Chiropractic is a manual procedure. The word is derived from the two Greek terms ‘cheir’ for hand and ‘Praktikos’ for active. This means: The chiropractor works with his hands to feel and treat functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic is a procedure that is used for diagnosis and manual therapy at the same time. The main area of application is pain therapy. You should look for the right chiropractor to perform this procedure on you.
The treatment includes local and complex complaints in the spine, pelvis, joint areas, muscles, and tendons. The chiropractor takes into account that there are close interactions between these structures of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. Chiropractic thus occupies an important position between orthopedics, neurology, internal medicine, and rheumatology.
It is the job of the chiropractor to recognize bad posture and incorrect movements. The resulting static problems can be eliminated with the help of targeted manipulations. In particular, the statics of the spine and pelvis play a crucial role. Afterward, it is often necessary to correct incorrect movements in cooperation with the patient.
The Basics of Chiropractic
The chiropractic treatment concept is based on the assumption that when vertebrae are displaced, the surrounding nerves can become narrowed. One also speaks here of subluxated vertebrae.
This constriction of the nerves can make itself felt both locally and systemically in the form of various complaints. With the help of special chiropractic, i.e., manual interventions, the subluxations should be eliminated so that the symptoms can disappear.
Treatment Techniques
Disturbed joint play and thus also vertebral misalignments can be caused by various factors. Mechanical stress on muscles, tendons, and joints is possible. But reflex influences from internal organs can also be the cause. Chronic inflammation can also impair the functionality of the musculoskeletal system. Changes in the connective tissue, tense muscles, and pain can also reduce mobility.
Various techniques are available to the chiropractor. Essentially these are:
- Adjustment (manipulation)
- Traction
- Mobilization
- Soft tissue treatment
- Different reflex techniques.
Application Areas of Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic is mainly used for local musculoskeletal complaints. The following symptoms and diseases can be treated with it:
- Hip and knee pain
- Back pain, sciatica, lumbar pain
- Torticollis
- Golf or tennis elbow
- Shoulder pain
There are also complaints related to spinal blockages, such as
- Whiplash
- Dizziness
- Migraines, headaches
If there is suspicion of bone loss (osteoporosis) or metastases in the bones, chiropractic manipulation must not be carried out. There is then a risk of a bone fracture. An X-ray check may therefore be necessary before the chiropractic treatment.…