Chiropractic Adjustment
Did you know that the term “chiropractic” loosely translates to “done by hand”? When most of us think about the practice, the back and spine inevitably come to mind: cracking, popping, and bending the vertebrae into place. However, chiropractic medicine is considered to be an alternative, holistic method of treating a variety of ailments and chronic conditions as well as proving invaluable injury prevention treatment and training.
Who is it for?
Most chiropractors can treat:
- Pregnancy pain and symptoms: achieving and maintaining proper pelvic alignment to lower back pain
- Headaches: even chronic headache-sufferers can find relief through chiropractic muscle manipulation and massage.
- Blood pressure: studies suggest that correcting posture can decrease inflammation and encourage better blood flow.
- Asthma: some forms of asthma are symptomatic of a forward-tilted head, which can add pressure to the lungs.
- Ear infections: upper neck misalignment can cause a host of ear-nose-throat issues.
- Stress: chiropractic care can “reduce oxidative stress in the body,” obliterating free radicals through a neutralization process.
- Hormonal imbalance: spinal nerve interference can disrupt endocrine function.
- Digestive concerns: unaligned vertebrae is a culprit of improper digestion, heartburn, bloating, and other digestive issues
As an overall wellness tool, chiropractic medicine support’s the body’s nervous system, allowing signals and the circulatory system to flow unhindered. Maintenance and consistency is key here – most chiropractors recommend regular visits, and work with you to come up with a treatment plan based on your body’s needs.
Conventional or Complementary?
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes:
“If a non-mainstream practice is used together with conventional medicine, it’s considered ‘complementary.’ If a non-mainstream practice is used in place of conventional medicine, it’s considered ‘alternative.’”
Although chiropractic doctors are often considered to be “mainstream” practitioners in the medical field, the practice is technically a specialty, and patients are often treated without the need for prescription drugs or surgeries. This, in essence, places chiropractic medicine in an “alternative” bracket.
Chiropractic care can complement other holistic modalities, as well. Yoga, for instance, is a great practice to incorporate alongside chiropractic therapy, as both modalities encourage length, balance, strengthening, and flexibility. In addition, some chiropractors are qualified to implement acupuncture treatments that enhance the spine/back work and alleviate pain on a deeper level.
Always remember to let your doctors and practitioners know if you’re adding a new health regime to the mix – there are sometimes contraindications and crossover effects when combining modalities, so be mindful and alert!
Schedule your complimentary initial consultation with one of our chiropractic physicians to learn how this modality can complement your whole body health program.