Chiropractic care is a healthcare method that helps supporting the natural ability of the body to heal itself, through effective bone manipulation and mobilization techniques. The term comes from the Greek words “chiros”, which means hand, and “praxis”, which means practice, indicating a treatment done by hand.
The main reason why people seek out a chiropractor for is the alleviation of various types pain. Back pain is the most frequent ailment that determines patients to try chiropractic care. Other conditions caused by the misalignment of various body parts include muscle spasm, inflammation, restricted movement in joints, irritations of the nervous system and a predisposition to degenerative conditions. Apparently, such treatments are successful in treating migraine, neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders.
Chiropractors use either their hands or a special device to apply controlled pressure onto a joint. This force generates a load that helps the bones get realigned, the result being the relief of the pain caused by such a misalignment. Spinal manipulation is the most frequent technique used by chiropractic care professionals. A chiropractic consultation usually start with a thorough assessment of the spine, with the purpose of spotting areas of potential subluxation. A subtle joint shift can correct such problems, thus leading to the disappearance of their associated symptoms.
As not all techniques fit all patients, there are many different chiropractic methods and procedures such as traditional manipulation and low force techniques. Trained professionals are able to determine the most suitable method for each patient, taking into consideration the specific details of each case and the medical history of each individual that seeks help.
The central idea of the chiropractic science is that our body is controlled by our nervous system. We are able to function properly thanks to our brain, spinal cord and nerves. The spinal cord has multiple exit points for the nerves. This makes it an extremely important organ, as even a slight displacement of a bone may result in a pressure applied on one of these nerves. This pressure may affect the natural transmission of the information through the nerve, thus affective the corresponding function. Additionally, pinched nerves can be extremely painful, rendering the patient unable to cope with regular daily tasks. Even walking and sitting can become impossible, thus resulting in a severe deterioration of the quality of life. The main purpose of chiropractic adjustments is to gently push the bones back into their normal positions, thus eliminating the pressure on the nearby nerves.
Chiropractors may combine spinal adjustments with several other techniques such as electrical stimulation, heat or ice applications, relaxation techniques and general health and nutrition counseling.
Safety is the main concern in chiropractic care. Scientists focus on developing and conducting studies for the assessment of possible side effects of this controversial technique. So far, the most common side effects of this practice include headaches, tiredness and local discomfort.
If you want to know if chiropractic care can help you, book a consultation with an expert and make sure you understand all implications of this treatment before giving it a try.