Chiropractic is an alternative health care system that specializes on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and their effects on health in general. It is a form of healing arts, which is based upon the understanding of the relationship between the alignment of the spine and the function of the body.
Chiropractic seeks to address diseases by just locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is not functioning properly instead of using drugs and other procedures, surgical or otherwise. It evolves on the concept of the body’s self-healing ability.
Founded on philosophy, science, art, knowledge, and clinical experience, Chiropractic is often used to treat problems with the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissues like tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. These include lower back pain, disc problems, nerve and joint related migraine, arthritis in the neck, neck and shoulder pains, and tension
headaches.
Chiropractic practitioners believe that health depends, in part, upon the functions of the nervous system. Chiropractors adjust or manipulate the spine, with the use of their hands, to remove any disruptions of energy flow or blockages along the nerve bundles, to treat illnesses.
Spinal nerve stress due to poor or improper function in the spine can lead to discomfort, pain and illness. Manipulating the joints stimulate the joint movement receptors that can affect the way the nervous system works. Reducing or eliminating the irritation to spinal nerves can make the body operate more efficiently and comfortably.
Chiropractic physicians examine, diagnose, and treat patients using a drug-free, hands-on approach. They assess patient’s condition by using methods like laboratory testing, clinical examination, and diagnostic imaging, to determine when and where Chiropractic treatment is needed. However, when Chiropractic care is not suitable to the patient’s condition, they refer them to appropriate health care providers for treatment.
With Chiropractic, treatment is tailored to suit the age, build, pain levels and health of the patient. There are about 150 chiropractic techniques, the most common of which is the low amplitude, high velocity thrust. This technique involves tiny calculated movement in the joint at high speed. Other techniques include modalities that use the body’s nuero-muscular reflexes, massage and stretching for muscles and ligaments. Cryotheraphy or ice packs may also be used to reduce pain and swelling.
Because Chiropractic is concerned with the preservation and restoration of health, it emphasizes on nutrition, wellness, exercise, and lifestyle modifications for promoting physical and mental health.