CHIROPRACTIC
Definitions of Chiropractic
A health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.
World Federation of Chiropractic, 2001
A health care profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the Neuromusculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on general health. There is an emphasis on manual techniques, including joint adjustment and/or manipulation with a particular focus on subluxations.
World Health Organization, Guidelines on Chiropractic, 2005
Chiropractic – Where does it fit into the healthcare system?
Chiropractic is a conservative, non-invasive, complimentary, hands-on, drug free health science that is concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of acute and/ or chronic mechanical disorders of the neurological-muscular-skeletal system.
Chiropractors are considered to be “The Spinal Health Care Experts in the Health Care System” and act as key providers of “Primary Spinal Health Care through Chiropractic”.
Chiropractic – Benefits
•Increased energy and more restful sleep – which means greater efficiency at performing daily activities!
•Better posture and spinal flexibility – which means greater functionality – which means improved performance!
•Fewer hospital admissions and a decreased need for surgery
•Non-invasive, convenient and cost-effective health care
•Promotes faster healing and recovery – which means less time off from work and having fun in the sun!
•Management of pain from neuromusculoskeletal related conditions (acute or chronic) – which means better quality of life
Chiropractic – Why and when do I need it?
Your spine is made up of 24 individual moveable vertebrae with a pair of spinal nerves that exits between each vertebra. Intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae and acts as shock absorbers. This reduces friction between the vertebrae and allows for increased movement to occur within in the spine. The vitality of your spine is dependent on proper functionality, therefore it is important that each of your individual vertebrae are moving freely and are not restricted in any way.
During the course of your daily activities you place a certain demand on your body. This demand requires a certain level of physical fitness and muscular endurance. However, as a result of a demanding lifestyle there comes a time when your daily exertion starts to exceed your body’s recovery threshold leading to the build-up of muscular tension. This can result in injury that might have been caused by improper lifting of a heavy object or, due to awkward spinal posture from sitting all day, or due to repetitive stress.
Musculoskeletal dysfunction can then lead to back pain and neck pain, pain in the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee joints, and ankle and foot pain. In addition, misalignment or restriction of a vertebra can cause musculoskeletal dysfunction or spinal nerve entrapment, or vice versa. This neurological-muscular-skeletal complex can cause nerve irritation either through direct/ indirect pressure and follow-on pain, and if left untreated, can lead to recurrent or permanent dis-ease and pain.
When should I make an appointment and do I need a referral?
You can book your appointment at your earliest convenience and you do not need a referral note to schedule your consultation. In most instances the sooner treatment begins the better, as this will help you achieve the best possible result for optimal recovery in the least amount of treatments possible.
How many treatments will I require?
Although Chiropractic is a health science that can be safely applied to everyone, not everyone will experience the same benefits. Your body’s response following the initial treatment will be a guiding factor. The greater the improvement following the initial visit the quicker you will return to health.
Your follow up visit will be an evaluation of your response to the initial treatment. This is important as we want to ensure that the treatment protocol being followed is having the desired effect and most importantly that you are improving. From here on consistent chiropractic care and monitoring of your progress will be continued, and the desired health sate according to your feedback has been attained or you are pain free and can return to performing your daily activities. You must keep in mind that certain injuries and conditions requires more time to heal than others, and having the illusion that you will be fixed in one session is the wrong approached.
What do Chiropractors treat?
Many people who seek chiropractic care are usually experiencing some sort of discomfort; with the most common predominant reason being for low-back pain. People also frequently seek chiropractic care for other kinds of musculoskeletal pain (e.g., neck, shoulder), headaches, and extremity (e.g., hand or foot) problems;
Neck Pain
Hip Pain
Shoulder Pain
Back Pain
Knee Pain
Elbow Pain
Headaches
Myofascial Pain
Wrist & Hand Pain
Muscle Strains & Sprains
Sciatica
Foot & Ankle Pain
Patient demographics vary considerably; however, the primary clients are middle-aged and married, with more visits by women than men.
Chiropractic is a wonderful health science that is safe and effective and can be used as a preventative therapy to maintain body alignment. Therefore, you don’t have to wait until you have an ache or a pain. Alternatively, you can have an assessment done of your biomechanical alignment at any time to ensure that you perform at your optimal level and enjoy a better quality of life.
Chiropractic - What to expect at my first consultation
As your Chiropractor my main concern is with your neurological-muscular-skeletal system and how well they are functioning in relation to one another. This is accomplished through the evaluation of the biochemical structure of your spine. And so, my focus is placed on the examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of your neuromusculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
Your consultation will start with the gathering of information related to your health history. This will be followed on by a physical, neurological, and orthopaedic examination. Your case may require additional information to ensure that you will receive an accurate diagnosis. And so, for your safety various tools such as laboratory tests, x-rays and other diagnostic images maybe requested, before you continue with your Chiropractic care.
When safe you will be treated with a “chiropractic adjustment” (also called “spinal manipulation”). Spinal or extremity adjustments are the most common therapeutic procedure used to restore joint mobility by applying limited and controlled force into joints that have become restricted in movement due to musculoskeletal dysfunction. Spinal manipulation restores mobility and alleviates pain and muscle tightness, and so, allows the body’s natural ability to support healing. Besides spinal manipulation additional treatment therapies may be included in your treatment to facilitate better and faster healing.
Chiropractic promotes health and wellbeing and is a wonderful health science that can be used to maintain body alignment for;
Greater Functionality – Improved Performance – Greater Enjoyment of Daily Life!