In the article we will talk about who a chiropractor is. Specialists of this profile are quite common, but not everyone correctly understands the essence of their activities, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. We will figure out what deviations it is worth contacting this particular doctor, as well as what features of his work must be taken into account.
Chiropractic
So, let's deal with the definition itself first. The fact is that such therapy did not arise on its own, but on the basis of two already existing practices. We are talking about osteopathy and chiropractic. These are alternative directions, which nevertheless differ in a certain efficiency. "Chiropractic" literally translates as "manual influence". This is a Greek word that began to be used in early 1890 in England. Specialists were engaged in helping people who felt tired, complained of muscle spasms, poor circulation and biomechanical failures.
Note that there is one negative point. At that time, chiropractors were unprofessional, and therefore they used rather crude methods of work. Believing that dislocations are the cause of all discomfort in the body, they often forgot about a simple diagnosis. Because of this, very often the treatment ended in bad consequences, especially when it came to the spine. After some time, other methods appeared that operated with softer methods. But chiropractic quickly spread to Europe and Russia. However, in our country it is better known as chiropractic.
Osteopathy
In order to answer the question of what a chiropractor treats in adults, you need to be well versed in this concept. So. As we said, osteopathy is one of the components of manual therapy. Literally translated, it means bone defects. The famous American surgeon Steele is considered to be the founder. The doctrine is based on philosophical thoughts, which are focused not only on the physical, but also on the mental he alth of a person. Note that, compared to chiropractic, osteopathy is more careful and accurate. It is aimed at eradicating the disease, not attenuating or getting rid of the symptoms. The methods are very widespread in Russia.
Manual Therapist: What Does It Treat?
So how can this specialist help? With the help of manual exposure, he can perform anesthesia. Note that any painkillers, no matter what they are based on, greatly harm our he alth. That is why they should not be used infor a long time. Therefore, chiropractors are very popular, because they can relieve pain by acting on the body.
Also, the doctor can help avoid the intervention of the surgeon. Many diseases cannot be cured without surgery, but if you periodically visit a chiropractor, you can stop the development of the disease already at the first or second stage. For example, arthrosis can be cured this way. This will avoid endoprosthetics and the long painful rehabilitation that awaits a person who agrees to traditional treatment.
Also, a chiropractor is able to solve many problems associated with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Sometimes spinal traction can help avoid surgery. Also, specialists help to carry out muscle displacements, relieve various spasms and clamps, which, in turn, maintains the mobility of the spine at any age. Note that displacement and spasms can occur for various reasons. For example, heavy loads and sudden movements that lead to displacement of the ribs, increased chest tension due to working in the wrong position, etc.
Also, the doctor is able to correct the curvature of human limbs, which can occur due to displacement of the pelvic bones after childbirth, flat feet, deformation of the cervical region.
We figured out what diseases a chiropractor treats, but it must be added that he is able to deal withcongenital defects. So, he can correct torticollis in a child, congenital dislocation of the hips, osteochondrosis of newborns. In addition, during and after bearing a child, it eliminates pain in the back, prevents the appearance of a hernia and a crooked spine, normalizes uterine tone, prepares the pelvic bones for the maternity process, and correctly displaces the pelvic bones after the baby is born.
Specific diseases
We figured out what a chiropractor is, what treats children and adults. Now here is a list of specific ailments and anomalies that he can deal with:
- Arthrosis.
- Dislocations.
- Muscle strain.
- Muscle pain.
- Anomalies in the thoracic and intercostal region.
- Hernia.
- Post-traumatic and age-related defects.
Note that a chiropractor is also able to deal with visceral pathologies. These are diseases that arise due to the improper arrangement of organs. Also, therapists are struggling with defects due to circulatory failures that cause severe headache, dizziness, disrupt the functioning of the veins, etc. Another chiropractor is able to solve problems associated with impaired movement of cerebrospinal fluid and lymph.
Contraindications
Despite all its advantages, there are some contraindications in which the intervention of a chiropractor is prohibited:
- Anomalies in bone development.
- Problems with the spine in 3-4 degrees.
- Sciatica.
- Tuberculosis and osteomyelitis.
- All types of oncology.
- Chronic purulent infectious processes.
However, you should consult your doctor before going to a chiropractor. If you are confident in the professionalism of a person, then he himself will tell you about all the contraindications and send you for an additional examination.
How does a chiropractor treat cervical osteochondrosis?
Let's discuss how the doctor affects the body of a sick person. Moves:
- Stretching. The specialist makes some effort to stretch the muscles that have shortened or are in spasm.
- Mobilization. The impact falls on the joints and bones, which were immobilized for some time. They gradually mobilize and stretch.
- Manipulation. They lie in the fact that the influence occurs in one sharp movement, which can cause a little pain.
- Stretching. This allows you to get rid of muscle clamps.
- Acupuncture. Thin needles are inserted into the patient's body, which allow the treatment of visceral ailments. A chiropractor treats osteochondrosis in a similar way very often.
- Acupressure. These are actions with hands that involve important points of the human body. Another name is acupressure.
Number of sessions
The specialist can determine the exact number of sessions only after a thorough examination. But we can bringapproximate data. Dislocations are eliminated within one visit. The treatment of arthrosis takes about 3-4 sessions, which are carried out up to 4 times a year. Hernias, spasms and chronic pain require a minimum of 10 sessions, but severe cases may require up to 20 visits.
What is important to remember?
Before going to the chiropractor's office, it is advisable to complete a full course of hardware research. It includes ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, ECG and neuromyography. It is also advisable to take a blood and urine test. Before entrusting your he alth to a chiropractor, be sure to check that he has special documents and certificates that confirm medical qualifications. This person should be well versed in anatomy and medicine. You should never be treated by dubious specialists who do not want to show documents or hide information about themselves. You can not only not achieve the desired result, but also exacerbate your problems, as well as acquire new ones.
Indications
We figured out how a chiropractor affects our body. What it treats, as well as what additional problems it can solve, we discussed. But let's pay attention to the symptoms in which you can contact this particular specialist, and he is guaranteed to help you, and not redirect you to another doctor. List of symptoms:
- Discomfort in the back.
- Aching chest pains.
- Inability to actively use limbs.
- Bad posture.
- Tough protracted rehabilitation and post-traumatic stress.
- Severe pain after various joint surgeries.
- Migraine.
- Neuralgia.
Doctor's recommendation
Here are some tips that chiropractors give to their patients, no matter what problem they come with:
- Give your body moderate exercise.
- Eat well and on time.
- Try to move more, but if you lead a sedentary lifestyle due to your professional activities, then learn how to properly equip your place to work.
- Sleep up to 8 hours a night.
- Choose a mattress of moderate firmness.
Remember that if you turn to this specialist in time, he can not only alleviate the symptoms, but also stop the onset of the disease. However, be very careful and choose real professionals to whom you are really ready to entrust your he alth.
