Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment for many health problems, including back pain and headaches. It's based on the idea that your body functions best when its core structures are aligned and functioning correctly.
Your chiropractor will examine your spine, muscles and joints to find the cause of any pain you're experiencing. They'll use their clinical expertise and the latest evidence to make a diagnosis and recommend the best treatment for you.
A common treatment is'spinal manipulation', which involves the gentle manipulation of the joints in your spine and other areas. This restores your joint's natural movement and improves its function. This technique is often used to treat back pain, but it's also effective for neck and joint pain.
Spinal adjustments may also be beneficial for people with osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes your joints to become stiff and swollen. It can affect your daily life and lead to disability. Taking part in a regular exercise program and receiving spinal adjustments can help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Chiropractors use more than 150 techniques to adjust your spine and other joints. They may use different types of force depending on the area they're working on.
You'll probably hear a 'popping' sound as they manipulate your spine. This is because gases (like oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide) are released from your joints during the adjustment.
Your first visit to a chiropractor will start with an assessment. This will involve a health history and a physical exam, as well as an x-ray of your spine if necessary.
The most popular type of treatment is a chiropractic 'adjustment', where your chiropractor uses their hands to manually manipulate your joints and spine to correct any misalignments. This helps your body function more effectively, reduces or eliminates pain, and improves your overall health.
Some chiropractors offer other treatments, such as ultrasound therapy or electrotherapy. These therapies can be helpful in managing muscle and soft tissue injuries, reducing inflammation and helping you move better. Visit their website to read more about the types of treatment.
These are usually applied by applying heat or cold to the area, and are also sometimes combined with other therapies like rehabilitative exercise or nutritional supplementation. They're also useful for improving sports performance and recovery.
Your chiropractor will usually recommend a series of treatments, which you can choose to have on an ongoing basis, or as needed, for your particular condition. This can last from a few days to a few months, and may include several different methods of treatment.
You'll have to pay for these treatments privately, unless you are eligible for treatment through your local NHS service or via the Department of Veterans' Affairs and the Medicare Chronic Disease Management program. You can also be referred to visit Axcess Accident Center chiropractor by your GP.
A growing body of research suggests that chiropractic care can help relieve back and joint pain, especially for long-term sufferers. It's a cost-effective, non-invasive alternative to prescription drugs or surgery. It may even prevent pain in the future, especially if you have an active lifestyle.
Get a general overview of the topic here: https://www.britannica.com/science/chiropractic.
