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Different Types of Chiropractic Care
Dr. Greg Molis
Just as there are different types of doctors, there are different types of chiropractic care. You can visit a chiropractor when you have back or neck pain, but you can also visit a chiropractor just to stay well. Chiropractors are concerned with the health of the whole body, not just the spine.
Chiropractic care deals with subluxations (misalignments of vertebrae causing nerve irritation) anywhere along the spinal column, not just in the lower back. Sometimes the vertebrae of the spine become misaligned or lose their range of motion for one reason or another. This misalignment puts pressure on nerves leading to and from the brain. A chiropractor helps put them back in place by using gentle and highly skilled adjustments.
Some chiropractors are straight chiropractors. This means they deal only with the location and removal of subluxations. Their philosophy is that once subluxations are remedied the body will naturally revitalize itself. Other chiropractors are called mixers because their practice and philosophy is that in addition to manual adjustments and treatments, chiropractic care can be combined, by the chiropractor, with other forms of healthcare, such as physical therapy, exercise programs and nutrition.
After an initial examination and discussion about any other medical conditions you may have, the chiropractor will decide on a method of treatment. There are three main kinds of chiropractic care:
Relief Chiropractic Care
This is to help immediate relief needed for acute pain and discomfort when a patient is in a lot of pain. The frequency of visits are determined by the amount of damage that needs to be corrected.
Corrective Chiropractic Care
This care typically is required for spinal problems that have occurred over a long period of time without proper treatment. This type of care requires long term treatment.
Maintenance Chiropractic Care
Many patients due to permanent spinal weakness from old injuries once they have relief from the problem and the pain, still need to have regular checkups with the chiropractor to ensure that you remain healthy.Usually these treatments are once every 2 to 6 weeks.
Chiropractic care involves the whole health of the body. Treatments involve using the internal healing systems in the body to relieve the spinal problems that can interfere with the nerves and cells. Therefore, receiving chiropractic treatments is a way of ensuring that every part of body is functioning as it should.
Chiropractic care is the most recommended form of alternative medicine. It is based on the belief that certain conditions are caused by impairment of your nervous system due to problems in your joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. While chiropractors do not use drugs or surgery, they sometimes do refer patients for medical care when they believe it is necessary.
Chiropractic care is safe and natural helping the body to draw upon its own restorative capabilities to heal. It teaches patients how to take control of their own health and avoid chronic pain. It also can help prevent problems before they start or get worse.
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