What is Chiropractic and Can it Help Me?

What is chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a type of alternative medicine centered around diagnosing and treating a variety musculoskeletal conditions in not only the spine but extremities as well. The idea of chiropractic started in the late 1800s and was founded by D.D Palmer in Davenport, Iowa. The goal of chiropractic is not solely to decrease pain but also to restore and improve function so that patients can lead fulfilling lives and continue to perform all of their favorite activities and hobbies.

Mechanism of action:

A chiropractic adjustment consists of the use of either the practitioner’s hands or an instrument assisted device (such as an activator or arthrostim) to induce movement into either the spine or the extremities. With high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) adjustments, the patient will occasionally hear a “popping or cracking” noise. These noises result from gasses escaping from the joint. Some times patients will not hear any audible sounds during the adjustment. The presence or absence of the popping sounds does not predict the success of the adjustment. The ultimate goal of the adjustment is to open up the joint spaces to allow for more movement leading to a reduction in postural strain and an increase in the body’s biomechanics.

Is Chiropractic Safe?

Chiropractic treatment is extremely safe. The most common complaint post adjustment is soreness which can easily be relieved with time, heat and ice.

Pain management:

Chiropractors can help to reduce inflammation and decrease muscle tension through various adjustments and soft tissue techniques. The pathophysiology of chiropractic adjustments is not as widely known or studied, however, there has been some evidence to suggest that chiropractic is able to interrupt the pain pathway by decreasing the pain response.

Conditions that chiropractors treat includes:

Cervical and lumbar disc herniations, sprains, strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, Thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, headaches, whiplash, sciatica, tennis elbow, OA, and several other conditions

Conditions that chiropractors do NOT treat:

Cancer, Cauda equina syndrome, broken bones

Why should I seek chiropractic treatment over medical treatment for my aches and pains?

Chiropractors are musculoskeletal specialists who have had intensive training in effectively diagnosing and treating specific injuries and ailments without the use of drugs. With the opioid crisis in full swing, chiropractic care offers a safe and alternative style of treatment that not only helps to decrease pain but also aims to increase function.

Come on in today for an exam and treatment to see if chiropractic can help you!