The musculoskeletal system includes all the muscles, joints, and ligaments that support the skeleton. It also consists of the bones and cartilage that form a protective sheath around each joint. The spine is the most complex part of the musculoskeletal system. It consists of a series of bones (vertebrae) that link together to form a flexible column of support for the upper body. The disks between each vertebra act as shock absorbers, allowing the spine to bend and twist while providing stability.
When the spine becomes misaligned, it may pressure spinal joints or irritate them. This can lead to severe health complications. Several treatments are available for back pain, but many are either too expensive or too invasive. Alternative therapies provide a more natural solution. The field of chiropractic was developed to provide a holistic solution to many health problems that previously required numerous prescriptions and surgeries. Here we will discuss chiropractic care and how it can benefit patients.
What is Chiropractic Care?
Misaligned vertebrae can cause physical pain and other nagging symptoms that are difficult to treat with medical care alone. Chiropractic care is an alternative medicine focusing on the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. It treats physical ailments by correcting misalignments in the spinal column and joints. This affects blood flow, nerve response, muscle tension, and overall health. A chiropractor uses nonsurgical procedures to realign the spine and treat various conditions. Chiropractic or spinal adjustment is the most common treatment used in chiropractic care.
How Does Chiropractic Care Work?
Chiropractors have unique skills in using their hands to treat back pain. They use the same skills and techniques as a doctor for other medical issues. In chiropractic care, spinal adjustments are applied to correct vertebrae misalignments, correct subluxations of the spine that may be causing pain, or reposition the spine to improve alignment. They can manipulate the spine by using gentle pressure and a hand-held device. This is done in a similar but safer manner than that of an osteopath or massage therapist. Chiropractic adjustments work to remove joint blockages and restore nerve flow to the affected areas.
Common Chiropractic Adjustment Techniques
The Gonstead technique is a hands-on approach focusing on treating the vertebrae and spinal joints. The patient lies on their side while the chiropractor applies pressure to the affected vertebrae. The Activator technique uses an activator tool instead of manual manipulation. The device is placed directly on the misaligned vertebra and then moved slightly in a rocking motion. This corrects any misalignments and reduces pressure on surrounding nerves. The Thompson technique is another hands-on approach. During this procedure, the doctor places a hand on each side of the spinal column and gently applies pressure to alleviate issues. The diversified technique uses a combination of different adjustment tools. This is one of the most common adjustment techniques. It can be used on all patients regardless of age or health.
Conditions Treated with Chiropractic Care
There are several conditions that chiropractic adjustment has been shown to treat or alleviate. Patients with subluxation of the spine are often treated with chiropractic care. The most common subluxations are caused by poor posture, injury, or arthritis. Patients with sciatica and osteoarthritis have also benefited from chiropractic adjustments. These conditions are often caused by the spine misaligning, putting pressure on nerves and joints. The treatment can help eliminate the pain associated with back pain and restore proper nerve function. Patients who suffer from spinal injuries, degenerative joint diseases, or rheumatic diseases have also been helped by gentle adjustments.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic treatment is not invasive. The treatment does not involve drugs or surgery but relies on muscle manipulation, gentle pressure, and machines that help adjust the spine. This makes chiropractic care an ideal form of alternative treatment. The treatment also has a low rate of severe side effects. Most patients experience no complications or reactions when they undergo chiropractic care. The treatment is safe and can be used on all patients, including pregnant women. Unlike prescription drugs, chiropractic care does not have harsh interactions with other medications that could harm the patient’s health.
Who is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a medical doctor who has completed specialized training in the field of chiropractic. They must also be licensed by the appropriate state board to practice medicine in that state. They have studied anatomy and physiology, as well as techniques for diagnosing and treating patients with ailments. A chiropractor can order x-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests to determine the cause of a patient’s pain. They can perform basic physical therapy and prescribe medications when necessary. Some chiropractors are also specially trained in postural corrections.
When to Visit a Chiropractor
The decision to seek chiropractic treatment should be taken lightly or rushed. Patients suffering from back pain should seek professional advice to avoid further damage to their bodies or health. Back pain can be caused by weak muscles and increases the risk for other health conditions, including osteoporosis. By improving the health of the spine and nervous system, chiropractic care can help reduce damage to the bones and soft tissue. A regular chiropractic adjustment can help ease pain and prevent further injury by restoring proper alignment and motion. Patients should contact their local chiropractor for an evaluation as soon as possible to avoid additional damage. A skilled chiropractor can determine whether or not a patient needs treatment, diagnose the cause of their pain, and recommend the appropriate treatment.
How to Prepare for an Exam
Bring copies of all x-rays, MRI scans, and other imaging scans to the appointment. The amount of information that is necessary depends on the condition you are seeking treatment for. If you have a history or injury that may cause pain in the lower back, bring it along for the initial visit. If other treatments are not working, bring the health records or notes to help the doctor understand your general health status and treatment history.
What to Expect During a Chiropractic Checkup
Arrive on time for your appointment with the chiropractor. This will give you and your chiropractor enough time to complete a full evaluation. Before the examination begins, remove your shoes and loosen any tight clothing. This will allow for easy access during the exam process. The first part of the visit is generally a consultation. The doctor may ask questions regarding your health history and any pain or discomfort you are experiencing. During the consultation, they will evaluate every part of your body for signs of injury or poor health. The chiropractor will then place you on a table in specific positions for treatment. You may hear popping noises or feel gentle pressure during the treatment.
What to do After The Procedure
After the procedure, many patients experience some level of discomfort. It is normal to feel lightheaded or weak after a treatment. Patients should avoid driving or performing other physical activities to allow their bodies enough time to adjust. Patients should also avoid strenuous activity for up to 24 hours after treatment. Any pain you experience after your therapy should subside quickly. Contact your chiropractor’s office immediately if you experience any swelling or unusual pain. Patients can expect improvement within days or weeks after their first treatment. The time it takes to work will depend on the patient’s overall health and the condition being treated.
Regular chiropractic adjustments have been used for hundreds of years by the medical profession to treat a variety of conditions. The cost is significantly less than conventional medical treatments. You can expect a positive experience in every session. Chiropractors are trained to maximize results by analyzing the patient’s problem and determining the best treatment method. The treatments may be uncomfortable, but most patients find the results more than worth it compared to drugs with harmful side effects or surgery offering little or no benefit. Contact us today to get started.
