Chiropractic is a form of Complimentary Medicine/ alternative medicine that focuses on the relationship between the body's structure—mainly the spine—and its functioning nervous system. Although practitioners may use a variety of treatment approaches, they primarily perform adjustments (manipulations) to the spine or other parts of the body with the goal of correcting alignment problems, alleviating pain, improving function, and supporting the body's natural ability to heal itself through neurological function.
Chiropractic adjustment works to take the pressure off the nervous system and it's nerves to impede function on all areas and organs of the body. For instance, an impingment on spinal nerve T7 for instance can impede function on the Lungs, affecting breathing.
Chiropractic Treatment
During the initial visit, chiropractors typically take a health history and perform a physical examination, with a special emphasis on the spine. Other examinations or tests such as x-rays may also be performed. If chiropractic treatment is considered appropriate, a treatment plan will be developed.
During followup visits, practitioners may perform one or more of the many different types of adjustments and other manual therapies used in chiropractic manipulation. Given mainly to the spine, a chiropractic adjustment involves using the hands or a device to apply a controlled, rapid force to a joint. The goal is to increase the range and quality of motion in the area being treated and to aid in restoring health. Joint mobilization is another type of manual therapy that may be used.
Chiropractor services may combine the use of spinal adjustments and other manual therapies with several other treatments and approaches such as:
- Heat and ice
- Electrical stimulation
- Relaxation techniques
- Rehabilitative and general exercise
- Counseling about diet, weight loss, and other lifestyle factors
- Dietary supplements
- Chiropractic wellness