Chiropractors usually treat people suffering from spinal problems, but they also treat bone-, joint-, and muscle-related issues.
Some of the most common problems chiropractors treat include neck pain, arthritis pain, sports and accident injuries, migraines, headaches and back pain. In scientific terms, their focus is neuromuscular disorders.
Chiropractors are unique in that they actually treat you manually rather than prescribe a pill like most other doctors. In other words, chiropractors will use their hands and strength to manipulate and adjust your spine.
These adjustments will cause you to feel less pain and to function better, too.
Nervous about visiting a chiropractor? Unsure what to expect? Check out the following five aspects of chiropractic treatment:
Consultation
When you first see a chiropractor, you will have a consultation, a pre-treatment visit when the chiropractor learns more about your health history by asking you a series of questions.
If you currently experience pain or discomfort in your spinal area and back, then tell the chiropractor about these symptoms during your consultation. Based on their initial assessment, the doctor will recommend the best course of action to take next.
Examination
After the chiropractor learns more about your health history, he or she will put you through a series of standard physical tests to see what you physically can and cannot do.
The doctor will request that you have an X-ray, as well. The images will help them locate the specific areas of your skeleton or spine that are causing your problems.
Between the physical exam and the X-ray, the chiropractor will learn enough about your condition to know how to treat you.
Diagnosis
Following the examination, the chiropractor will provide you with a diagnosis of your problems. The various ailments are categorised based on their seriousness.
If the diagnosis indicates you have serious ailments like joint disease, tumours, infection, neurological issues or fractures, which a chiropractor cannot treat, he or she will instead refer you to a medical professional who specialises in treating these particular issues.
Fortunately, in most cases, the ailments will be minor enough for the chiropractor to treat with manual manipulation and adjustment of your vertebrae. The main goal is to boost your range of motion in the trouble areas of your spine.
Manipulation and Adjustment
Manipulation occurs when chiropractors manually move and adjust areas of the musculoskeletal system with their hands. The adjustments are directed specifically to the pelvis, neck and spine.
People who’ve experienced accidents and received injuries tend to have misalignments that need to be adjusted, especially in their pelvic regions. Regular treatments will also help reduce chronic pain.
Physiological Therapy
Since 1912, chiropractic care has been a natural therapy method that does not administer any drugs. Instead, chiropractors will prescribe physiological therapies like massages, cold applications, heat applications and exercise.
Physiological therapy describes any natural therapy method that doesn’t involve drugs. Instead, you are treated with therapies that encourage the body to heal itself naturally.
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