Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment consists of many possible
alternative remedies
for common health concerns. A
chiropractor
is usually a knowledgeable and diversified healer who will use any number of methods to heal a patient’s complaints, as well as creating a state of optimum general health. The main treatment method used by most chiropractors is manual
spinal adjustments.
Chiropractic embodies the philosophy that given the right circumstances, the body can heal itself of most disease and injury. Additionally, chiropractic firmly supports the prevention of disease and injury, as well as promoting overall wellness, through the use of regular vertebral adjustments.
Chiropractic Treatment Adjustments
All chiropractors have individual styles and use different techniques to perform their spinal adjustments. The style can range from extremely tender to almost brutally aggressive. Chiropractors claim that these spinal adjustments correct nerve problems and encourage proper energy flow throughout the
spine.
Many patients respond very well to chiropractic adjustments and report good, but temporary results. A few patients have adverse reactions to adjustment therapy, ranging from pain to fear to actual and verifiable injury. In extremely rare cases, spinal adjustments have been associated with strokes.
Chiropractic Treatment Regimen
Most chiropractors will start with a verbal consultation. A thorough patient health history will be taken, as well as specific information about the current pain or complaint. Some chiropractors will take x-rays to determine if chiropractic methods will be useful and safe for the patient. It is common for chiropractors to use
heat or ice
prior to treatment. This will make the muscles respond better to the adjustment and increase the effectiveness of the manipulation. Some doctors of chiropractic offer
massage
or
hydrotherapy
after a spinal manipulation to help the muscles relax and the adjustment to “set in”. TENS is another popular add-on therapy before or after chiropractic manipulation.
Recommendation on Chiropractic Treatment
Some patients find chiropractic adjustments a pleasurable and relaxing experience. Others are nervous and find the adjustments uncomfortable or even painful. If the doctor reassures the patient and explains the entire process to them, most patients will look forward to their next chiropractic session. I generally liked the feeling of most adjustments and occasionally I did experience instant release of muscular tension. I also had a few really bad experiences, including an adjustment by one of my best chiropractors that actually landed me in the hospital a few hours later with unbelievable
back spasms.
Do not fool yourself… It is possible to be injured by a chiropractor.
Be careful with chiropractic. The system has shown excellent results for back pain, but it is not for every patient or condition. Personally, I think that the
placebo effect
is responsible for much of the relief experienced by an average patient who enters extended chiropractic care. Be especially careful about entering into long-term treatment. Remember, focus on health and you WILL likely be healthy. Focus on suffering, treatment and pursuing temporary relief, and you will likely remain in pain.
Chiropractic Treatment to Back Pain
12/28/06 Revised 2/1/12
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