completed 5 to 6 years of specific university training, with more than 5,500 academic hours covering anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neurology and adjustment techniques.
Our team in Estepona
- → José María Puig Sobrino, Doctor of Chiropractic. Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.). AEQ member (#1036). Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT) specialist. Activator Method certified. Gonstead Technique. Cox Flexion-Distraction. Member of Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ).
Chiropractic in Spain
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises chiropractic as a healthcare profession in over 90 countries. In Spain, however, chiropractic is a lawful practice that is not yet regulated as a registered healthcare profession. This makes it especially important to know who to turn to.
The Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ), founded in 1986, brings together only graduates in chiropractic whose university qualification is recognised by the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE). It currently has more than 430 members across Spain.
AEQ membership is your guarantee that the professional looking after you has completed the 5 to 6 years of university training set out by the WHO international standards. Dr. José María Puig Sobrino is an AEQ member (registered #1036). Before choosing a chiropractor, always check that they are an AEQ member.
What to expect on your first visit
On your first visit to Centro Quiropráctico Puig in Estepona, Dr. Puig will carry out a full functional assessment: a conversation about your health history, a physical examination of the spine and specific tests to detect vertebral subluxations. With all this information, you will get a clear explanation of what we have found and a personalised care plan. If appropriate, the first chiropractic adjustment will be carried out in that same session. The whole visit lasts roughly 45 to 60 minutes. To book your first appointment, call 952 791 996.
Professional associations and bodies
Frequently asked questions about chiropractic
Chiropractic is a discipline focused on the care of the spine and the nervous system. Through specific vertebral adjustments, the chiropractor helps correct biomechanical dysfunctions that interfere with the body's nerve communication, supporting its natural ability to self-regulate without medication or surgery. The WHO recognises it as a healthcare profession in over 90 countries.
Yes. When carried out by a qualified professional with university training, chiropractic is one of the manual disciplines with the best safety profile. Adjustments are tailored to each person, because adjusting an adult is not the same as adjusting a baby or an expectant mother. Always check that your chiropractor is an AEQ member.
Chiropractic is legal in Spain, though it is not yet regulated as a registered healthcare profession. The WHO recognises it in over 90 countries. In Spain, the Spanish Chiropractic Association (AEQ) brings together only professionals with university qualifications recognised by the European Council on Chiropractic Education. Dr. Puig is an AEQ member (#1036).
A chiropractor who is an AEQ member has completed 5 to 6 years of specific university training (more than 5,500 teaching hours), including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neurology and adjustment techniques. This training is delivered at universities recognised by the European Council on Chiropractic Education.
It is a precise manual movement, of high velocity and low amplitude, applied to a specific vertebra or joint. Its aim is to restore normal mobility and position, releasing pressure on the nerves. It does not call for excessive force: it is a refined technique that the chiropractor adapts to the age and condition of each patient.
It is a joint dysfunction in which a vertebra loses its normal position or mobility, interfering with the nervous system. It can be caused by physical stress (poor posture, trauma), chemical stress (diet, toxins) or emotional stress (anxiety, tension). The chiropractor detects and corrects subluxations through specific adjustments.
Generally no. The adjustment is a precise, controlled movement. You may feel a momentary pressure and hear a "crack": it is gas being released in the joint, completely normal and harmless. After the adjustment, some people feel a slight sensation similar to that of after exercise, which fades within a few hours.
Many vertebral subluxations do not cause pain to begin with, but they can still affect the way your nervous system works. Just as you visit the dentist without being in pain, preventative chiropractic care helps keep your spine and nervous system in good shape before symptoms appear.
