If you've suffered an injury that sports massage alone just won't resolve, your GP may recommend that you visit a chiropractor. But what does a chiropractor do and how could one help you?
Here's a brief overview to help you understand what to expect at the chiropractor's clinic.
What is a chiropractor?
Chiropractors work in conjunction with other medical professionals in order to help provide pain relief for injuries to joints, muscles and connective tissue. They do so through the deep manipulation of the spine in order to place it correctly in alignment with the rest of the body's musculoskeletal makeup. This is intended to allow the body to effectively heal itself, negating the need for drug therapy or surgical intervention.
Chiropractors are acknowledged medical professionals who are educated to undergraduate degree level, followed by a four year specialist college course in chiropractics.
What treatment should you expect?
The chiropractor will begin by taking details of your full medical history. It's very important that you give accurate details of any conditions from which you are suffering. Be sure to give details of ongoing medical conditions, traumatic or surgical events that you've experienced, current medication you are taking and lifestyle factors.
Based on this information, the chiropractor will carry out a physical examination together with diagnostic imaging of your spine, and lab tests if appropriate.
Once the results of all these various tests and examinations are complete, the chiropractor will devise a suitable treatment plan and discuss it with you. This plan could entail one or more manipulation techniques during a series of visits. It may also incorporate an exercise plan, nutritional counselling and rehabilitation depending on the cause and nature of your injury.
The end goal of the treatment plan is to not only relieve your current pain, but to prevent a recurrence of the condition in the future.
What conditions benefit from chiropractic treatment?
Acute conditions benefit most from chiropractic care. For example, if you've suffered a sudden onset sporting injury, spinal manipulation is considered to be a safe and effective treatment. Other more chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia also benefit from chiropractic care when used in conjunction with deep tissue massage techniques.
However, sufferers of osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis or spinal cord compression injury are not recommended to undergo chiropractic treatment as the deep pressure techniques that are used can cause further injury or damage.
In conclusion
If you have suffered an injury which has left you with acute pain, your doctor may recommend that you visit a qualified chiropractor. The chiropractor will seek to address your injury through deep manipulation of your spine in conjunction with other therapies. Chiropractic therapy is not appropriate for every cause of joint or back pain; always notify your doctor if you are intending to use chiropractic therapy for pain relief.
Contact a company such as Success Chiropractic to learn more.
Share28 July 2015
As a chiropractor's receptionist, I have become a walking advertisement for the profession. I run marathons as a hobby and also study part-time. You can imagine the mental and physical strain I impose on my body daily. Pounding the pavements, long hours sitting at a computer and the stress of preparing for exams were taking their toll before I started this job. Fortunately, the lovely clinic where I work provides chiropractic treatments for free. I can honestly say that my aches are almost gone and I have never felt so relaxed, yet alert, when doing exams. I had never considered visiting a chiropractor before, but now I actively recruit friends and family when they complain about ailments. I hope the entries on this blog alert everyone to the broad range of services that chiropractors offer and dispel any concerns. I am certainly a very happy convert!
