In last week’s blog on Chronic pain, I mentioned CHIROPRACTIC THERAPY for easing out pain. Today I am explaining what this therapy is.
Chiropractic therapy involves the use of hands to adjust the spine or other parts of the body to treat pain and improve health. A healthcare professional who practices this therapy is called a Chiropractor, and he may also use other treatments such as-
- Heat and Ice
- Relaxation techniques,
- Exercise,
- Electrical stimulation
This therapy is generally safe, but there are some risks to consider, such as- Mild soreness after adjustments. Rare instances of injury, and Contra indications for certain medical conditions.
A chiropractic adjustment is a therapeutic treatment by a licensed chiropractor, who will use pressure to manipulate joints in your body to realign your spine and other joints to reduce pain.
What is Chiropractic Adjustment
Here a licensed chiropractor uses his/her hands or special instruments to manipulate joints in your body. This treatment is also called spinal manipulation or joint manipulation. A chiropractic adjustment can help reduce pain, correct your body’s alignment and how your body function physically. Chiropractic adjustments offer treatment that compliments traditional medical care.
Who is Chiropractor?
A chiropractor treats many conditions affecting the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Think of chiropractor as a doctor who cares for any kind of muscle, bone or joint pain or dysfunction. The most common reasons for chiropractic adjustment include:
- Lowe back pain.
- Neck Pain.
- Muscle pain.
In addition chiropractor can treat musculoskeletal pain anywhere in your body: in your head and jaws, shoulders, elbows and wrists, hips and pelvis and your knees & ankles.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Besides treating pains, any problem involving your musculoskeletal system, a chiropractor can offer alternative methods of treatment. Treatment that a chiropractor may offer includes;
- Adjustments- To gently realign joints to decrease pain, and increase range of motion.
- Soft-tissue therapy- To relax tight muscles, relieve spasms and release tension in connective tissues that surrounds each muscle.
- Joint bracing/taping- to support sprained muscle joints as they heal.
- Referrals to integrative medicine experts- For guidance on diet and nutrition to reduce inflammation and/or promote healthy eating to manage weight.
Some people choose to have a chiropractic adjustments if they have these conditions, such as- Arthritis, Frequent headaches, healing after an accident, joint pain and dysfunction, lower back pain, neck pain, stiff muscles or muscle aches. Chiropractors make sue that your joints are moving properly, but also your surrounding muscles are functioning as well.
Procedure Details
At your first visit, the chiropractor will discuss your medical history and perform physical exam. If needed they will ask you to go for imaging teats for understanding your musculoskeletal system. These tests may include X ray, CT scan, and MRI. After the test results, the chiropractor will develop a unique treatment plan based on the test findings.
What Happens During Chiropractic Adjustment?
You will lie face down on the chiropractic table that allows certain parts of your body (divided into segment) to lift slightly higher than rest, which helps chiropractor apply pressure to a specific are. The pressure is generally applied by hands or small instruments, for quick controlled force (amount of pressure) to a joint or your joints will be gently stretched beyond their normal range of motion. This help align the vertebrae in your spine if they are slightly off-centre and release gases trapped within your joints.
Chiropractic adjustments offer little to no pain during procedure, similar to what you might feel after a workout. After the adjustment, you might feel mild soreness or have very minor aches in areas where chiropractor has worked on.
After your chiropractic session, the therapist might recommend some exercises or other things which you can do at home, these might include- Exercises and stretches, Proper ergonomics for improving your posture, ice or heat therapy or topical analgesics, advice on nutrition, diet, weight or general health.
Benefits
- Helps minimize migraines and neck related headaches.
- Improves your posture.
- Reduce pain and improves range of motion of your spine and other joints.
- Reduce symptoms of chronic conditions like osteoarthritis.
- Treats minor neck or spine injuries.
Side Effects/Risks
After adjustment, you may feel tired or sore. Some people might get mild headaches, these side effects are temporary.
In rare cases chiropractic care may cause serious complications such as:
- Herniated disks
- Pinched nerves in the lower spine
- Stroke
You have higher risks of side effects or complications if you have adjustments from people who are not trained and licensed. Only a licensed chiropractor should treat you.
Chiropractic adjustments might be right for you if you experience pain and want an alternative form of treatment. Most people will feel immediate relief after a adjustment session, while others could experience temporary minor pain after treatment.
Waiting for your feedback on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
19th November 2024.