"Chiropractic is not designed to instantly make you feel better, it is designed to make you instantly heal better." - Unknown
Introduction | Chiropractic Care? | How Does It Work? | Who Is It For? | Conditions | Benefits | Risks | Visit Frequency | Final Thoughts | Takeaway Points | References | Disclaimer
Introduction
Chiropractic, which comes from Greek and means done by hand, was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He was the first healer to educate a new generation of chiropractors, who later popularized his practices. Chiropractic and its treatments have been available to modern humanity for quite a while, even though the availability of chiropractic care differs per country. Nowadays, there are more than 100,000 chiropractors worldwide[1]. The USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK have the highest numbers of registered chiropractors in the world. They are highly educated and obtain their degrees from accredited schools. In many countries, prospective chiropractors take the same classes as medical students in the first years of their education to later join the clinical training program, which is separate from medicine. Chiropractic care has gained a lot of recognition in recent decades, and it is considered a contributing element to public health in many countries.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic is a profession in health care that focuses on the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of disorders involving the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It emphasizes the manual manipulation of the spine, joints, and other soft tissues. Additionally, chiropractic doctors are trained very often in various massage techniques and therapeutic exercises, which they recommend to their patients. They are also allowed to guide their patients in applying dietary and lifestyle changes[24].
How does chiropractic work?
The chiropractic holistic approach to health centers around the mind-body relationship, which is a baseline for our overall well-being. It bases its tenets on the ideas that subluxation is the root cause of disease and that our body has an innate ability to heal itself. Subluxation refers to the positioning of a single vertebra in relation to the neighboring ones [top and bottom]. If their alignment is abnormal, it impacts the opening through which the nerve passes and ultimately affects the size and shape of that nerve. Interference of this kind affects neurotransmission and the proper functioning of cells and organs in our body and can lead to disease. Chiropractors are trained in manual manipulation and adjustments of the musculoskeletal system to restore the normal alignment of the vertebrae of our spine. The treatment consists of manual techniques, including joint manipulation and adjustment, exercises, patient education on how to modify their lifestyles, and the use of orthotics and other supportive devices. Chiropractors don't prescribe drugs, medical treatments, or interventions.
Who requires chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic treatment can improve one's health in many different areas, including various aches and pains, both chronic and acute, of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In other words, everybody can and should go periodically to a chiropractor to experience the benefits of such care. The only cases in which we should be cautious with this type of treatment are when we suffer from a fracture [broken bones in our body] and if there is a history of osteoporosis. In the case of the latter one, it's best to consult a physician before taking on such treatment.
What conditions can be improved under chiropractic care?
Most of the conditions that chiropractors treat in their practice are related to various acute and chronic pains. These include:
Furthermore, because chiropractic treatment also impacts our nervous system, it can help with various health conditions. Spinal adjustments are a form of controlled manipulation of the 24 spinal vertebrae. Their proper alignment is essential for the optimal functioning of our nervous system, which is in control of all of our cells and organs. Therefore, chiropractors can be of help in such conditions as:
The benefits of chiropractic care
Apart from all of the above-mentioned conditions that chiropractic is effective in improving, it offers a range of other benefits that impact our overall wellness:
pain reduction,
reduced necessity for pain-killers[23],
treatment targeting the source of the problem,
holistic approach,
personalized care and treatment,
helps prevent the progression of the condition,
boost the body's ability to heal itself,
can improve the overall quality of life.
The number of positive outcomes of chiropractic care for our bodies is just outstanding. The number of studies confirming some of them is still lacking; however, experienced chiropractic doctors have observed some of the most profound changes in human health following the treatment. They should not be disregarded due to the absence of scientific proof. There is a lot to be gained in terms of human wellness from such procedures as spinal manipulation, and there is very little risk involved.
Are there any risks?
It was mentioned earlier that chiropractic procedures should be avoided in fractures and should be consulted with a medical doctor if suffering from osteoporosis. Additionally, for a day or two after the treatment, you may feel a certain tenderness and soreness at the site of your adjustment. It goes away on its own and should not trigger any concerns.
How frequently should you visit a chiropractor?
The frequency of appointments with the chiropractor is very individual. It depends on the status of your health, your particular condition, and your preferences. Your chiropractor will make a recommendation based on these criteria to help you achieve your health goals. When you come in with a particular condition, you will likely be asked to come more often for the treatment to be effective. If you are generally healthy and have no underlying conditions, this frequency will be lower. After the first visit, you will be advised on the number of reoccurrences you need to make to get your health back on track.
Final Thoughts
Even though chiropractic care is considered an alternative type of treatment in many countries, this circumstance is shifting. In countries such as the USA and Canada, chiropractors have become a complementary element to allopathic medicine in the health care system. The number of certified chiropractors worldwide is greater than ever before, and the interest of patients exploring a holistic approach to health is also growing. Numerous factors influence why people choose to visit chiropractors, and many of these factors are treatable with proper chiropractic care.
Takeaway Points
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to health.
Chiropractors are highly educated.
The benefits outweigh any potential risks
Chiropractic adjustments are gentle
Spinal manipulation impacts the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
Chiropractic treatments affect all the cells and organs of the body.
References
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