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What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing musculoskeletal disorders, primarily those related to the spine. Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic (DC), use hands-on spinal manipulation and other manual techniques to adjust misalignments (subluxations) of the spine and other joints, with the goal to restore correct alignment, alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Key aspects of chiropractic care include:
Spinal Manipulation (Adjustment):
The hallmark of chiropractic care is spinal manipulation, or adjustment, which involves applying controlled force to joints of the spine or other areas of the body to correct misalignments and restore proper alignment and function. This can help alleviate pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall health.
Holistic Approach:
Chiropractic care often takes a holistic approach to health and wellness, recognizing the interconnectedness of the body’s systems and the importance of addressing underlying causes of symptoms rather than just treating symptoms themselves.
Patient-Centered Care:
Chiropractors typically take a patient-centered approach, focusing on individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. Treatment plans may include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions to promote healing and improve overall well-being.
Focus on Wellness and Prevention:
In addition to treating musculoskeletal conditions and pain, chiropractors emphasize wellness and prevention, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, proper posture, ergonomic principles, and regular chiropractic care to develop maximum spinal health and avoid injuries in the future.
Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers:
Chiropractors often work collaboratively with other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists, and specialists, to provide comprehensive care and address the diverse needs of patients.
Evidence-Based Practice:
While chiropractic care is rooted in a philosophy of natural healing and the body’s innate ability to heal, modern chiropractors rely on scientific evidence and research to inform their clinical decision-making and treatment approaches.
Conditions commonly treated by chiropractors include back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica, joint pain, and musculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by trained and licensed professionals, and it is increasingly recognized as a valuable option for managing pain and promoting overall health and well-being.
How do you know which therapist to visit when you experience excruciating pain?
When people experience pain, they prefer to consult their doctor first. If the evaluation doesn’t find a more serious cause for your pain, most doctors will refer patients to physical therapy. If pain is still present, most patients will go to one of the other pain management specialists.
Most clinics offer a variety of treatments. Chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists overlap in their treatments. For example, PTs, acupuncturists and chiropractors will use massage therapy or cupping to relax muscles. In some states, chiropractors and physical therapists perform acupuncture. Chiropractors and acupuncturists usually prescribe strengthening exercises.
How do you know which treatment or practitioner is best for you?
If you are unsure about the nature of your pain and confused as to which type of therapist is best for you then consult your personal doctor for his/her opinion. Not everyone likes PT. Not everyone likes chiropractic. Not everyone likes acupuncture. That is normal. A doctor may ask you to take some medical test like MRI or some simple X-Ray examinations to find out the condition or severity of the pain. Based on such report a general practitioner can advise you about further treatments and which therapist to see.
There are many videos online that can help with do at home exercises. However, it is best to visit a therapist before starting any exercises or treatments even at home.
Let’s find out what some of these different practitioners do.
Doctors
Doctors generally specialize in the evaluation of painful conditions. Their treatment includes surgery, pain medication, injections and referral to a specialist.
Chiropractors. Find local therapists near me for initial consultation.
They focus on aligning the skeleton and spine. Some chiropractors will use therapy to relax the muscles. Treatment includes adjustments, exercise, muscle therapy, and usually supplements. Chiropractic is a type of treatment that uses both hands and/or a small activator to manually repair spinal injuries. They don’t use invasive treatments like painkillers or surgery. Techniques used by chiropractors are the Activator, Sacrooccipital Technique, Webster Technique (at any stage of pregnancy), Cranial Work and Limited AK and Logan Basic.
Many people ask when considering healthcare professions, “are chiropractors doctors?”
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Physical Therapist (PT) or Physiotherapist. Find local therapists near me for initial consultation.
Although there is a wide variety of specialties within the profession, the majority of patients seek PT pain care. Physical therapists help patients with injury and help improve movement and manage pain. They are integral part of preventive care, rehabilitation, and treatment for patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.
Acupuncturist. Find local therapists near me for initial consultation.
Acupuncture works through the nervous system. Acupuncture helps your body release its own natural pain relievers. It will also release muscle tension. It can reactivate healing in old injuries. This can reset communication between the brain and the affected area. This can reactivate neural pathways that have been silenced. It can suppress nerve pathways that are over-burnt. Therapeutic and acupuncture methods include acupuncture, exercise, muscle therapy (cupping), herbal medicine, and dietary supplements.
**Disclaimer
This website and the contents are for informational and educational purposes only. Please talk to your personal doctor before taking any recommendations.