A chiropractor believes if a joint is misaligned or damaged it will cause inflammation and pressure on the nerves which will upset the smooth running of the body and cause medical problems. Chiropractic doctors call this the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. Vertebral, meaning the bones of the spine. Subluxation, meaning the less than a total dislocation, and Complex, meaning consisting of more than one part. Chiropractic is the science of locating misaligned joints and reducing their impact to the nervous system.
Chiropractors believe our bodies are self healing and once pressure is relieved from our nerves and our bodies are back in their natural alignment then healing will take place. A healthy body, operating at its full potential, can adapt to injuries and stresses of life and provide the best possible defence against illness. Chiropractic optimises an individual’s health and wellbeing creating good energy, zest for life and a greater immune system.
Many of our modern day ailments can be greatly helped by chiropractic treatment. A good chiropractor will suggest changes to nutrition and an exercise program to help with your recovery. The chiropractor will ask about your medical history, health background such as any surgeries or accidents, when the onset of your condition occurred and any other relevant details affecting your current health.
After reviewing your history and discussing your specific problem, a thorough orthopaedic, neurological, and chiropractic examination is performed. X-rays may be taken to help identify areas of spinal malfunction and resulting nervous system malfunctions. A treatment plan will then be recommended and any chiropractic adjustments that will be needed are explained.
Chiropractors improve nervous system function primarily through chiropractic adjustments (with particular attention to the spine, skull and pelvis), to help remove any interference that may be impairing normal health. A chiropractic adjustment is the skill of using a specific force in a precise direction, applied to a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. This adds motion to the joint, helping the joints to gradually regain more normal motion and function.
There are many ways to adjust the spine. Usually the chiropractor’s hands or a specially designed instrument delivers a brief and highly accurate thrust. Some adjusting methods are quick, whereas others require a slow, constant or indirect pressure. With some adjustments you may sometimes feel or hear a popping sound from the spinal joints. This is simply caused by a gas release from the joint as spinal movement is restored, Individual experience varies from person to person, but most people can expect some benefits soon after beginning treatment.
Chiropractic treatment can be used for much more than just a bad back, although back pain is a common complaint that can be relieved by chiropractic adjustments. There are all sorts of back pain and causes and in almost all cases the nerves are being trapped by misaligned joints. Relieving this pressure with adjustments can stop pain and help restore natural movement and function. Sciatica is pressure on the Sciatic nerve which is actually two nerves. Pressure or injury to the sciatic nerve results in sciatica. Sciatic pain can start in the buttock, and go all the way down the back and sides of the leg in to the sides of the foot.
Migraine and headaches in general can be debilitating and if they are occurring regularly then there is a specific problem creating them. Once again it usually traces back to entrapment of nerves which can be greatly relieved by chiropractic adjustments.
Many sporting injuries can be cured where nothing else has worked. Knee injuries are often cured without surgery once the back is in proper alignment, relieving pressure from the knee and allowing it to heal.
For older people, restoring better spinal function can help improve mobility, vitality, endurance and appetite. Many patients report improvements with arthritic symptoms and other chronic ailments often associated with the ageing process.
It may surprise you to know that an irritated nerve to an organ such as the lung may result in symptoms like asthma. So you see there are many health problems that can be helped with chiropractic treatment.
Most people will wait until their pain is unbearable and they have tried everything else before they see a chiropractor. The best course of treatment would be preventative chiropractic care periodically to stay healthy. This of course will reduce the number of visits and maintain good health.