What Does a Chiropractor Do?
The name ‘Chiropractic’ was chosen by Daniel David Palmer, the developer of chiropractic in 1895 and is derived from the Greek words cheir, which mean ‘hands’ and praktos, which means ‘done,’ i.e. Done By Hand. Based on his extensive study of physiology and anatomy, Palmer made the major contribution to the field of health by putting together the system of philosophy, science and art of chiropractic.
The American Chiropractic Association defines chiropractic as, “Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic services are used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints,
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The American Chiropractic Associated notes there are more than 70,000 DCs with active licenses in the United States that treat over 30-million Americans yearly. Chiropractors treat both adults and children.
The Association defines what a chiropractor does as, “Practice a hands-on, drug-free approach to health care that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are perhaps best known for their expertise in the use of spinal manipulation; however, they are also trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, and to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.”
Most people have probably heard someone talk about going to their chiropractor and receiving an adjustment or spinal manipulation. The ACA notes the purpose of an adjustment is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement due to an injury to the tissues. The Mayo Clinic notes that seeking relief for headaches, neck and low back pain are the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor seeking an
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Regardless of the cause, injured tissues undergo chemical and physical changes resulting in pain, inflammation and reduced function. When the affected joints and tissues are adjusted, mobility is restored, which decreases pain and tightening of the muscles. Discomfort after an adjustment isn’t common, but a patient may experience some mild soreness in the affected area for 12 to 48-hours after the treatment.
When it comes to patient care, the adjustment might not be the only procedure employed by the chiropractor to manage care. Chiropractic care also utilizes controlled natural therapies such as heat, cold, exercise, massage, water and light to treat painful problems like lower back pain. The Chiropractor can also make dietary suggestions to help reduce the pain.
Another core of chiropractic treatment along with manual manipulation, as explained by Spine-Health, is mobilization. Mobilization is explained as, “Low velocity manipulation, movement and stretching of the muscles and joints, with the goal of increasing the range of motion within those
Maintaining a degree in exercise science can allow an individual to become a chiropractor although additional schooling is required. Chiropractic and chiropractic practice often are used interchangeably, but mean two different things. “Chiropractic is a health care discipline that emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal without the use of
What is scoliosis? Scoliosis is a musculoskeletal disorder that causes the back to curve sideways like and “S” or a “C” and cause the body to lean to one side. Scoliosis can eventually if not looked into and not treated colid with your bodily organs like your heart, lungs, and kidneys. This can cause you to slump down into a hump and cause it hard to breath and do physical activity.
“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet and in the cause and prevention of disease” by Thomas A. Edison. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments on the spine which will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Chiropractic care began in 1895 when its founder, Daniel David Palmer, claimed any and all diseases could be healed by nothing more than just his hands. Dr. Palmer examined a janitor who was deaf for 17 years after the janitor felt his back was out of place, so Dr. Palmer gave an adjustment to what was felt to be a misplaced vertebra in the upper back. The janitor then observed that his hearing improved thanks to Dr. Palmer. Chiropractors use manipulation to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by sitting without proper back support. Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually
Arthritis, muscle pain, low back pain, swelling or weakness- if you suffer under one on these conditions, doctors might recommend a treatment that you might not be familiar with- acupuncture.The ancient treatment used in China thousands of years ago involves thin, metal needles being placed in the patient’s skin. The human body is described as a composition of yin and yang, two fluids that balance each other out and are responsible for the body’s mental and physical health.If yin isn’t able to flow anymore, the human body is said to be imbalanced, mental and physical disease occur as a result. The Acupuncture needles are now supposed to help unblock the flow of yin and cure the conditions by connecting with special points selected from lines
The word “chiropractor” has two word origins, the Greek words cheir and praxis; meanwhile, cheir means “hand” and praxis means “practice.” Also, most of the work that chiropractors do is done by hand (Pike para. 5). In 2002, going to a chiropractor was found to be the most commonly used program for therapy. Seventy-four percent, about 4 million, of people that had back pain went to a chiropractor to get treated. Among that 74 percent of people, 66 percent of them stated that they got “a great benefit” (Pike para. 9). Many chiropractors work full time but 1 out of 3 chiropractors work part time. Chiropractors work whenever their patients need them, even on w...
