Chiropractic care, a holistic health discipline, is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system with particular emphasis on the spine. The practice is so based on the concept of alignment; that proper alignment of the spine in line with a power source is key to overall health and well-being. The chiropractic philosophy believes that health is maintained and disease is prevented by spinal manipulation and other manual techniques that help restore function, alleviate pain, and help the body heal itself. In this meticulously detailed review of chiropractic care, the authors examine the basis for everything chiropractic, what they do, how it helps, and how it fits into our healthcare landscape.
Chiropractic Care via the Foundations
The practice of chiropractic is based on a number of fundamental principles upon which it is practiced. To them, the body has its own inherent ability to recover itself if the spine is correctly aligned. Subluxations are misalignments that disrupt the nervous system function and lead to numerous health issues. Through thorough assessments, which include physical exams and diagnostic imaging chiropractors seek to identify these misalignments.
Chiropractic philosophy maintains that the body’s systems are interconnected to each other. Chiropractic is aware that the spine is the foundation of health; the spinal cord carries nerve impulses from our heads down to the ends of our fingers and toes. Chiropractors attempt to address musculoskeletal conditions while also working to improve health and well-being by dealing with spinal misalignments.
Chiropractic Care Techniques
Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, is one of the best-known therapeutic techniques in chiropractic care. This hands-on approach means you practice applying controlled force to specific joints of the spine to realign and realign. Chiropractors utilize various techniques, including:
- Diversified Technique
Diversified technique is one of the most used methods in chiropractic care. High-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts are used to re-align the spine. This technique is also effective for treating back pain, neck pain, or headache problems. This method is one in which precise adjustments are made to get it right the first time.
- Gonstead Technique
Specifically and in detail, the Gonstead technique is an approach to spinal analysis and adjustment. This method is focused on Chiropractors using their examination including X-rays to identify subluxations. The Gonstead technique considers a hands-on approach, thus practitioners can adjust patients precisely to bring the spine to its correct alignment.
- Activator Method
The Activator Adjusting Instrument is a handheld instrument used with the activator method. With a gentle controlled impulse, this device targets specific areas of the spine. This is particularly applicable to those for whom those manual adjustments may be problematic or who prefer something a little less touchy-feely. The activator method works for many problems, including joint pain and muscle tension.
- Thompson Technique
The special table on the Thompson technique drops slightly, making adjustments more effective. It offers better comfort for patients and effective spinal corrections at the same time. Drop adjustments and positioning are used by chiropractors trained in this technique to obtain optimal results.
- Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
This section includes indications contraindications and recommendations for treatment.
The Sacro Occipital Technique deals with the sacrum and occiput (base of the skull). It combines secondary cranial work, balancing the pelvis, with the goal of aiding overall health. With SOT chiropractors may use gentle adjustments as well as specific positioning to restore balance and improve nervous system function.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers many benefits apart from relieving pain. While people generally turn to chiropractic for musculoskeletal problems, like back pain and headaches, chiropractic tends to have a wide array of benefits for wellness and well-being.
Pain Relief
Chiropractic care is one of the most immediate benefits of pain relief. Results from many studies show that, for many people, there are large reductions in pain following spinal adjustments. Chiropractic care can treat lower back pain, neck pain, and tension headaches in an effective manner. By fixing underlying misalignments chiropractors can help restore the proper function and reduce inflammation and therefore improve pain management.
It boosts Mobility and Function.
Chiropractic adjustments restore spinal alignment and joint mobility so individuals can get the functional move back that’s been lost. Athletes and active individuals in particular will find this enhanced movability useful, as it can both increase performance and decrease the chance of injuries. Chiropractic care can be regular and help to keep the joints mobile so that adults can perform physical activities without a problem.
Improved Posture
Maintaining a good posture is dependent on chiropractic care. Posture problems can cause many musculoskeletal pain and problems. Chiropractors examine posture and make specific adjustments and exercises to sort through misalignment. Improving posture ensures less stress on our muscles and joints which would improve our well-being at large.
Stress Reduction
Chiropractic care is also a method of stress reduction. Although we tend to credit general tension and stress as the cause of these uncomfortable feelings, sometimes misalignments of the spine can cause the muscles to tense, adding to the feeling of stress and anxiety. Chiropractors restore alignment and relaxation by promoting it through spinal adjustments so that people can better deal with stress. A holistic approach to health, helps us to feel better emotionally and keeps us in balance.
Support for Overall Health
The nervous system enhances overall health and chiropractic care helps. Optimal nerve communication is needed with appropriate spinal alignment for the body’s natural healing processes to occur. Chiropractic treatment improves many health conditions such as digestive issues, allergies, and sleep disturbances reported by a lot of people. Chiropractors do it holistically by addressing spinal misalignments.
Modern Healthcare Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic is gaining more and more recognition as being an essential part of modern healthcare. As more people look for other, complementary therapies, chiropractic care is being accepted by the medical community. Chiropractors are many times referred by many healthcare providers for musculoskeletal issues because it is in their belief that there are benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment.
Integration in Conventional Medicine.
Chiropractors typically work within a team approach involving other healthcare professionals in order to give complete care. With this approach, relevant treatment plans can be coordinated to treat the symptoms of health problems as well as the underlying causes of those problems. Chiropractors work in partnership with medical doctors, physical therapists, and other specialists to address an entire person comprehensively.
