What is the Focus of Chiropractics?
Chiropractor Riverdale, MD
A chiropractor is a medical professional that focuses on how the body is interconnected, and it has the innate ability to heal itself when functioning at its optimal level. Chiropractors can treat people of various ages (from infants to seniors), who have an illness or injury related to the nervous and/or musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors use adjustment techniques to realign the spinal column or other areas of the body. The intention of these manipulations is to correct alignment issues, reduce pain, and encourage the healing process.
Those who are new to chiropractics may be nervous about having their spine and other sensitive areas manipulated. However, once prospective patients are able to ask questions about what to expect, they find it doesn’t seem so intimidating after all.
Q: How effective are chiropractic treatments?
A: In general, chiropractic care can be effective for a significant number of people who are suffering from various illness or injuries. The chiropractic adjustments are usually quite gentle, but must only be performed by a medical professional who is licensed to provide such treatments.
Q: What happens during a chiropractic appointment?
A: A chiropractor uses hands-on methods to move joints that are out of placement within the body. Depending on the person’s injury or illness, places such as the hip, knee, shoulders, or neck may be the area of focus for adjustments. During these sessions, the patient may hear a popping sound, but don’t be alarmed. These sounds should not cause you any pain or discomfort, and is probably due to a change of pressure between joints as a gas bubble is released.
Q: Can you tell me more about the popping sounds?
A: During a spinal adjustment, the back can endure a gentle yet rapid stretching of the spinal facet joint, which results in that popping or cracking sound. When joint tissues are stretched, these air pockets that surround the joints may be released. After a manipulation, it is common to hear these sounds, then immediately experience more fluidity of movement and relief. The muscles may be sore in the day or two after the adjustment, but this is typically quite normal and should be no more severe than what a really good workout feels like.
Q: How frequently will I have to see my chiropractor?
A: How many times per week or month a patient is to see a chiropractor, depends on the type of injury or illness requiring treatment. Those with a chronic issue that has gotten slowly worse over many, many years is likely to require more visits than someone who simply wants routine adjustments to maintain health. It may be best to talk with a reputable chiropractor in your city for a more specific treatment plan.
Q: Will it only be spine/joint adjustments that are part of my treatment plan?
A chiropractor may suggest incorporating other components into your care plan, including lifestyle changes, diet, stress reduction, massage, and counseling. When consulting with a chiropractor Riverdale, MD relies on during the first visit, you can inquire into about how many sessions to expect.
Contact AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into chiropractic care and the focus of chiropractics.