The focus of chiropractic is to treat patients with spinal problems so that they can become more functional and pain free as possible, and as quickly as possible. So I am a chiropractor with about 40 years plus of experience, and today I'll explain what chiropractors do to help their patients. A chiropractor is a health care professional focused on treating spinal disorders. The overall focus is on restoring the structural integrity of the spine. And we do this mainly through manual adjustments and manipulation of the spine. Most chiropractors have three complementary goals for their patients.
First, minimize their pain. Secondly, restore their ability to function and do the things they love to do. Third, educate their patients on how to become healthier through exercise, posture, and other approaches. The unique and specific basis of the chiropractic approach is how the biomarker, mechanical and structural problems in the spine affects our nervous system. The corollary to this is that the treatment focuses on restoring the structural integrity of the spine, and this in turn alleviates pressure and inflammation in and around the sensitive spinal nerves.
The types of issues that chiropractors commonly treat are pain that is in the lower back, sciatic paying down the leg and in the buttock, neck pain, stiffness, headaches. All these conditions that drive these types of pain, such as a pulled muscle, a herniated disc, or a degenerative disc. Chiropractors use a variety of treatments.
The most common forms of treatment include soft tissue mobilization or manipulation or adjustment of the spine. Almost always, chiropractors also provide important education such as exercise training, or rehabilitation to restore function and educate you as needed to help you stay pain free and active.
Postgraduate training for a chiropractor includes four years of chiropractic college. Many chiropractors go on to additional areas of specialization. For example, I have a post-graduate certification in orthopedics. While chiropractors do not use medication or surgery when it is indicated they refer their patients to other types of health care practitioners, such as a physiatrist or a spine surgeon.
Most chiropractors have a local referral network or work together with other spine specialists in a multi-specialty spine clinic. Patients who are treated by an appropriately qualified chiropractor often find treatments and rehabilitation are sufficient, and they can avoid surgery.
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