Chiropractic
Chiropractic practice focuses on the relationship between the structure of the body (primarily the spine) and the function of the body (as coordinated by the nervous system). The spine helps us to function in many ways including:
- Movement – A properly aligned spine supports healthy human movement.
- Support – The spine supports the neck, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle.
- Protection – The spine protects the central nervous system, which controls every single cell, tissue and organ in the body.
- Coordination & Control – The central nervous system carries information from the brain to your bodies muscles and limbs. Proper spinal alignment can is crucial for coordination and muscular control.
It should be clear that your spine plays a massive role in your body’s well being and maintaining whole body health. Chiropractic care helps your body to maintain optimal spinal health. Chiropractors perform adjustments (manipulations) to the spine or other parts of the body. The goal is to correct alignment problems, ease pain, and support the body's natural ability to heal itself. Chiropractors work by first assessing a patient, and then perform gentle spinal adjustments either by hand or with specialised instruments. These help to realign the body and enhance muscular balance, prompting proper nervous system function and contributing to optimal whole body health. They may also use other treatments including
- stretching and exercise programs
- Heat and ice
- Electrical stimulation
- Relaxation techniques
- Rehabilitative and general exercise
- Counseling about diet, weight loss, and other lifestyle factors
- Nutritional advice
- Dietary supplements
- Ergonomic and postural advice
- Home care
- Lifestyle and health education information.
See also : Myotherapy
Special Precautions of Chiropractic
Chiropractic is generally very safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor. Some people may experience side effects from treatment, such as:
- aches and pains
- stiffness
- tiredness
These side effects are usually mild and pass in a few days.
- There is a risk of more serious problems, such as stroke, from spinal manipulation, but the risk is extremely small.
- There's little evidence that it can help with more serious conditions or problems not affecting the muscles or joints, such as asthma, allergies and mental health problems.
Speak to your GP if you're unsure whether chiropractic is safe for you.
Health Benefits and Uses of Chiropractic
- Lower back pain
- Leg pain (sciatica)
- Upper back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Elbow pain
- Pain from osteoarthritis
- Repetitive strains
- Headaches
- Sports injuries
- Arthritic pain
- Fibromyalgia
