subject: Chiropractic Care And You [print this page] Chiropractic is a profession that allows the body to heal itself through proper nervous system function. Symptoms are taken into account, but the root cause of health is found through nervous system interference, not through the lack of drugs in our system, or missing surgical procedure. Chiropractic has been shown to help many different ailments naturally, with little to no side effects.
The basic tenet of chiropractic treatment is that body has the ability to treat itself. The spine forms the foundation of the body and any hindrance in its normal functioning adversely affects health. This implies that when any portion of the spine suffers an injury, the nerves of the affected area may get trapped, causing interference in the signals being sent from that body part to the brain, resulting in an illness at a later stage. Chiropractic care's goal is to help find a homeostasis for the body so healing of the intended area of the body can take place.
The first visit to a chiropractor entails physical examination, especially the spine, coupled with questions regarding medical history of the person. Other examinations such as X-rays may be recommended depending on the problem. This is followed by making a treatment plan depending on the extent of the problem and condition of the person.
The treatment plan necessarily includes different forms of adjustments to the affected body part. There may be one or many adjustments involved, depending on the problem. A specific and direct force can be applied to the spine and body, with the intention of correcting the original chief complaint. The aim of the treatment is to restore movement, promote stability and encourage the body to heal itself. Apart from spinal and joint adjustments the chiropractor may combine other forms of treatment. These are additional treatments to relieve the symptoms such as pain, swelling and inflammation. These include applying heat and ice, mild exercise aimed at recovery, dietary supplements and electric stimulation of the affected body part. The treatment is never continuous and is combined with adequate periods of rest.
There are no complications or risks involved in chiropractic treatment. However, there may be slight amount of stiffness or mild pain in the body part being treated. As care continues, the original cause or condition becomes less and self limiting. The number of sittings with the chiropractor depends on the age of the person and extent of the problem.
Apart from making adjustments to the spine and joints, the treatment also includes counseling by the chiropractor. This may include advice on changes to be made to the lifestyle or diet in order to treat the problem as well as prevent it from recurring. Postural correction may be included during times of sitting, walking, and exercising on a regular basis. Dietary changes may be recommended, to include healthy diet such as fruits, vegetables and cereals. When done properly, chiropractic care has no side effects.
