Chiropractors are known as back doctors simply because they treat people with bad backs. People with back aches, scoliosis and back injuries have found relief after treatment by a back doctor.
A chiropractor’s aim is to improve a patient’s health by focussing on the areas of the muscles, skeleton and nerves. Especially the adjustments they make to your spinal column during a treatment are believed to be beneficial. Their area of expertise is not of a surgical nature neither do they prescribe medication although they will you refer you to a medical practitioner if they think you should get prescriptive drugs.
Many people injure their backs in accidents; it can be in a car accident or it can be by lifting heavy equipment. As such they can endure a lot of pain at times. A visit to a back doctor can bring considerable relief.
Back doctors are medically trained, they study for 6 years and their training is of a high standard. After they have completed their studies they obtain a Masters Degree in Chiropractic. They must be registered and are regulated by the relevant authorities, in South Africa the professional representative body is CASA. They must also adhere to a code of conduct and comply with standards as prescribed by the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.
They use manual therapy to achieve the desired results – this includes manipulation of joints, soft tissue and of course the spine. They are in an ideal position to prescribe different forms of exercises to maintain or treat a specific condition. They also make use of massage techniques, ice therapy and moist heat as well as supplements, herbal remedies and acupuncture. They subscribe to a healthy lifestyle and stress the importance of a proper diet, not smoking and regular exercise.
Conditions that benefit from chiropractic treatment include headaches, neck pain or whiplash and low back pain. Treatment by a trained professional is safe, quick and cost effective and their methods of treating the musculoskeletal system are non-invasive. Many medical aids cover treatment by a registered practitioner.
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