What Is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a health care discipline that focuses on the relationship between structure (bones, joints and soft tissue) and function (the way your body communicates with its environment). It includes the diagnosis, treatment and management of conditions that affect the spine, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Chiropractic helps reduce pain, increase mobility, improve performance and enhance the quality of life, without drugs or surgery. Chiropractors focus on prevention, diagnosis and conservative care to help patients of all ages and abilities live their best life. View here for more details about chiropractic care services.

A chiropractic degree consists of 4 years of academic study, including courses in anatomy and physiology and clinical practice that involves supervised practice, x-rays, and diagnostic tests. After completing their studies, chiropractors must take and pass a licensing examination to become licensed in the United States.

Spinal manipulation, or 'adjustments' as it is also known, can be effective for treating back pain and neck pain. The treatment involves a gentle, specific type of manual therapy that can alleviate discomfort and improve the functioning of the spine or other joints.

Your first visit to a chiropractor will last around an hour and will include an assessment, physical exam, and medical history. Your doctor may perform a variety of diagnostic tests, such as x-rays or MRIs to determine the source of your pain.

You will then meet with your chiropractor to discuss your symptoms and goals for treatment. They will use their broad diagnostic skills to identify your problem, as well as recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises and dietary advice. 

During your sessions, your chiropractor will use their hands now to manipulate your spine or other joints and muscles. Manipulation can be used to treat a range of issues, including neck and shoulder pain, low back pain, and sciatica. It can also be useful for other issues that relate to your joints or spine, such as arthritis or muscle tightness.

Many people choose chiropractic treatment as an alternative to medications or invasive surgeries. It's a natural, safe, and drug-free approach to health that promotes recovery and healing, increases energy, improves mood and overall health, and strengthens the immune system.

Research supports the benefits of chiropractic for a wide range of problems, from sports injuries to chronic conditions like arthritis and spinal degeneration. For instance, a 2017 review in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that spinal manipulation reduces lower back pain. A 2013 study published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage found that patient education combined with 12 spinal manipulation treatments was more effective than stretching or patient education alone for patients with hip osteoarthritis.

In addition to manipulation, chiropractic doctors can recommend specific exercises and stretches to improve your posture, reduce stress, and help your body function better. Some of these techniques can be done at home. You may need a series of sessions, so it's important to find a good chiropractor who can give you the right treatment. Find out more about this topic here: https://www.encyclopedia.com/economics/news-and-education-magazines/chiropractor.