What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a form of therapy that is based on the understanding that good health is hugely dependent on the normal functioning of the nervous system, with the spine and nerves extending to all parts of the body. Chiropractors or chiropractic doctors help realign the spine that interferes with the nerve signals that were transmitted by the brain.
Chiropractic emphasizes greatly on the innate ability of the human body to naturally heal itself. Typically, a chiropractic treatment session involves manual therapy that often includes spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation aims to improve the mechanical function of the person and reduce pain.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
The manual methods used by chiropractors range from stretching and sustained pressure to specific joint manipulations, which are delivered usually by hand and involve a gentle and quick thrust. The purpose of these manipulations is to improve the range of motion of the joints and their function. The manipulations are most commonly performed on the spine, but it can also be used to treat other parts of the body. Oftentimes, chiropractors offer to treat problems related to the musculoskeletal system.
Chiropractors put a huge emphasis on nutritional and exercise programmes, including advice on lifestyle modifications, as they believe that the human body is a self regulating organism with an innate potential of becoming healthy.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic?
Generally, spinal manipulation and chiropractic is considered a safe, effective treatment for lower back pain. The benefits of this form of therapy extend far beyond improving alignment and physical health as it helps enhance overall wellbeing. As as well as restoring the body's natural ability to heal itself, it works on all sorts of conditions that cause pain such as the following:
- Leg pain (sciatica)
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Repetitive strains
- Sports-related injuries
- Injuries from accidents
- Arthritic pain
- Knee pain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylosis
What Can You Expect From Chiropractic?
After taking a case history of the patient, the chiropractor examines the spine to identify any underlying injuries, accidents, or tension that might be the cause of irritation to the roots of the spinal nerves. By reducing or eliminating this irritation, the body will start to operate more comfortably and more efficiently. The chiropractor may also refer using x-rays, massage, or physiotherapy to the patient if it is considered to be necessary for the treatment.
The patient is advised to wear loose-fitting clothing with thin, lightweight fabric so that the therapist can feel and manipulate their spine. The treatments are typically performed on a special chiropractic table. The length and frequency of the treatment will vary depending on the degree of severity presented on the problem.
Is Chiropractic Safe?
Chiropractic care is safe and doesn't pose any negative effects. You may feel sore in certain parts of the body and a slight headache for a couple of days after the treatment, as your body reacts to the adjustments made to it. However, this shouldn't be a cause of worry.