Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a health care discipline that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, under the premise that these disorders affect general health via the nervous system. The spine is the framework that protects the spinal cord. Most of the 31 pairs of nerves pass from the cord through openings in the spine to various muscles, bones, organs and the skin. The spine is made up of 24 moveable bones, 23 discs and has attachments for 12 pairs of ribs and hundreds of ligaments and muscles. Because of the complex structure of the spine, its normal movements can be disrupted, and it is these areas of abnormal movements that chiropractors treat. Disruption of spinal movement may cause nerve irritation, muscle spasm or weakness at the site of disruption or along the course of that nerve as well as increased or decreased blood flow in the area. Before treatment can commence the chiropractor needs to know details of past medical history, any accidents and current lifestyle. A thorough examination may include a postural evaluation, orthopaedic and neurological testing, specific spinal analysis that may involve x-rays to help evaluate the condition and alignment of the spineand to help rule out underlying disease.
Chiropractors also manage problems associated with all joints in the body including the shoulders, hips, knees, ankles etc. You may be referred for other investigations prior to initiating treatment to help diagnose the origin of the problem.
Methods of treatment include osseous adjusting (spinal and extremity manipulation), soft tissue therapy, reflex techniques as well as postural, ergonomic and exercise advice.
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