Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts concerned with the restoration of the Spinal column and its related structures. Along with treating many different disorders, because of the vast distribution of the nervous system, chiropractic has proven effective with many other conditions such as certain headaches, muscle tension, stress and helping the body maintain a sense of well being. The Chiropractor, via manipulation, treats disturbances of the spine in order to facilitate this basic healing ability without the use of drugs or surgery.

The Chiropractic examination and treatment

On your first visit to the chiropractor you will be given a physical examination. You will also receive a spinal examination, which includes studies of spinal motion and integrity, orthopedic testing and a complete neurological exam, when warranted.

The chiropractor’s main treatment mode is spinal manipulation. Using the hands, the chiropractor will adjust specific segments of the spinal column with a quick painless thrust that mobilises the vertebrae. Such adjustments may have to be repeated regularly over a period of time to achieve the desired correction. The relief of these spinal misalignments and nerve irritations will help the body in its effort to return to normal health. Along with spinal manipulation such. matters as posture, nutrition, exercise, work and recreational habits are all considered.

Chiropractic techniques have also been successfully used in treating migraine, asthma and bedwetting in children.

Spinal x-rays are invaluable to the Chiropractor to help rule out disease and to aid in the diagnosis of certain spinal anomalies that are not readily visible during the physical examination. Each case is unique and X-rays will only be taken if required.

Chiropractic has long and short term goals. The short-term goal is to get the presenting complaint under control and the patient in a pain free state. Long term goals are to correct the structural imbalances in the spine that led to the problem originally and to prevent recurrence. Again, the concept of prevention must. be stressed. Through regular chiropractic care the body will be better able to deal with the many difficulties that it confronts daily. One does not have to be ill to benefit from chiropractic care. Many athletes utilise chiropractic to help improve performance.