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Chiropractic Basics
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Are you suffering from back pain or sore joints? Your posture and physical activity routine could be to blame, but there are several natural, non-invasive treatments that can help restore your body to good health. Chiropractic medicine involves the manipulation of the spinal column to correct health problems and reduce pressure and stress in certain areas of the body. Because the nervous system is directly linked to the health and positioning of the spinal column, individuals who experience excessive pain, discomfort, anxiety and even depression can see a chiropractor to have their spinal column adjusted.
What is Chiropractic Care?
The American Chiropractic Association defines Chiropractic as a “health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and the effects of these disorders on general health.” These disorders and health problems can range from excessive upper and lower back pain, neck pain, joint pain, or tension headaches and migraines.
Chiropractors are trained to conduct several diagnostic tests with different instruments, and may be directly involved in performing highly-targeted massage treatments, manually adjusting the spinal column, and recommending a nutritional program for patients.
Why See a Chiropractor?
Many people visit a chiropractor after an accident or severe injury that has left them with excessive muscle and joint pain, or postural problems. However, anyone can benefit from seeing a chiropractor as a preventative health measure. Chiropractors use natural and alternative medicinal approaches to correcting and preventing a variety of health problems including chronic depression and pain, arthritis, osteoporosis, sports injuries and headaches.
Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct subluxations, the areas of the spine that have become misaligned and are triggering distorted nerve pulses to the brain and other parts of the body. Chiropractic doctors typically use their hands, X-rays and other instruments to feel the bones and locate the subluxations. By applying a variety of adjustment techniques, the chiropractic doctor can reposition the spinal column and effectively reduce pain and other symptoms of a poorly functioning nervous system.
You may need to see a chiropractor if you are:
- In good health but want to improve overall well-being and reduce your risk of pain or health problems from postural problems
- Experiencing painful neck, back and joint pain on a regular basis
- Looking for drug-free therapies and treatments for managing pain
- Recovering from sports injuries, an auto accident or other significant injury and want to pursue natural restorative methods
Chiropractic Treatment Options
Every chiropractor uses a variety of hands-on procedures and techniques to restore structural functioning; there are almost 60 different adjustments a chiropractor can perform to mobilize and manipulate the joints and tissues, and hundreds of ways to adjust the spine. Some of the most common techniques and treatment options available include:
- Bio-Energetic Synchronization Technique – focuses on reducing blocked energy in the body and restoring the central nervous system
- Gonstead Technique – the analysis of the spine with X-rays
- Cox Flexion Distraction – stretching of the spine to correct lower back pain
- Logan Base Technique – applying pressure at the base of the spine to correct the entire spinal column
- Motion Palpitation – applying pressure to the joints while they are moving to determine where the problem is
- Thompson Terminal Point – a spinal adjustment technique that takes place on a drop table
Many chiropractors offer a complimentary or discounted spinal analysis for new patients, and can help you design a natural, highly effective treatment plan for managing chronic pain and some diseases. Contact a chiropractor in your area to set up your private consultation.
Published: 02/27/2009, Last Updated: 02/27/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.
Related Subjects and Keywords: chiropractic chiropractic basics chiropractor chiropactic doctor chiropractor doctor chiropractic treatments
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