Chiropractic is a health care profession dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system and/or musculoskeletal system. Generally, chiropractors maintain a unique focus on spinal manipulation and treatment of surrounding structures.
Chronic back pain is straining both physically and emotionally. To manage the frustration, irritability, depression and other psychological aspects of dealing with chronic pain, you may get referred to a rehabilitation psychologist. This specialist may recommend meditation, yoga, tai chi and othercognitive and relaxation strategies to keep your mind from focusing on pain
The Role Of Chiropractor
Back pain is one of the most common-and debilitating-ailments people face. And finding the right pain relief is no easy. A chiropractor first takes a medical history, performs a physical examination, and may use lab tests or diagnostic imaging to determine if treatment is appropriate for your back pain.
The treatment plan may involve one or more manual adjustments in which the doctor manipulates the joints, using a controlled, sudden force to improve range and quality of motion. Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation into the treatment plan. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of injury in addition to back pain relief.
Spinal manipulation or chiropractic spinal care for back pain are generally considered safe, effective treatments for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from moving furniture or getting tackled. Acute back pain, which is more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better on its own.
Research has also shown chiropractic care to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. In addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to the moderate pressure used both by chiropractors and practitioners of deep tissue massage.
Often, patients don’t need any treatment, and back pain will go away on its own. For chronic pain, chiropractic treatment may offer temporary relief.
Some chiropractors treat anything and everything, from asthma to premenstrual syndrome to headaches-whatever might be bothering you. Many sell herbal and other types of supplements, promote health fads such as iridology and use hair analysis and similar tests to diagnose bogus nutritional deficiencies, illnesses, and allergies.
Some chiropractors are dismissive of mainstream medicine, including immunizations. Others work with medical doctors, giving and accepting referrals. Still others treat only back problems, and use conventional methods such as ice, heat, and massage. Given the broad range of approaches, it is hard to know what you might encounter when you visit a chiropractor.