After surgical joint replacement patients need pain management and analgesia because there is an increased amount of pain and stimuli that are usually not painful suddenly become bothersome (Scholz & Yaksh, 2010). For rehabilitation of the joint to occur, the patient must undergo physiotherapy. This therapy includes strengthening the joint and its surrounding muscles. If an intolerable amount of pain is present, the time for recovery could be prolonged and even chronic complications may result. The natural progression is that the amount and intensity of the pain perceived varies from patient to patient but as the incisions heal the pain intensity gradually declines (Scholz & Yaksh, 2010). “However, some patients experience deep pain or pain referred to the dermatomes that correspond to the operated organ, which persists for months or even years” (Scholz & Yaksh, 2010 p. 512). In the literature a clear distinction is not made in the description of post-operative pain. For instance post-operative pain could occur as a result of aggravation of the affected area by exercise, friction, or some other manipulation that occurs in the post-operative and recovery period (Scholz & Yaksh, 2010). Scholz and Yaksh (2010) ask “are the mechanisms responsible for sustained pain the same as those underlying acute postsurgical pain, or does, in this subgroup of patients, the trauma associated with the surgical intervention provoke different changes in sensory processing?” (Scholz & Yaksh, 2010 p.511)” The post-operative pain that is under examination in this paper is that which is produced as result of the acute joint rehabilitation process. The goal of this project is t...
Physical therapy has been around for quite a long time and has improve within the last 100 years. It became more prevalent during WWII and didn’t become a professional doctoral degree until the 1970s. Physical therapist heal the body as a whole, while chiropractors focus on the spine and spinal cord. To help improve mobility, physical therapists use massage therapy, STIM (tens unit), and exercises. To prevent injuries, physical therapists work on balance and mobility issues but using therabands, and walking over steps, in a straight line, and walking from side to side. Also, they can help avoid surgery by strengthening muscles and reducing inflammation and pain. Chiropractors are good for neck and back pain and help relieve stress in the spine which is good for back injuries. Although chiropractors use special techniques to relieve back pain, physical therapists exercise the whole body and ensure
I have always aspired to be a chiropractor. Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system including the nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments as well as manipulation, usually on the neck back (“Summary”). I chose to go down the path of chiropractic practice because I have always been interested in it. It is important to understand the education and training requirements, skills and talents needed, salary and benefits offered, and the duties while making your career choice a chiropractor.
Chronic lower back pain is a major health disorder in the world today (Mendelson, Selwood, Kranz, Loh, Kidson, Scott, 1983). It can cause many physical, mental, and emotional problems on the victim (Mendelson, Selwood, Kranz, Loh, Kidson, Scott, 1983). Many people find their work so unbearably painful that they often have to stay home. Others experience depression, inactivity, and social isolation (Kaplan, Sallis, Patterson). Treatments range from the conventional methods such as medication and surgery to the alternative or unconventional methods such as acupuncture. However, only a small percentage of low back pain patients have the type of condition for which surgery can be used so acupuncture is becoming more popular (Lehmann, Russell, Spratt, 1983).
Posture Correction – Poor posture is a major issue involved in back pain. Poor posture is also unattractive and unhealthy to the body. Good posture helps the body maintain balance and stay aligned. Inversion therapy helps to realign your spine so you can enjoy the health benefits of good
When determining on the right chiropractor or counselor, it can be very useful to know and understand the different types of physical therapies and their task. Although all can be in effect, you might find one technique more engaging than another.
All athletes get injured right? So who exactly allows them to run the fields again? There is a specific person meant for just that, a Physical Therapist. A career that would be fit for someone who enjoys being active and being involved in sports. As a way to help people, Physical Therapy is a very important career to any individual who is looking to get better, Physically. They attend any person,it doesn’t matter what age or gender. Over all this career is most important to athletes, who may get injured and need someone to help them get back in shape. As you continue to read, you will learn about the conditions and requirements needed to be a Physical Therapist. You will read about how not everyone is fit
Think chiropractic care is only effective in treating neck and back pain? You’re not alone. Many people are unaware of the benefits of chiropractic treatment for other parts of the body. Chiropractor Dr. Ninette Marsocci of Salama Chiropractic Center in Charlotte, NC, explains how chiropractic care can help you recover from sports injuries.
Simpson, J Keith. "The Five Eras of Chiropractic & the Future of Chiropractic as Seen
Massage Therapy The practice of massage therapy is rapidly growing in the United States. It has numerous benefits to offer and is becoming more widely accepted as a medical practice by doctors and the general public. Massage is defined as: …the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body by such movements as rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, slapping, and tapping, for therapeutic purposes such as promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of muscles, relief from pain, restoration of metabolic balance, and other benefits both physical and mental (Beck 3). There is much historical evidence to indicate that massage is one of the earliest remedies for pain relief and for the restoration of a healthy body.