What Is a Chiropractor?



Chiropractic physicians utilize a drug-free, hands on holistic form of care. Chiropractic is the largest natural health care profession in the world. Chiropractic physicians are trained in the examination and treatment of muscle, joint and nerve condition conditions. They also have extensive training in nutrition and the role it plays in many of the health conditions that plague Americans today. Chiropractors look to find and correct the underlying cause of a patient’s pain or other health condition instead of prescribing drugs that often only cover or mask the symptoms but fail to deal with the true cause of the condition. This is more important today than ever given the epidemic overuse and abuse of prescription pain medications as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chiropractic care can decrease the need for drugs and surgery.

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

For patients presenting with musculoskeletal complaints such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, hip pain, shoulder pain or many other joint and muscle conditions a chiropractor may utilize clinical examination, laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and scans to help determine the cause of the patient’s complaints. After a patient is evaluated a course of treatment to decrease pain, improve function and enhance health can be initiated. Chiropractors work with many other types of health professionals and can make referrals to them when necessary or in the best interest of the patient. Forms of treatment that may be utilized by a chiropractic physician include spinal and other joint manipulation, various forms of physiotherapy including ultrasound and muscle stimulation, massage therapy, exercise instruction and home care.

What Does a Chiropractor Treat?

Chiropractors are best known for their treatment of various spinal, joint and nerve conditions. Much of the treatment provided by chiropractors for musculoskeletal conditions centers around improving joint function. If joint function and motion are abnormal this will place abnormal stress on the soft tissues that are in close proximity to the joint. The soft tissues that can be stressed and become painful include muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels and nerves. Treatment that improves and helps normalize joint function will help take abnormal stress off of these various soft tissues and frequently greatly diminish pain. Musculoskeletal conditions that patients often seek chiropractic care for include the following:

  • Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Headaches
  • Hip Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Sciatica
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Knee Pain
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Herniated Discs
  • Whiplash
  • Degenerative Disc Disease

You may ask how can I find a chiropractor near me? When searching for a chiropractic physician to help decrease your pain and improve your health and vitality be certain to consider the years of experience the doctor has. Also, the chiropractic adjustive techniques offered, if a massage therapist and physiotherapy such as ultrasound are available and any additional certification in sports medicine, orthopedics, nutrition, etc. the doctor has completed, in addition to their location.

This is the syndicated copy of an original article posted at http://bend-oregon-chiropractor.com/what-is-a-chiropractor/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is a herniated disc, or slipped disc?

Image
Spinal discs are the cushions or “shock absorbers” between the spinal bones or vertebrae which if damaged can cause a herniated disc. The discs also allow for motion in the spine. The disc is made of a tough outer border and a softer gelatinous center kind of like a jelly donut. When the tough outer border becomes torn or cracked some of the softer center called the nucleus can be pushed out causing a bulge or herniation. This is what is typically referred to as a herniated disc. Other terms that are sometimes used include a pinched nerve in the neck or back, a trapped nerve or a disc rupture to spinal decompression. Symptoms of a herniated disc The symptoms associated with a herniated disc depend on what direction the disc herniates and what other tissue the herniated disc places pressure on. In some cases a herniated disc will create little or no pain at all. The various symptoms of a herniated disc depend on which pain sensitive tissue the disc puts pressure on and include th
Read more

What is Sciatica?

Image
Sciatica is a term used to describe leg symptoms that are caused by a pinching or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and is formed by nerve roots that come together from the lower back. The sciatic nerve begins in the lower back and its branches travel down the entire leg and into the foot. Sciatica Symptoms The symptoms associated with sciatica can include lower back pain that extends to the hip, thigh, lower leg and foot. The leg symptoms often include achiness, numbing, tingling, burning and/or shooting pains. Sciatic leg pain can be present in some cases without associated lower back pain. The pain associated with sciatica can be anywhere from a mild irritation to debilitating pain that significantly affects one’s sleep and many normal daily activities. Sciatica Causes Sciatica can be caused by numerous conditions in the lower back and hip regions. Four of the most common causes of sciatica are the following. Degenerativ
Read more