How Does a Chiropractic Treatment work?
Chiropractic treatment is a non-medicinal and non-surgical healthcare procedure that works by bringing balance between your nervous and musculoskeletal systems. The chiropractic treatment is based on resetting the balance of muscles and relieving impinged nerves (a consequence of muscle imbalances). A chiropractor is like your body mechanic, setting your body parts back to alignment. A chiropractor does the following:
- Chiropractic adjustment
- Mobilization of joints
- Relaxation exercises
- Spinal manipulations
What Happens During Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation is the go-to treatment modality of the chiropractor. This treatment is of the utmost benefit for patients suffering from accident-related injuries. Usually, a chiropractor identifies the region and the cause of the pain and subluxations. Then they start to manipulate your lumbar spine using their hands or specialized devices.
The forces exerted by a chiro are localized, controlled, well-directed, and sudden. The chiropractic force is applied to the spinal joints, and you might feel a crack during the session followed by relaxation.
Do chiropractors really help?
Yes, a chiropractor manipulates the lumbar spine to cure subluxations of the spine. Misaligned vertebral bodies are the root cause of several aches and pains in the body. This misalignment can lead to impingement of nerves and muscle spasms in the upper and lower back region. Chiropractic adjustments can treat inflammation, muscle spasms, and realignment of the vertebrae.
How long does it take for chiropractic adjustments to work?
It depends upon the type and the severity of the disease. General spinal misalignments are corrected in a single visit, and you can feel relief instantly. 1st visits usually provide you 40-80% relief. In some cases, the effects show within 1-4 weeks (from the start of therapy). However, congenital disorders, old injuries, and chronic diseases may take longer to show effect, and may have to visit the facility 2-3 times a week for a couple of weeks.
How does seeing a chiropractor help?
The chiropractor not only manually resets your muscles and spine but also guides you into living a better life. In addition to the spinal manipulations and mobilization of the joints, a chiropractor helps you in the following ways:
- Guide you on how to use heat and cold therapy for muscle soreness
- Recommend you dry needling or other beneficial therapies
- Suggest you different exercises and stretches for healthy living
- Relaxation exercises and nutritional counseling are also among the teachings of a chiropractor
What are the benefits of chiropractic procedures?
The benefits of chiropractic procedures include:
- Reduced inflammation in the body
- Relief from sciatica
- Decreased headaches
- Improved blood flow
- Reduction in the curvature of scoliosis
- Improved blood pressure values
- Saying goodbye to chronic neck and back pain
Types of chiropractic treatments
These are the most commonly practiced chiropractic adjustment techniques which are as follows:
Gonstead technique This is a hands-on technique often used to realign joints and muscles of the back and pelvis.
Flexion-distraction This is also known as decompression manipulation or Cox technique and is an ideal method for scoliosis and disc herniation management.
Thompson technique Also known as the drop table technique, this method is performed with a specially adapted table used for the spine and extremities.
Activator technique This method works by using a handheld instrument to strike the body leading to an impulse and thump. It is shown to be effective for headaches and even low back pain.
How do chiropractors know where to adjust?
Chiropractors are taught and learn about the causes of pain in school. A chiropractor can identify the root cause of the pain wherever it is. Be it the elbow, wrists, or knees and pelvis; a chiro can identify the culprit and then treat it with readjustments.
Are chiropractors doctors?
Yes, Chiropractors hold a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. They don’t own a medical degree, so they are not medical doctors, but that doesn’t mean that they are unauthorized to impart healthcare services.
The four-year healthcare degree teaches them diagnostic care, and they also learn about neuromuscular systems and their anatomy in depth. They are entirely authorized to perform non-invasive and personalized care for all ages and genders.