Chiropractic medicine is based on the relationship between the spine and the function of the body. Chiropractors are taught that is the body is provided sufficient tools, it will maintain a proper and healthy balance. These doctors of chiropractic medicine manually manipulate the spine in an effort to improve the patient’s health. All treatments provided by chiropractors are natural and drug-free. Massage chairs are being used to loosen and relax patients prior to manipulation.
The field of chiropractors has a long tradition of using a natural therapies and remedies to restore health. Many of these traditions started in ancient times. In fact the use of chiropractic medicine dates back to the times of the Egyptians.
The origin of the word chiropractor comes from the Greeks. This word is meant to describe treatment done by hand. In fact, hands-on therapy is central to chiropractic care. This is part of the long tradition of using natural healing methods to restore health and vitality.
Chiropractors provide a variety of treatments to help restore the health of the spine. This is a complicated area of the body involving any different parts. The spine is composed of small bones called disc. These discs are stacked on top of one another and held together by soft tissues.
The spine is responsible for two major functions. It must support the weight of the body and transmitted from the upper and lower portions. It also must act as a shock absorber. For example, if you jump up and down, the shock is absorbed partially by the spine.
Many individuals seek chiropractic treatments when they have pain in their backs. The doctor will diagnose the problems and seek for a root cause. A potential variety of treatments are then used to help restore the health of the spine and relieve pain and discomfort.
Some of these treatments may include electrical stimulation, the application of heat, massage chair therapy and chiropractic manipulation. Each of these treatments seeks to help the muscles relax, improve blood flow and increase range of motion.
Massage chairs are being increasingly used in chiropractic offices. Many of these massage recliners provide a variety of treatments in addition to massage therapy. They are used to loosen up a patient and get them relaxed prior to manipulation of their spine.
Massage chairs provide a way to balance the patient flow through the office. A patient can simply be set up in a massage chair for five, 10 or 15 minutes. This enables the patient to receive a therapeutic treatment while better balance in the patient flow in the office.
Massage chairs are very economic at providing frequent massage therapy. Most high-end massage chairs are rated for 2000 hours of machine life. If a massage chair costs $2000, then this is equivalent to pain one dollar an hour for massage therapy. They are simply the lowest cost method to provide consistent and reliable massage therapy.
Many patients enjoy receiving a massage. It provides a relaxing environment with an MP3 player and headphones. Music helps the patient to relax while the massage chair provides full body massage therapy.
Get the same benefits from the convenience of your home with your own massage chair. Many of the same models used in a chiropractic environment are also available for use in the home. Massage chairs are the most effective way to receive frequent massage therapy.
You can also get the same Chiropractor Massage Chairs that are used in professional health care environments. These massage recliners provide a number of natural therapies on demand. Get the same soothing relief when you need it most. A Massage Chair is available for in home use from the top manufacturers like Omega, Sanyo and Panasonic.
What To Expect On A Typical First Chiropractic Office Visit
San Francisco – Chiropractors are licensed health professionals who treat common musculoskeletal conditions primarily through manual methods. Although there are several chiropractic techniques, they all center on the spinal adjustment. Also called spinal manipulation, a spinal adjustment is a maneuver done by hand to impart movement to a joint. It can be used to move vertebrae in the cervical (neck), thoracic (torso area), and lumbar (lower back) regions of the spine. The purpose of the adjustment is two-fold: to impart movement to a restricted or immobile joint and to help re-align it relative to the rest of the joints in the spine. A third benefit is the stimulation of spinal nerves involved in muscle tone. The benefits of a properly aligned, flexible spine are better movement, balance, and nerve function.
Chiropractors contend that the spinal column plays a large role in maintaining health and preventing injuries. Since the spine is the structure on which other parts of the body are attached, it follows that any structural problems with the spine will in some way affect other parts of the body. More importantly, the spine encases the spinal cord, which is an extension of the brain. If the bones (vertebrae) of the neck are out of proper alignment, it may place direct pressure on the spinal cord. Since the brain and spinal cord control muscle function, sensory function, and organ function it follows that pressure to the spinal cord may adversely interfere with these processes, leading to symptoms and diseases like back pain, headaches, light headedness, and indigestion.
