Chiropractic Medicine
Chiropractic medicine is based on the principle that spinal joint misalignments interfere with the nervous system and can result in lower resistance to disease and many different conditions of diminished health.
What is Chiropractic Medicine?
Chiropractic medicine is a complementary health care approach that uses hands-on, drug free techniques to reduce the effects of musculoskeletal and neurological disorders on general health. Chiropractic may be used to treat conditions and symptoms ranging from headaches to back pain and joint conditions. Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) may commonly be referred to as chiropractors or chiropractic physicians. They must receive a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education and be licensed by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Policies regulating the practice of chiropractic vary individually by each state.
How does Chiropractic Medicine Work?
35 million adults and children receive chiropractic care in the US annually. The most common therapeutic practice performed in chiropractic medicine is spinal manipulation (which some refer to as “adjustments”). This therapy is used to improve joint mobility, which research has shown may reduce pain caused by a range of conditions. Other therapies used in chiropractic medicine include nutritional counseling, heat and ice therapy, relaxation techniques, and exercise. Chiropractic therapies are generally safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects. However, a thorough consultation with a chiropractic physician will first be required to assess your health, establish a diagnosis, and determine if chiropractic treatment is appropriate for you.
Can Chiropractic Medicine Help Me?
Research shows that chiropractic treatment with spinal manipulations may be effective in reducing back pain – especially low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Overall, spinal manipulations are very safe and present few side effects, making chiropractic treatment a smart non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment alternative for some types of pain.