Chiropractic care is considered alternative medicine. This field focuses on treating, diagnosing, and preventing disorders, usually mechanical, of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. The belief is that disorders of this kind can impact the overall health of an individual by affecting the nervous system.
Manual therapy is the most used technique in this field of medicine. This typically involves some type of manipulation to the soft tissues, joints and spine. Additional treatment such as counseling and exercise may be recommended. In general, all treatment forms are considered relatively safe if they are performed by a certified physicians. However, as is the case with any form of medical treatment, complications may develop.
Chiropractic was formed during the 1890s and has expanded since then. Chiropractors can be classified as straights or mixers. Straights believe in vitalism, innate intelligence, and spinal adjustments. They put great emphasis on subluxations, as they believe this is the cause of all disease. Contrastingly, mixers are open to the many techniques used in medicine and popular views that are held. Ice therapy, exercise, and massage are often recommended by these chiropractors.
Despite being considered controversial, chiropractic is well established in Australia, Canada, and the United States. In fact, within the United States, it is third in the health profession, surpassed only by dentistry and medicine. Persons struggling with lower back pain often go to a chiropractor for treatment.
Chiropractors, who may be referred to as chiropractic physicians or doctors of chiropractic, manage the neuromusculoskeletal system without using surgery or medicine. These physicians are not licensed to prescribe medicine or conduct surgery in America. However, New Mexico is the first state in America that allows advanced practice in which trained chiropractors are able to prescribe certain medications to their patients. Some places allow these physicians to perform homeopathy, acupuncture, dispense supplements, and conduct lab tests and procedures.
Spinal adjustment is the most commonly used in this field. Techniques in which the hands are used to mobilize, adjust, manipulate, massage, or stimulate the spine is called spinal manipulative therapy. There are different adjustment methods that can be used.
Opinions regarding the effectiveness of these treatments vary. Despite this, it maintains its position as the largest field within the alternative medicine industry. Some health problems have not been proven to be cured through this care. Some examples: neck pain, radiculopathy, whiplash, extremity conditions, and headaches.
Chiropractic care originated during the 1890s and has steadily grown into a large field of alternative medicine. This field of medicine has been controversial at times because it offers alternative treatments to surgery and medicine and the overall effectiveness of all treatments have not been proven. This practice is centered on maintaining the condition of the musculoskeletal system, as it is believed to influence overall health.