What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, headaches, neck pain, pain in the arms or legs, and joint pain.

Doctors of Chiropractic – often referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians – practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, as well as to provide dietary and lifestyle counseling.

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by Doctors of Chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.” The purpose of manipulation is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become hypomobile – or restricted in their movement – as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injuries can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as an auto accident or improper lifting of a heavy object at work or at home. In addition, injuries can occur through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, while allowing tissues to heal.

Chiropractic adjustment rarely causes discomfort. However, patients may sometimes experience mild soreness or aching following treatment. Similar to other forms of therapy and exercise any soreness usually resolves within 12 to 48 hours.

In many cases, such as lower back pain, chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment. When other medical conditions exist, chiropractic care may complement or support additional medical treatment by relieving the musculoskeletal aspects associated with the condition.

Doctors of Chiropractic may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and other diagnostic interventions to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate or when it is not appropriate. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management in conjunction with other members of the health care team.

ACA Definition of Subluxation: The subluxation is defined as a motion segment in which alignment, movement integrity, and/or physiological function of the spine are altered although contact between joint surfaces remains intact.

Medical Definition of Subluxation: Partial dislocation of a joint. A complete dislocation is a luxation.

Information from American Chiropractic Association.

THE CHIROPRACTOR LIFESTYLE

Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that makeup to 60% of your body part. All of the joints in your body are part of this musculo-skeletal system and its optimal function is necessary for overall good health. Ask your Chiropractor for more information about a care program that may include specific spinal adjustments, exercise recommendations or other conservative methods of care based on your health history, age, current condition and lifestyle.

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