Chiropractic is a field of study that analyses and treats the disorders found in the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and how they affect the general health of a human being. Chiropractors are the doctors that practice Chiropractic medicine. A Chiropractor has the ability to treat a variety of health complaint but the popular complaints they work with are pain experienced in the neck, back, joints and head aches.
A Chiropractor can treat a chronic complaint, an injury or just increase general mobility of the joints. The nature of Chiropractic medicine is a drug free hands on approach. The root of the word "Chiropractic" originates from the Greek meaning "treatment by the hand." As with Alternative medicine practices Chiropractic Medicine believes in restoring balance and harmony throughout the entire body to enjoy optimal health. Chiropractic Medicine also focuses on restoring and maintain a healthy nervous system especially within the spine. The spine is of great importance to Chiropractors as it is the center of the body's ability to function at an optimal ability. The goal is to achieve "homeostasis" this is the state of the body when all systems are working in harmony. Any pain or discomfort will disrupt the homeostasis or harmony and that is where Chiropractic medicine steps in and provides relief.
A Chiropractor will diagnose the medical dysfunction by using traditional methods such as; x-rays, MRI and lab work. Through their vigorous training and a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems they will be able to determine if their practices and techniques can help you or if you need to seek help from a General Practitioner.
Once the root of the complaint has been crystallized the Chiropractor will proceed with hands on manipulation of the specified areas. Most often the compliant can be traced back to a misalignment in vertebrae's in the spinal column. Through the gentle touch and understanding of the musculoskeletal and nervous system the Chiropractor can detect the misalignment and correct it by applying pressure or manually manipulating and massaging the area.
Often a Chiropractor will provide you with exercises that will encourage your body to maintain homeostasis. It is important that you practice the exercises as directed by the Chiropractor because they will re-train your body to naturally find correct alignment and balance.
When choosing a Chiropractor it important to choose someone with the needed credentials and education but also someone who will make you feel comfortable and at ease. Find someone you share the same ideals as and ask who they would recommend. A Chiropractor should have D.C after his name. The D.C stands for Doctor of Chiropractics. A Chiropractor would have undergone 4 years of undergraduate study and 4-5 more years of extensive study in the following areas:
∑ Basic sciences
∑ Gross anatomy
∑ Internal medicine
∑ Chiropractic techniques
Chiropractors are medical physicians with a vast and developed knowledge of the human body and specifically the relationship between the spine and the rest of the body. Chiropractors are committed to helping their patients find Homeostasis by restoring balance in the spinal column.
By Worldwidehealth Editor
All rights reserved. Any reproducing of this article must have the author name and all the links intact.