 |
 |
Chiropractic
Manipulative Therapy
What
is a chiropractic adjustment?
What
is the background of chiropractic adjustment?
What
are the indications for chiropractic care?
What
are the contraindications for chiropractic care?
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
- Chiropractors are most known for treating
patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders and related clinical conditions
including back pain, neck pain, and headache
using a gentle thrust or adjustment to a specific vertebrae.
- Doctors of chiropractic therapy believe
that as a result of either physical overuse or disuse, the spinal column
can become stressed and strained. They feel that this may result in
imbalances within our nervous system, muscles, and blood supply which
can lead to pain, dysfunction, ill health, and eventual disease.
- In addition to spinal manipulation, other
acceptable modes of chiropractic treatment may include exercise instruction,
lifestyle modification, and nutritional counseling as well as the use
of therapeutic modalities such as trigger point massage, electric muscle
stimulation, and ultrasound.
What is the background of chiropractic
adjustment?
- The first known chiropractic adjustment
was performed by D.D. Palmer in 1895.
- Today's chiropractic professional must
have at least two years of undergraduate training and an additional
4 years or 4,200 hours of professional study at one of 17 accredited
chiropractic colleges.
- Since 1974, chiropractors have been licensed
to practice in all 50 states.
- Over 400 hospitals across the country
include chiropractic care.
What are the indications for chiropractic
care?
A chiropractor can be a resource
for patients with conditions such as:
What are the contraindications for
chiropractic care?
- Most
reactions to spinal adjustments are minor and self-limited. They typically
arise and disappear shortly after treatment. The most common benign
reactions are a short-lived local discomfort at the area of treatment.
Serious side effects are rare.
- Spinal manipulation
is not recommended in patients with certain arthritic
conditions, fractures, dislocations, cancer,
or infection at the area of treatment.
- Older adults with
osteoporosis (thinning of
the bone) or vertebral artery stenosis (narrowing of the arteries to
the brain) should inform the doctor before treatment. More gentle forms
of chiropractic treatment can be done safely.
|
 |
