subject: Back Pain? Try a Chiropractor [print this page] Back Pain? Try a Chiropractor Back Pain? Try a Chiropractor
A chiropractor, also called a chiropractic doctor, can diagnose as well as treat patients with health conditions associated with the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and general health problems. Most chiropractic treatments work specifically with the spine, which includes adjustments.
Chiropractic care is based on the concept that any misalignment of the spinal joint will impede on the nervous system and could result in lowered resistance to diseases and many different problems of diminished health.
Chiropractic approach to health care concentrates on the patient's all-around health. Chiropractic specialists provide drugless, non-surgical, natural treatments, determined by the body's normal recuperative capabilities. This specialist will also recognize many factors affecting health, such as rest, exercise, heredity, diet and the environment, so they will recommend lifestyle changes to deal with those factors. Most times, a chiropractor will give patients referrals to consult other medical practitioners.
Similar to other health professionals, chiropractors adhere to a standard procedure to get the details required to diagnose as well as treat patients. These professionals will look at the patient's medical history; carry out physical, orthopedic and neurological examinations, plus they might also request laboratory tests. Given that, these specialists will focus on spine the X rays and additional diagnostic images will be important tools. Besides those tools, they might also examine the patient's spine and posture using a specific technique. Generally, patients with health conditions which are linked to the musculoskeletal system will be treated with manual adjustment of the spine.
Several chiropractors make use of other procedures which include therapies using water, heat, light, ultrasound, massage, acupuncture and electric currents. They might use supports such as braces, straps, shoe inserts or tape. Chiropractors generally counsel patients with regards to nutrition, changes in lifestyle, stress management and exercise, but they will not perform surgery or prescribe drugs. Besides general practice, several chiropractors will specialize in areas such as sports injuries, pediatrics, orthopedics, nutrition, neurology, internal disorders and diagnostic imaging.
Most chiropractors are individual or group specialists with administrative responsibilities associated with operating a practice. Those who work in larger offices will delegate these duties to chiropractic assistants and office managers. Those in private practices will be responsible for building a patient base, maintaining records and hiring employees. Like other medical professionals, chiropractors will often work for long hours. As a result, they have to maintain the right working environment, especially when they are taking X-rays to protect against dangers such as constant exposure to radiation.
An average, chiropractors will work forty hours each week, but longer hours will not be uncommon. The individual practitioners will have their hours to accommodate patients, which might require them to work on weekends or late evenings.
