Chiropractic treatment involves hands-on manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. This can relieve pressure on nerves, relax tense muscles, and enhance overall wellness.
Unlike prescription medications, chiropractic care addresses the root causes of health conditions and maximizes your body’s natural healing abilities. Read on to learn more about this important practice and how it can help you achieve lasting pain relief.
What is Chiropractic?
Wirth Chiropractic is a hands-on therapy that manipulates the spine and other joints. It’s based on the belief that the nervous system controls all bodily functions and that misalignment of the spine causes disease. It was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He reportedly restored hearing to a deaf man by realigning his spine.
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat pain in bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. They typically train as much as medical and osteopathic doctors and many specialize.
They use various techniques, including spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, joint bracing (Kinesio taping), and referrals to integrative medicine experts for nutrition and dietary guidance. They also perform acupuncture, which involves placing needles at specific points on the body to alleviate pain and promote relaxation. They may also use hot and cold treatment, massage, and exercise instruction. They’ll often take a patient’s history and perform a physical exam, x-rays, MRIs, blood pressure, and other tests to make a diagnosis.
How Does Chiropractic Work?
When you see a chiropractor, they manually manipulate joints to ease spasms, tension, and tight muscles. They also use massage therapy, acupuncture, and heat or cold treatment to help relieve pain. They may also offer bracing, shoe inserts, and nutritional counseling.
Chiropractors treat all types of injuries and conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, like back pain and neck pain. They do not prescribe medication but work with patients to manage pain and promote wellness.
When you visit a chiropractor, they will take your health history and examine the area affected by your symptoms. They will also perform tests to develop a diagnosis. Your chiropractor will then perform spinal manipulations. These thrusts can relieve pain and increase mobility by changing joint pressure. You may hear popping or cracking sounds during these adjustments. These are caused by releasing gasses in joint capsules and are not dangerous.
What Can I Expect from a Chiropractor Visit?
During an initial consultation, your chiropractor will discuss the issues that have brought you in for treatment. They will ask questions about when the pain started, what it feels like, and whether it is constant or intermittent. They will also ask about lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep patterns, and daily stressors.
You may be asked to fill out some paperwork before your appointment. This could include insurance information and details about your medical history. Submitting these forms can save you time and stress during your visit.
You may feel slight discomfort during your treatment, but it is important to speak up if the pressure or intensity is too much. Your chiropractor will develop a plan that includes how many visits you need to alleviate your discomfort and improve your overall health. They will likely provide stretches and exercises that you can do at home. In addition, they may recommend ice and heat therapy.
How Can I Find a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors offer several healing techniques. These can include soft tissue manipulation to ease muscle spasms and tenderness. They may also provide joint traction or massage therapy to increase flexibility and mobility. They can even administer cold therapy or kinesio taping to relieve pain and inflammation.
Some chiropractors offer dietary counseling and stress management to support their patients’ health goals. In addition, they might recommend exercise and nutritional programs to lower blood pressure or ease breathing problems.
When choosing a chiropractor, finding one who offers a patient-centered approach and open communication is important. They should have experience treating musculoskeletal conditions and be committed to continuing education. It is also important to find out if they accept your insurance coverage. This can help you determine how much they charge and if they are in your network. If they aren’t, paying more for their services may not be worth it. It is also important to understand the methods they use to avoid surprises regarding your appointment.
