Chiropractic is a branch of the health care profession that treats musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions such as headaches, back pain and joint pain, by realigning the spine. Repeated visits to a chiropractor are often necessary because treatments provide only short-term relief and in the long run, may not be successful at treating chronic conditions.
Background
The use of spinal manipulation to relieve back pain dates back to ancient times but the therapeutic practice of chiropractic as it is known today was introduced in the late 1800s.
Chiropractic is based on the premise that messages from the brain to all other body parts are carried in the nerves. The nerves travel down the spine and through openings between the vertebrae of the spine as they branch out to the rest of the body. If a vertebra is out of alignment, this communication may be disrupted and health problems can result. Chiropractic attempts to restore the lines of communication so the body comes back into balance.
Practitioners
Before entering a four-year program at an accredited chiropractic college, prospective students must have completed at least 90 credit hours in specific undergraduate coursework. When the four-year program is completed, students are given the designation Doctor of Chiropractic. They then must take a state-administered test to obtain a license in the state where they wish to practice. Most states require chiropractors to take continuing education courses throughout their careers in order to renew their licenses.
Uses
There is little evidence that chiropractic can successfully treat problems that are not related to lower back pain and other muscle pains, but it is still the therapy of choice for some people who suffer from asthma, sinus infections, migraine headaches, constipation and other medical conditions.
In one study published in the Journal of Human Hypertension, a chiropractic adjustment to a specific vertebra in the upper neck area known as the C-1 vertebra significantly deceased blood pressure in patients who had both high blood pressure and a misaligned C-1 vertebra.
Techniques
Chiropractors use a number of different techniques, all of which come under the blanket heading of spinal manipulation and adjustment. The goal is always to bring the spinal column back into balance to increase mobility and diminish pain.
In addition to manipulating the entire spine, chiropractors may manipulate the extremities or apply pressure in specific areas of the spine where a misalignment results in a pinched nerve. Chiropractors may also use leg length measurements to determine the source of pain in hips and leg joints. Once the source is found, a practitioner might use hand thrusts or a special tool called an Activator mallet to reset joints and correct the imbalance.
Side Effects
The short-term side effects you might expect after a spinal adjustment include redness, minor swelling, and sore, achy muscles. If you experience any of these effects, they should be minor. You may feel sore or achy for up to a few days but any redness or swelling should be gone within 24 hours.
If you do experience side effects after an adjustment, you can ease your discomfort by doing light stretches, drinking lots of water and using an ice pack on any areas that are red or swollen. Avoid heavy physical exercise or lifting for at least several days. Contact your chiropractor if side effects continue or are extremely painful.