A visit to a chiropractor will start out like a typical visit to any doctor: the patient will be asked to fill out a patient history. Here the patient will describe in detail the problem she is experiencing: how it happened, when it happened, how often it is felt, how severe; related symptoms, and so on. The doctor will try to pinpoint the causation by asking other questions involving any hobbies/ activities, diet, work environment, and medical history of the patient’s immediate family members.
Next, vital signs may be taken: heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, pulse rate. And depending on the presenting symptoms and complaints, certain orthopedic and neurological tests
1000
may be performed. These are tests used to locate the structures involved in the condition and often attempt to provoke the symptoms. For example, if the patient were to come in for low back pain, the chiropractor may conduct a straight-leg raise test, where the doctor raises the leg of the patient as she is lying down on her back. If it causes low back pain, the test is positive for a herniated disc. The chiropractor may also conduct Kemp’s Test, where the standing patient bends backwards and twists to one side. Pain going down the leg is positive for disc herniation on that side. There are orthopedic tests to evaluate problems affecting the neck, thorax, pelvis, and extremity joints. The chiropractor will also palpate, or feel the spine for signs of spinal dysfunction such as joint restrictions, muscle spasm, trigger points, edema, hyperemia, and changes in skin temperature.
Neurological tests are done to evaluate the motor (strength) and sensory function of major nerves. These tests include the cranial nerve tests to test hearing, smell, taste, eye movement, pupil dilation, swallowing, facial muscles, and others; deep tendon reflexes (using the reflex hammer) to test the major nerve roots in the upper and lower extremities; muscle strength tests, and dermatomal tests to evaluate the sensory component of the nerves and nerve roots.
An X-ray of the area may be taken and compared to the exam findings. If the X-ray study is inconclusive, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may be taken to visualize soft tissue structures such as the discs, muscles, spinal cord, and nerve roots.
The chiropractor will then correlate all the exam findings, come up with a diagnosis, and prescribe a treatment plan for the patients. This may include a series of spinal adjustments, physiotherapy such as ice/heat, electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and low level laser therapy; and exercises. Often, the chiropractor may suggest supplements and dietary measures to help prepare the body for healing the injured area. The treatment sessions are usually 2-3 visits per week for 2-4 weeks, reducing in frequency until the condition has resolved. Home care is usually prescribed after the acute (painful) phase has subsided. This can include special exercises, home traction, and supports.
So that is what a typical chiropractic experience involves. If you are experiencing musculoskeletal pain or symptoms that are not resolving on their own, calling a chiropractor would be a good place to start.
By: Dr. Dan Perez
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Dan Perez, D.C.
San Francisco Chiropractor
311 California St. Ste. 300
San Francisco, CA 94111
415.627.9077
Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Alternative Medicine Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From – Home | Health & Fitness | Alternative Medicine
Making Your Irritable Bowel Less Irritable
How Hypnotherapy can help Phobias
A Natural Approach For Psoriasis Relief
Does Virility Ex Pills Work? Ex Virility Pill Free Trial Samples Review
Angina Treatment
Allergies Treatment
Three Deadliest Scabies Killers
Causes and Effective Home Remedies for Constipation
Effective Home Remedies for Acidity
Treat Yourself…Why Massages Are Good For Your Health
Hip problem….equine chiropractors??
My mare's right hip/pelvis is lower than the left- recent injury, possibly, and the past 1-2 weeks, she does not push off her inside right hind like she should in the canter. I noticed the problem by her avoiding to pick up the right lead. She is 8 now, and has NEVER picked up the wrong lead, until the past couple rides. She will change back, and isn't in pain, but our canter does not have the lift I need for dressage.
I usually ride 4-5 times a week, but she has had 4 days off in a row (last sat until today) and no change is noticed.
At my lesson today, my instructor noticed it as well and suggested equine chiropractic. We have a woman that comes out to the barn, certified, for about $30 a time for a full back/neck service. The horses seem relaxed afterwards, but they all get treated for either stiff necks or because their owners need to buy everything for their horse.
Any experiences with chiropractors? Think it will help my problem?Any other suggestions?
Mail this post