Introduction
Chiropractic is a word derived from Greek language which means 'to perform with the hands'. As the word explains itself, the most important component in a chiropractic wellness center is the manual treatment of the joints and muscles of the body.
Chiropractic treatment was first invented thousand years ago as evident from paintings of ancient Egypt and Greece. However, the modern chiropractic wellness center owe their birth to Daniel David Plamer who founded modern chiropractic techniques in 1895. Today, chiropractors are specially educated in treating the joints and muscles of the body with their hands and are allowed to use the title of ‘Dr’ as a courtesy but it does not imply a medical qualification. Anyone referring to themselves as a chiropractor has to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council , who also maintains a list of registered chiropractors and their details.
Before visiting a chiropractic wellness center you should be aware of what treatments are performed there.
Types of Chiropractic Treatments
Chiropractic therapy focuses on the relationship between the body's structure and its function. As the spinal cord participates in most motor movements of the body, Chiropractic treatments are more focused on spinal cord. Treatments at a chiropractic wellness center are usually painless and completely normal and non-dramatic, contrary to popular belief. Treatments can be broadly classified in two categories- Manipulation and soft tissue treatments.
In manipulation treatments the chiropractor moves a joint a little further with his hands than the patient would be able to do on their own. This is done to normalize the functions of the joints and muscles and to ease, or remove, pain. In soft tissue treatments the chiropractor treats soft tissues of body like muscles and tendons by massaging and stretching.
Ailments cured by Chiropractic Treatments
Most people who consult a chiropractor wellness center suffer from pains in their back and neck. This type of pain results from poor functioning of the muscles and joints. It can harm people in many indirect ways like affecting the nervous system causing other symptoms such as headaches from tension, sciatica and pains in the legs, chest or stomach.
Badly functioning joints and muscles may cause pains in areas other than where the problem is situated called referred pains. The source of referred pain is difficult to spot because it is not located in the area which seems to be in pain. A good chiropractor is able to locate the source and treat referred pain in areas such as shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and feet.
Training and prevention
The bottom line of chiropractic treatment s is that body can heal itself. Chiropractor can teach the patients how to take care of their own bodies, for example, by doing some prescribed exercises daily at home. Recent research shows that significant relief can be gained from persistent pains in back and neck by special trainings under supervision from educated personnel. This kind of training now forms part of the treatment offered at chiropractic wellness centers.
Just like treating a problem, it's equally important to prevent similar problems arising in the future. The chiropractor can identify any strains that body is exposed to by talking to the patient about his work, home or sport he plays and subscribe him to programs that will avoid possibility of suffering from muscular pains due to identified reasons.
