The scope of chiropractic practice varies from state to state. It is a conservative health care profession that applies the principles of spinal manipulation to treat musculoskeletal disorders, especially those of the spine and extremities. Chiropractors also use other specialized therapies to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and promote healing.
Spinal misalignment is a common cause of back and neck pain. It puts pressure on nerves and strains muscles supporting the spine. A spinal adjustment can realign the spine and relieve pain by reducing pressure on nerves and eliminating muscle tension. Adjustments can help people with a wide range of health issues, from back and neck pain to carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.
During the first visit, the chiropractor will interview the patient and perform tests to develop a diagnosis. Chiropractors can recommend a treatment plan that may include massage therapy to reduce muscle tightness and loosen up stiff joints, exercise, taping or bracing a joint (kinesio tape), and dietary and lifestyle counseling.
A recent study found that people who visit a chiropractor regularly get less back pain and are less likely to need opioid pain relievers compared to those who don’t go to a chiropractor. The research was based on surveys of Americans who visited a chiropractor in the past year.
Many people seek chiropractic care because they want to live life without constant pain and discomfort. Pain can be caused by work, sports, household chores, or just the stress of daily living. Chiropractors are able to treat a wide variety of problems, including neck pain, shoulder and back pain, and headaches. They can also address issues with the ankles, knees, and hips.
The primary focus of chiropractic is treating neuromusculoskeletal disorders. However, a chiropractor can refer patients to medical doctors for treatment of conditions such as herniated or slipped discs and other spinal cord injuries. Chiropractors often collaborate with other healthcare professionals in interprofessional clinics, family health teams and hospital outpatient departments.
In addition to providing spinal adjustments, chiropractors can also help with a wide range of other health issues through manual techniques and soft-tissue therapy. These may include massage, stretching, exercises and stretches, kinesio taping and dietary and lifestyle counseling.
Chiropractors can provide safe and effective treatment for pregnancy-related back and neck pain, as well as sciatica and other chronic aches and pains. Using low force chiropractic methods such as instrument adjusting and drop table, chiropractors can gently align the spine and alleviate discomfort.
Pregnancy-related back and neck pain can be complicated by multiple factors such as increased weight, poor posture, and changes in the structure of the body’s muscles and ligaments. A chiropractor can recommend exercise, stretches and dietary counseling to reduce discomfort and improve the quality of pregnancy.
Chiropractors can also treat other musculoskeletal disorders in the legs, arms and hands, as well as hips, knees, and feet. Many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, and some even have special programs for pregnant women. A pain management specialist should be consulted before seeking chiropractic treatment for herniated or slipped discs, spinal cord compression, or inflammatory arthritis.