CHIROPRACTIC CARE
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care is a form of healthcare focused on correcting misalignments or subluxations of the musculoskeletal system, including the joints in the spine and throughout the body. A spinal subluxation happens when the vertebrae become misaligned, restricted in their movement, and create pressure on surrounding nerves. This results in reduced mobility, muscle tension, impaired function, interference in nerve signaling, and pain from irritation to the spinal nerves.
Treating Spinal Subluxations
The human neurological system controls and coordinates the functions of the body. It does this through signaling pathways. In spinal subluxation, the signals traveling over the nerves are interfered with or blocked, so specific parts of the body do not receive the communications necessary for them to function at their optimal level. Then, inflammation, tissue injury, and the limited joint mobility associated with spinal subluxations can lead to degenerative changes over time. Having a spine that is in the correct alignment can reduce this kind of wear and tear.
A chiropractor’s responsibility is to locate subluxations and correct them, thus reducing or elimination symptoms. This is accomplished through a series of chiropractic adjustments designed to correct the spinal subluxations which affect the nervous system and the spine. Chiropractic doctors undergo years of education and training to learn how to deal with subluxations effectively.
Addressing Neuromusculoskeletal Problems
Chiropractors diagnose and treat many conditions involving the muscles, joints, and nerves, or other neuromusculoskeletal problems. Some of these include:
- Back pain
- Sciatica
- Whiplash
- Neck pain
- Hip pain
- Foot and ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Numbness and tingling in the extremities
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- TMJ disorders
- Sports injuries
- Motor vehicle accident injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Osteoarthritis
- Scoliosis
Since correcting the alignment of joints also affects the surrounding nerves, there is evidence supporting the use of spinal manipulation for non-musculoskeletal issues like fibromyalgia, ear infections, allergies, and colic in children. Chiropractic care can also help to improve pregnancy-related pain and can reduce labor time.
Determining the Need for Chiropractic Care
Ask yourself a few questions to see if you’re a good candidate for chiropractic care:
- Are you fatigued, or is your energy level low?
- Do you frequently experience headaches?
- Do you have sleep problems?
- Do you suffer from recurring headaches, muscle aches, and other types of pain?
- Are moody, anxious, or easily irritated?
- Are you experiencing reduced mobility or loss of function?
- Are you experiencing numbness in your arms or legs?
- Are your shoulder muscles tense?
- Is your neck stiff?
- Are you experiencing recurring health issues?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, your condition might respond favorably to chiropractic care. When you see a chiropractic doctor, he or she will take an in-depth history, carefully examine your spine, and conduct or order as many diagnostic tools necessary to confirm that your health problems are due to musculoskeletal issues.
Chiropractors help millions of individuals across the globe achieve better health without prescribing potentially harmful medications or conducting invasive surgeries. Indeed, chiropractic care can help to end the cycle of pain and suffering and help you return to your active lifestyle.