What is Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat common musculoskeletal complaints, including back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches.
- Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments. The theory is that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support.
- Chiropractic treatment is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.
- The chiropractic adjustment is a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the purpose of correcting its position, movement or both. Adjustments are often accompanied by an audible release of gas that sounds like a "crack." The sound sometimes shocks people a little bit the first couple times they get adjusted, but the sensation is usually relieving. Occasionally, minor discomfort is experienced, especially if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure. There are times when the audible "cracking" does not occur. This is often due to either significant muscle tightness or that the patient may be having a hard time relaxing during their adjustments. However, the chiropractic adjustment is still important. Several adjustments over a course of time may be necessary.
History of Chiropractic
Chiropractic as a profession began in 1895 when its founder, Daniel David Palmer, “adjusted” the spine of a deaf janitor and claimed to restore his hearing. Spinal manipulation was not an unknown treatment in 1895, and Palmer never claimed to be the first to use manipulation for the cure of disease. He did claim, however, to be the first to use specific contacts as short-leverage points for making more specific spinal “adjustments.”
1
Early Years
Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic, where he taught his methods to the first chiropractors. These early years of the profession brought about a great deal of tension between conventional allopathic medicine and this new approach. Statutes to practice chiropractic were not established until later, though many chiropractors defiantly opposed the medical statutes they regarded as an infringement of their rights and obligations to serve their patients.
2
Chiropractic Today
The more recent professional cooperation and mutual appreciation between chiropractic and conventional medicine. Cooperation and the collaborative care of patients are now quite common. Interdisciplinary practices are now becoming more common in a variety of settings, with chiropractors, medical doctors, physical therapists, and others working as partners in occupational health, sports medicine teams, and rehabilitation centers.
Chiropractic Education
At present, chiropractic education and training is still not available in the Hong Kong SAR. All chiropractors practicing here receive their education and training from colleges and universities in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are approved by the Chiropractors Council of Hong Kong. Chiropractic education and training programmes in these countries are strictly regulated and accredited by their respective Council on Chiropractic Education.
Chiropractors attend at least 6 years of accredited professional education and training. Moreover, in countries like the USA and Canada, they are required to pass professional licentiate examinations, such as the four-part examination conducted by National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (USA), before they finally qualify to practice chiropractic.
When To Seek Chiropractic Care
Over the last few decades, more and more research has been done showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care for many different health symptoms and conditions.
Chiropractors Treat Common Symptoms
Chiropractors treat a range of symptoms related to the spine. These symptoms can be found in most areas of the body.
Chiropractors Treat Common Conditions
FAQ
Does Insurance cover chiropractic treatment?
Most medical insurance cover chiropractic treatment, please contact your own provider to check out the claim procedure. Patient usually paid upfront and will be reimbursed by their own insurance.
Do I need to have a GP referral to see a Chiropractor?
You do not need to get a GP referral to see a Chiropractor, unless you need to claim insurance and the policy usually require a GP or a Specialist referral to see a Chiropractor.
What is chiropractic care?
Chiropractic care is a health care profession based on interactions of the spine and nervous system, as well as the surrounding muscles.
Are chiropractors doctors?
Yes. Doctors of Chiropractic (also known as chiropractors) are not medical doctors, but go through a similar education process to become licensed in the field of chiropractic care. In fact, educational requirements for chiropractors are among the most stringent of any health care profession.
What types of pain do chiropractors treat?
Chiropractors are known for their expertise in caring for patients with back pain, neck pain, and headaches. They also treat sports injuries and other disorders involving muscles, ligaments and joints. The benefits of chiropractic care go beyond this and extend into general health as our core body structure affects overall function and health.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is the art of using a specific, controlled force in a precise direction that is applied to a spinal joint not moving properly or “locked up.” The purpose of this natural and safe procedure is to correct structural alignment and eliminate interference in the nervous system. For the patient, this means improved spinal function, reduction in pain, and an overall improvement in health and wellness.
Do adjustments hurt?
Chiropractic manipulation is a highly controlled procedure that rarely causes discomfort because minimal force and gentle pressure are used. In fact, most patients feel relief immediately following treatment. Any reported soreness after an initial adjustment has been described as similar to that associated with starting a new exercise program. Drinking plenty of water, using an ice pack, and engaging in light stretching after your first visit can help ease any discomfort promote healing.
Are adjustments safe?
Chiropractic care is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive therapies available for the treatment of most back and neck problems. Spinal adjustments are extremely safe when performed by a licensed chiropractor.
Why do adjustments sometimes make a popping sound?
The noises you hear resembling popping sounds are your joints releasing tiny pockets of air. A chiropractic adjustment does not affect the bones of either side of a joint; it affects the connective tissue that holds the joint together.
Are all patients adjusted the same way?
Each patient’s care is unique and therefore customized to meet their specific condition and needs. Your chiropractor will modify adjustments based on your size, weight, age and health condition.
Will a chiropractic adjustment completely remove back pain?
For many, back pain can become chronic if left untreated. Chiropractic care has been shown to ease and even eliminate back pain for many patients.
Can I see a chiropractor if I am pregnant?
Many pregnant women find that chiropractic adjustments improve the pregnancy experience and make delivery easier. Adjustments are adapted to accommodate the stage of pregnancy and the unique needs of each patient.
Is back pain common?
More than 80 percent of people experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, it is one of the most reported reasons people miss work and is the second most frequent reason patients visit the doctor.
Can I learn to adjust myself?
Chiropractors are trained to adjust in a very specific location and direction. As a result, it is virtually impossible to adjust oneself correctly and accurately.