Patients with neck or back pain often seek the services of a chiropractor.
Chiropractic care is generally considered a form of complementary and alternative medicine, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. By adjusting the spine and joints, a chiropractic physician removes misalignments in the patient's spine and restores normal nerve function. When the spine is aligned properly, nerve pressure is lessened because electrical impulses can travel more freely along the spinal cord. Some chiropractors only provide adjustments, while others offer a variety of natural therapies.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Spinal manipulation is the core element of chiropractic care. After taking X-rays, using motion palpation or collecting data from the patient, the chiropractic physician discovers areas of dysfunction and prescribes the appropriate adjustment. Some chiropractors prefer non-force techniques, while others employ manual force. With the non-force Activator method, a small tool is used to painlessly adjust the spine. A dynamic manual adjustment stretches joints beyond their normal range of motion. During an adjustment, air bubbles often pop in the joint fluid, resulting in a "clicking" sound.
Contact Reflex Analysis (CRA)
Using the principles of CRA, a chiropractor discovers a patient's structural and nutritional deficiencies through a series of reflex tests. Based upon the reflex results, the physician then recommends the proper structural or nutritional treatment. Structural treatment addresses physical causes of pain and disease, rather than nutritional deficiencies. When nerve interference or another physical or structural problem is revealed, the provider treats the structural imbalance with spinal manipulation or another alternative treatment.
Myofascial Release
By applying pressure to the patient's fascia, or connective tissue, the chiropractor can reduce pain and restore motion. Fascial tissue covers the entire body and attaches to all structures. Myofascial Release addresses areas of chronic pain throughout the body. Practitioners use their hands to apply sustained pressure to fascial restrictions.
Therapeutic Exercise and Massage
In order to strengthen muscles around the spine, chiropractors prescribe daily exercises for the back or neck. Some providers offer in-house therapeutic massage services from licensed massage therapists.
Home Treatment Advice
From prescribing ice pack therapy to addressing ergonomic challenges, the physician devises self-care recommendations. The doctor may recommend nutritional and dietary changes, heel lifts for anatomic leg length inequality, back supports and cervical pillows.
Hydrotherapy Table
In order to stimulate circulation and relax the spine, a chiropractor may suggest using a hydrotherapy table that combines the properties of flotation, heat and massage.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT)
Some providers offer Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy to treat chronic pain relief. From resolving chronic fatigue to reducing pain caused by auto accidents, PEMFT harnesses the power of electromagnetism to painlessly jolt and stimulate human cells. The electromagnetic signals activate cells in damaged soft tissue, inciting cellular healing and pain relief. In traditional medicine, physicians use PEMFT to heal bone fractures.
Tags: chiropractic physician, chronic pain, Electromagnetic Field, Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Field Therapy