The Advantages Of Chiropractic Therapy

By Essie Osborn


The basic theory of chiropractic is that changes that occur to the function and the structure of the skeleton of the body and the structures surrounding it will have an effect on a person's general health. The focus of chiropractors has traditionally been on the spinal column, but they see all the nerves, joints and muscles as sources of health problems.

Chiropractors state that the skeleton and the muscles in your body should not be viewed as separate to other parts of the body. The entire body should be viewed as one unit as all the parts have a specific role to play. The spine is one of the most important parts in chiropractic therapy because of the nerves that connect the other parts of the body to the spine, including the internal organs.

A misalignment in one part of your spine may cause you discomfort and pain, but it will affect another part of your body as well. For example, if you have a lower spine problem, the upper portion of your spine may have to work harder to compensate. This cause initiate headaches because of the strain your body is suffering. The discomfort and pain in your lower spine may prompt you to over-compensate and walk incorrectly. This may cause you to experience pain in your ankles or your knees.

The nerves in your spine are connected to other parts of your body. This is the reason why certain symptoms may be indicated elsewhere in the body, such as numbness in your thigh or pain in your leg. When you first consult with your chiropractor, he or she will do an evaluation of your health. This may include a full physical examination. The chiropractor will look at the way you move and stand, feel your head, pelvis and spine and may request that you undergo diagnostic imaging.

Any adjustments that follow will be done in a lying down, standing or sitting position or a range of these positions. The judgment of the practitioner and your symptoms will determine the position. You may hear clicking sounds during the therapy session as the practitioner adjusts your spinal joints. This process may not cause you any pain at all.

Different methods to undertake the adjustments may be used by your practitioner. The chiropractor will use various hand movements to place pressure on your body, along with specialized equipment. You may have to have wedges placed under certain parts of your body, or the therapist may use a special table to help with the adjustments.

Your health conditions will be considered when the practitioner makes the decision on the techniques to be used. This is done to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. He or she will consider if you are showing signs of arthritis, circulation disorders, fractures and your age and body size will be taken into account. All previous medical procedures and your current medications will also be considered.

Chiropractors are considered to be primary contact practitioners. This indicates that they have the training to recognize the best treatment program for your situation. If your condition calls for a referral to another practitioner, your chiropractor will ensure that this is done successfully.




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