Chiropractic treatment is safe for most people. It is used effectively to treat babies, the elderly, pregnant women, sports people and the rest of us. Chiropractor’s use manual manipulation of the spine to bring about an alignment of the spine. Vertebrae can shift or even worse, they can fuse together as a result of injuries, trauma or chemical imbalances.
The spinal column is the pathway along which the nerves travel from the brain to the rest of the body and back. The nerves use the openings between the disks to branch off to muscles, organs and other soft tissue. When this flow has been disrupted, the messages cannot reach their destinations and the body cannot function at optimal level. Even when there is just a slight twist in a spinal bone, the nerves can be irritated and other symptoms appear. Spinal decay, soft tissue damage and muscle weakness are all signs that nerves cannot get messages across.
Chiropractor’s treat mainly the back and are therefore also known as back doctors. They do however also treat the neck, head and related complaints such as migraine and whiplash. Sports people often use the services of Chiropractor’s to treat injuries.
The frequency and regularity of treatments depend on the condition that is treated. As a rule of thumb 4-6 treatments might be required at first. When the condition has improved, it might be necessary to visit the Chiropractor for maintenance treatments; this will correct minor shifts if noticed.
After a treatment a Chiropractor might suggest preventative measures in an effort to reduce the chances of a recurrence. He will supply the patient with exercises to strengthen the back and stomach muscles – this will support the spine. In general, exercises will improve health and reduce stress as well. Furthermore, as part of a healthy lifestyle, the diet will be looked at – if you are overweight, the back will suffer. Important issues are: stand tall and sit up straight, buy a firm mattress, squad when you want to lift an object and when you want to put it down.