Chiropractic medicine has become a popular form of health care for adults, and children alike. Often, patients see their chiropractor for lower back pain, whiplash, migraine headaches, neck pain, and any other aches and pains they may experience on a regular basis. If someone has muscular tightness, caused by a sports injury or other cause, that can also affect the chiropractic adjustments. Making small adjustments in the patient’s body over time can really have a deeper impact when the entire body is in a relaxed, or parasympathetic, state.
Because of the nature of Chiropractic, patients usually feel immediate relief after their first visit. The reason for this is the fact that chiropractic is not a surgical treatment. Rather, it is a non-surgical method for adjusting the spine, which is accompanied by massage therapy, physical therapy, nutritional advice, and an appropriate diet and lifestyle modification program. A medical doctor is not involved until the patient has fully been examined and agrees to undergo treatments.
One of the most common methods of chiropractic treatment involves spinal manipulation, also called subluxation. Spinal manipulation occurs when spinal bones and discs are put back into a more balanced position. This results in decreased pain, mobility improvement, and overall wellness. Spinal manipulation can be done by a chiropractor and can even be done at the office if the patient does not feel comfortable having him do it. However, many people prefer to have their own chiropractor because it gives them more control.
During your first visit, you will likely be asked about your symptoms. Chiropractors use diagnostic imaging devices to examine your spine and identify where problems may be present. The tests can include x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The diagnostic tests are designed to help the chiropractor identify areas that need manipulation or adjustments. The first visit should last no longer than two hours but usually takes much less time than that.
Many people are hesitant to have chiropractic care because they think it may be painful. In fact, it can be quite gentle. The methods used are non-invasive and do not require any kind of surgery. During your first appointment, the chiropractor may ask you to lie on your back and have your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. He will then use his hands to realign your spine and to reach out to target pain points along the spine. By realigning the spine, it can reduce stress on the discs and spine, which can cause pinched nerves, back pain, and low back pain.
Most chiropractors use a slow steady pressure as they manipulate the joints in order to realign them. This is done by gently pulling on each joint, but applying a greater pressure than is normally used when a patient has a traditional chiropractic treatment. As the chiropractor realigns your spine, he will adjust the alignment of your vertebrae and nearby joints. He may also recommend using cold or warm compression to reduce swelling and to improve the circulation around the joints and muscles.
Many chiropractors recommend that their patients also undergo a battery of tests before starting spinal manipulation and other treatments. These tests include blood work, urine tests, allergy tests, and x-rays. Once the tests reveal that your symptoms are actually caused by neurological problems rather than by low back pain or other conditions, your chiropractor will likely recommend treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and natural supplements.
If you decide to pursue spinal manipulations and other treatments, make sure you find a chiropractor who treats your specific condition. Chiropractors differ in how they realign the spine. Some treat spinal manipulations like traditional medicine, while others prefer the non-surgical approach. A chiropractor can also help you learn how to prevent future injuries and correct problems before they become worse. When it comes to the treatment of injury and pain, a chiropractor is the best person for the job!