Chiropractic therapy is a unique form of alternative medicine that diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal disorders. It is a drug-free, non-invasive method that focuses on the spine and its relationship with the nervous system.
Misalignments in the spine can interfere with nerve communication, leading to numerous health issues. Chiropractors use manual adjustment and manipulation techniques to improve spinal motion and enhance nervous system function.
Spinal Adjustments
Spinal manipulation, also known as spinal adjustment, is the primary treatment method for back pain. A chiropractor will use hand-on techniques or an instrument to apply a sudden force to a joint, which is often accompanied by a popping sound (like cracking your knuckles). Spinal manipulation increases spinal movement, decreases nerve irritation and local muscle spasm and improves overall posture.
Despite its controversial reputation, spinal manipulation is generally considered safe by medical professionals. A 2017 review of studies found that it’s a “low-risk therapy,” especially when performed by a licensed and certified chiropractor. However, some medical conditions do predispose patients to complications. These include osteoporosis, spine deformities, increased stroke risk and other serious spinal problems that might require surgery.
There are several different types of spinal adjustments, with varying levels of force and twisting movements. Typically, a patient lies on a padded table with sections that drop down at the same time as the chiropractor makes a quick thrust. The diversified technique, which is the most common chiropractic adjustment method, uses short manual thrusts to target mechanical distortions in specific segments of the spine.
The activator method of spinal manipulation uses a small spring-loaded tool that applies a low-force pulse to a specific area. This method allows a doctor to make precise adjustments without making the muscles tense, which is especially helpful for elderly patients, children, pregnant women and those with osteoporosis. Activator spinal adjustments are also used for other joints in the body, such as the arms and legs.
Another form of spinal manipulation is called decompression therapy, which focuses on creating negative pressure between the vertebrae of the spine to reduce herniated discs and related symptoms. This technique is often combined with a spinal adjustment, and it’s typically done on a specialized decompression table with traction to stretch the spine and create the negative pressure.
The flexion-distraction technique is a low-force chiropractic method that also helps herniated discs and other spinal issues by reversing the pressure of the disc or vertebrae to restore normal function. It’s usually done on a specialized table and is a great option for people who can’t get a comfortable position to lie down, as it’s less strenuous than other methods.
Myofascial Release
While we applaud muscles for amazing feats like surging through a surf wave or throwing a football 45 yards into the air, our bodies also owe a lot to fascia, the thick connective tissue that looks and feels like a spider web. Fascia connects individual muscles to each other and to other muscle groups across the entire body, and it helps align our joints and bones. It’s responsible for many of the things we do automatically, such as bending over to pick something up off the floor or walking and breathing. Myofascial release is a massage technique that addresses problems with the fascia, which may be causing pain and hindering your ability to move freely.
The theory behind myofascial release is that physical injury, illness, and emotional stress can throw the body out of alignment and cause the fascia to become taut and restricted. When this happens, the fascia can bind to underlying tissues and create adhesions, which feel like thick dabs of glue sticking to muscle fibers. These adhesions do not show up on X-rays or other scans, but they can restrict movement and lead to pain.
Myofascial release therapy aims to break up these adhesions by applying light pressure and stretching to the affected area. It is similar to massage and can be done with hands-on pressure applied by your chiropractor or physical therapist. It can also be performed at home by using a foam roller or other tools that you purchase at your local fitness store or online.
There are several different schools of myofascial release, but the one most commonly used by chiropractors is called John F. Barnes’ Myofascial Release Approach (MFR). This massage technique is considered safe and gentle and produces lasting results, something the Glendale chiropractors have gotten very good at.
The National Library of Medicine cites studies of MFR that have found it to be effective in treating back and neck pain, muscle spasms, fibromyalgia, and other painful conditions that affect the muscles and connective tissue. In addition, MFR can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments such as acupuncture, manipulation, and physical or occupational therapy. The MFR technique is based on the philosophy of osteopathy, which posits that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself. It simply needs help overcoming impairments and restrictions to continue on its path of healing.
Nutritional Counseling
Nutritional counseling is a type of behavioral therapy that helps patients develop more healthy eating habits and change their lifestyles. This includes identifying patient’s nutritional problems, needs and goals as well as developing practical measures to meet those objectives. It also focuses on cognitive restructuring, which involves replacing distorted and unhealthy beliefs with more accurate perceptions and interpretations.
It has been found that certain health and mental disorders can be aggravated by poor diets and nutritional deficiencies. The good news is that nutritional counseling can reverse these imbalances and allow patients to enjoy a healthier, more enjoyable life.
While anybody can claim to be a nutrition “expert” on the internet, it is best to seek advice from a registered dietitian who has undergone extensive educational training. Plus, many insurance companies now view nutritional counseling as a yearly preventative service and cover the consultation costs, making it an affordable and accessible way to live a healthier lifestyle.
Lifestyle Changes
Chiropractic is an alternative health practice that focuses on the spine and nervous system to promote overall wellness. Its roots date back to 1895, when Daniel David Palmer administered the first spinal manipulation, also known as a chiropractic adjustment. Although it struggled to gain acceptance within traditional medicine, chiropractic has now become a recognized health care discipline that offers a natural, drug-free approach to musculoskeletal disorders.
The foundation of chiropractic lies in the belief that the human body has a innate ability to heal itself, and misalignments in the spine interfere with this process. To correct these misalignments, chiropractors use hands-on manual techniques to improve spine and joint function. These include spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy. In addition, a chiropractor may recommend specific lifestyle changes to improve overall health.
While spinal adjustments are best known for alleviating back pain, they can also treat other conditions that stem from the musculoskeletal system, including headaches, migraines, and joint pain. These conditions can be caused by poor posture, sports injuries, or a sedentary lifestyle. In addition to back and neck pain, chiropractic can help reduce the frequency of ear infections, digestive issues, and sleep problems.
In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractic treatment focuses on soft tissue therapy and exercise, which can help to strengthen and tone the muscles. This helps to support the body’s natural healing process and reduce inflammation, improving mobility and reducing pain.
Another important aspect of chiropractic care is nutritional counseling. A chiropractor can offer advice on diet and lifestyle, and recommend supplements to aid in the healing process. They can also provide patients with a customized exercise regimen that will complement their chiropractic treatments.
It is important to select a chiropractor that offers a comprehensive, personalized approach to healthcare. Look for a provider who performs thorough evaluations and explains their findings in a clear, empathetic manner. They should also be knowledgeable about all aspects of your health and wellness.
A good chiropractor will take the time to understand your goals, and they will help you achieve them in a way that is best for your long-term well-being. This includes identifying any lifestyle habits that could be contributing to your symptoms, such as diet, posture, and exercise routines, and offering recommendations for these changes.