What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a professional who uses hands-on spinal manipulation techniques and other alternative treatments to relieve pain and stress. A professional chiropractor has an undergraduate degree and 4 years of practice in chiropractic college. Chiropractors use the manipulation technique to restore the mobility of joints which was restricted by tissue injury which could be caused by any trauma like fall from height, repeated physical or mental stress, bad posture for a longer duration of time etc.
Why chiropractic treatment is used?
Chiropractic treatment is majorly used for pain relief. It as an alternative treatment to relieve pain related to muscles, joint, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons etc. The whole theory is that by proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure and specifically the spine, the body will heal itself without the requirement of any surgery or medication. Sometimes this treatment form is used as is and other times it is used in conjugation with other modes of conventional medical treatment.
Chiropractor care is a popular method of pain relief. Around 22 million American population visit chiropractors annually. Among these 22 million people, 35% people visit chiropractors for the purpose of relief from some sort of pain and predominantly back pain.
A professional chiropractor will first take the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination with some lab tests and diagnostic imaging to see if the patient is even fit for chiropractic care or not. If the patient is fit then the chiropractor will proceed with the chiropractic treatment. The whole treatment plan may involve manual adjustment of joints by using controlled and abrupt application of force to improve range and quality of joint motion. A chiropractor incorporates exercise, nutritional plan and rehabilitative techniques along with chiropractic care. The goal of a chiropractor is to restore the function and prevention of injury in addition to pain relief.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care?
Chiropractic treatment is generally considered a safe and effective treatment for lower back pain. Research has also proven that chiropractic care is beneficial in treating neck spasm and pain, headaches. Pain related to osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may also respond to chiropractic treatment. But, people with these medical conditions or history of cancer should first get clearance from their medical doctor for spinal manipulation and chiropractic treatment.
The chiropractic treatment is beneficial only if the diagnosis is accurate for back pain. This is why you should seek a professional chiropractor with good qualification and practice who takes your complete medical history, talks about your ongoing medical conditions, current medication you are taking, history of trauma or any surgery and even lifestyle factors that may contribute to your on-going pain. Overall, if you are planning on going to see a chiropractor for your back pain then you should get clearance from your medical doctor and do proper research for a good chiropractor.
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