Chiropractic care goes beyond back pain
Chiropractic care is an effective treatment option for disorders in
the nervous system and the neuromuscular system. Problems in the bones,
muscles, nerves and joints can be addressed by a chiropractor. A chiropractor
does not use medicine or perform surgery during treatment. Chiropractors use
hands-on techniques and nutrition techniques only. Chiropractors are popular
because of their well-known technique, spinal manipulation. Chiropractors use
these techniques to treat back pain and other conditions in the spine. This
technique involves manual adjustment of the spine with the aim of restoring
normal functionality of the spine. We visited the Chesapeake Family Wellness Center owned by Columbia chiropractor, Dr. Brian Colquitt, and this is what we found.
The first time you visit a chiropractor you can expect the visit to last 30 to 60 minutes. In the clinic, the chiropractor will perform several tests. Before the tests, the chiropractor will ask you questions that all other doctors ask. The questions will be about;
· Previous injuries, illnesses and conditions
· Lifestyle
· Diet
· Present health status
· Exercises that you indulge in
· Daily routine
· Sleeping habits
· Use of drugs and other substances
It is very important to disclose information about any physical difficulties you have. The chiropractor might miss something as they diagnose you simply because you withheld some information. After the questions, a physical exam follows. During this examination the chiropractor will establish whether you have any conditions that need to be addressed. Most problems in the neuromuscular problems are not easy to notice, especially in the early stage. However, when the chiropractor subjects you to the physical examination, he/she will be able to bring them to your attention. The chiropractor will concentrate on your spine as well as other areas that are within their scope.
During the diagnosis, or treatment, you may be asked to lie on a special bench. This bench helps a chiropractor isolate areas that have problems along the spine by providing a sudden and controlled force along the whole length of the spine. It is also common for the chiropractor to adjust the joints by stretching them to the limit of their motion and then releasing the force suddenly. This technique is aimed at realigning the bones and the joints. Massage and exercises are also common chiropractic techniques. Most of these techniques treat back pain. However, one cannot hide from the fact that these techniques target the health of the whole body.
In most cases, a chiropractor will need more than one session to treat a condition. It is important to keep in mind the fact that chiropractic care is not all about treating conditions. Chiropractic care can be used to improve the general health of the whole body. Chiropractic care is a preventive measure. The exercises that the chiropractors recommend for their patients improve the strength of the whole body. The dietary advice they give benefits the whole body not the specific areas they are treating.
