The Importance Of Chiropractic Care

Evidence-Based | This article has 25 references.

"Chiropractic is not designed to instantly make you feel better, it is designed to make you instantly heal better." – Anonymous

Introduction | Chiropractic Care? | How Does It Work? | Who Is It For? | Conditions | Benefits | Risks | Visit Frequency | Final Thoughts | Takeaway Points | References | Disclaimer

Introduction

Chiropractic, which comes from Greek and means "done by hand," was founded by Daniel David Palmer in 1895. He was the first healer to educate a new generation of chiropractors, who later popularized his practices. Chiropractic and its treatments have been available to modern humanity for quite a while, even though the availability of chiropractic care differs per country. Nowadays, there are more than 100,000 chiropractors worldwide[1]. The USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK have the highest numbers of registered chiropractors in the world. They are highly educated and obtain their degrees from accredited schools. In many countries, prospective chiropractors take the same classes as medical students in the first years of their education to later join the clinical training program, which is separate from medicine. Chiropractic care has gained a lot of recognition in recent decades, and it is considered a contributing element to public health in many countries.

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic is a profession in health care that focuses on the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of disorders involving the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. It emphasizes the manual manipulation of the spine, joints, and other soft tissues. Additionally, chiropractic doctors are trained very often in various massage techniques and therapeutic exercises, which they recommend to their patients. They are also allowed to guide their patients in applying dietary and lifestyle changes[24].

How does chiropractic work?

The chiropractic holistic approach to health centers around the mind-body relationship, which is a baseline for our overall well-being. It bases its tenets on the ideas that subluxation is the root cause of disease and that our body has an innate ability to heal itself. Subluxation refers to the positioning of a single vertebra in relation to the neighboring ones [top and bottom]. If their alignment is abnormal, it impacts the opening through which the nerve passes and ultimately affects the size and shape of that nerve. Interference of this kind affects neurotransmission and the proper functioning of cells and organs in our body and can lead to disease. Chiropractors are trained in manual manipulation and adjustments of the musculoskeletal system to restore the normal alignment of the vertebrae of our spine. The treatment consists of manual techniques, including joint manipulation and adjustment, exercises, patient education on how to modify their lifestyles, and the use of orthotics and other supportive devices. Chiropractors don't prescribe drugs, medical treatments, or interventions.

Who requires chiropractic treatment?

Chiropractic treatment can improve one's health in many different areas, including various aches and pains, both chronic and acute, of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. In other words, everybody can and should go periodically to a chiropractor to experience the benefits of such care. The only cases in which we should be cautious with this type of treatment are when we suffer from a fracture [broken bones in our body] and if there is a history of osteoporosis. In the case of the latter one, it's best to consult a physician before taking on such treatment.

What conditions can be improved under chiropractic care?

Most of the conditions that chiropractors treat in their practice are related to various acute and chronic pains. These include:

• neck pains[2],whiplash[22],

• back pains, including lower back pains[3],

• headaches[4],

• musculoskeletal movement restrictions[5],

• joint pains and arthritis[6],

• strains and sprains[7],

• sport-related injuries[7],

• improper posture[8].

Furthermore, because chiropractic treatment also impacts our nervous system, it can help with various health conditions. Spinal adjustments are a form of controlled manipulation of the 24 spinal vertebrae. Their proper alignment is essential for the optimal functioning of our nervous system, which is in control of all of our cells and organs. Therefore, chiropractors can be of help in such conditions as:

• high blood pressure[9], [10],

• ear infections[11],

• asthma[12],

• disc herniation[13],

• sciatica[14],

• epilepsy and seizures[15],

• acid reflux[16],

• low immune function[25],

• Bell's Palsy[17],

• ADHD[18],

• digestive issues[19],

• stress[20],

• insomnia[21].

The benefits of chiropractic care

Apart from all of the above-mentioned conditions that chiropractic is effective in improving, it offers a range of other benefits that impact our overall wellness:

• pain reduction,

• reduced necessity for painkillers[23],

• treatment targeting the source of the problem,

• holistic approach,

• personalized care and treatment,

• helps prevent the progression of the condition,

• boost the body's ability to heal itself,

• can improve the overall quality of life.

The number of positive outcomes of chiropractic care for our bodies is just outstanding. The number of studies confirming some of them is still lacking; however, experienced chiropractic doctors have observed some of the most profound changes in human health following the treatment. They should not be disregarded due to the absence of scientific proof. There is a lot to be gained in terms of human wellness from such procedures as spinal manipulation, and there is very little risk involved.

Are there any risks?

It was mentioned earlier that chiropractic procedures should be avoided in fractures and should be consulted with a medical doctor if suffering from osteoporosis. Additionally, for a day or two after the treatment, you may feel a certain tenderness and soreness at the site of your adjustment. It goes away on its own and should not trigger any concerns.

How frequently should you visit a chiropractor?

The frequency of appointments with the chiropractor is very individual. It depends on the status of your health, your particular condition, and your preferences. Your chiropractor will make a recommendation based on these criteria to help you achieve your health goals. When you come in with a particular condition, you will likely be asked to come more often for the treatment to be effective. If you are generally healthy and have no underlying conditions, this frequency will be lower. After the first visit, you will be advised on the number of recurrences you need to make to get your health back on track.

Final Thoughts

Even though chiropractic care is considered an alternative type of treatment in many countries, this circumstance is shifting. In countries such as the USA and Canada, chiropractors have become a complementary element to allopathic medicine in the healthcare system. The number of certified chiropractors worldwide is greater than ever before, and the interest of patients exploring a holistic approach to health is also growing. Numerous factors influence why people choose to visit chiropractors, and many of these factors are treatable with proper chiropractic care.

Takeaway Points

• Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to health.

• Chiropractors are highly educated.

• The benefits outweigh any potential risks

• Chiropractic adjustments are gentle

• Spinal manipulation impacts the musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

• Chiropractic treatments affect all the cells and organs of the body.

References

This article contains 25 citations:

[1] Stochkendahl, M.J., Rezai, M., Torres, P. et al. The chiropractic workforce: a global review. Chiropr Man Therap27, 36 (2019)

[2] Lohman EB, Pacheco GR, Gharibvand L, et al. The immediate effects of cervical spine manipulation on pain and biochemical markers in females with acute non-specific mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Man Manip Ther. 2019;27(4):186-196.

[3] Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS, et al. Association of Spinal Manipulative Therapy With Clinical Benefit and Harm for Acute Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [published correction appears in JAMA. 2017 Jun 6;317(21):2239] [published correction appears in JAMA. 2017 Nov 28;318(20):2048]. JAMA. 2017;317(14):1451-1460.

[4] Dunning, J.R., Butts, R., Mourad, F. et al. Upper cervical and upper thoracic manipulation versus mobilization and exercise in patients with cervicogenic headache: a multi-center randomized clinical trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord17, 64 (2016).

[5] Passmore SR, Burke JR, Good C, Lyons JL, Dunn AS. Spinal manipulation impacts cervical spine movement and fitts' task performance: a single-blind randomized before-after trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010;33(3):189-192.

[6] Thorman P, Dixner A, Sundberg T. Effects of chiropractic care on pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis waiting for arthroplasty: a clinical pilot trial. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2010;33(6):438-444.

[7] Brandolini S, Lugaresi G, Santagata A, et al. Sport injury prevention in individuals with chronic ankle instability: Fascial Manipulation® versus control group: A randomized controlled trial. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019;23(2):316-323.

[8] Fortner MO, Oakley PA, Harrison DE. Treating 'slouchy' (hyperkyphosis) posture with chiropractic biophysics®: a case report utilizing a multimodal mirror image® rehabilitation program. J Phys Ther Sci. 2017;29(8):1475-1480.

[9] Dr. Wil Chiropractic. Realizing the Importance of Chiropractic Care on Overall Health. 31.05.2016 <www.drwilchiropractic.com> Viewed: 05.04.2022

[10] DeNoon, D.J. Chiropractic Cuts Blood Pressure. 16.03.2007<www.webmd.com> Viewed: 06.04.2022

[11] Froehle RM. Ear infection: a retrospective study examining improvement from chiropractic care and analyzing for influencing factors. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1996;19(3):169-177.

[12] Nielsen NH, Bronfort G, Bendix T, Madsen F, Weeke B. Chronic asthma and chiropractic spinal manipulation: a randomized clinical trial. Clin Exp Allergy. 1995;25(1):80-88.

[13] Shokri E, Kamali F, Sinaei E, Ghafarinejad F. Spinal manipulation in the treatment of patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint hypomobility: a quasi-experimental study. Chiropr Man Therap. 2018;26:16. Published 2018 May 17.

[14] Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. Spine J. 2006;6(2):131-137.

[15] Pistolese RA. Epilepsy and seizure disorders: a review of literature relative to chiropractic care of children. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2001;24(3):199-205.

[16] Alcantara J, Anderson R. Chiropractic care of a pediatric patient with symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease, fuss-cry-irritability with sleep disorder syndrome and irritable infant syndrome of musculoskeletal origin. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2008;52(4):248–255.

[17] Cotton BA. Chiropractic care of a 47-year-old woman with chronic Bell's palsy: a case study. J Chiropr Med. 2011;10(4):288–293.

[18] Alcantara J, Davis J. The chiropractic care of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a retrospective case series. Explore (NY). 2010;6(3):173–182.

[19] Angus K, Asgharifar S, Gleberzon B. What effect does chiropractic treatment have on gastrointestinal (GI) disorders: a narrative review of the literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2015;59(2):122-133.

[20] Jamison J. Stress: the chiropractic patients' self-perceptions. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1999;22(6):395–398.

[21] Jamison JR. Insomnia: does chiropractic help?. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005;28(3):179-186.

[22] Wong JJ, Shearer HM, Mior S, et al. Are manual therapies, passive physical modalities, or acupuncture effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? An update of the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders by the OPTIMa collaboration. Spine J. 2016;16(12):1598-1630.

[23] Whedon JM, Toler AWJ, Kazal LA, Bezdjian S, Goehl JM, Greenstein J. Impact of Chiropractic Care on Use of Prescription Opioids in Patients with Spinal Pain. Pain Med. 2020;21(12):3567–3573.

[24] Dagenais S, Haldeman S. Chiropractic. Prim Care. 2002;29(2):419-437.

[25] Lester D. Can Chiropractic Treatment Boos The Immune System? 18.09.2010 <lesterchiropracticny.com> Viewed: 07.04.2022

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