What is Chiropractic?
The name “Chiropractic” originates from Greek and means „to do with the hand“. This in turn describes the most important job of a chiropractor:
The treatment of joints, especially within the spinal column, and the muscular system. Special hand grips and techniques are used.
What is the purpose of chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic is used to treat functional complaints of the joints.
Back pain is often caused by displaced or blocked vertebrae, or tense muscles, which can limit the movement of the spinal column.
This kind of blocked or displaced vertebrae can also have negative effects on nerve structures. This can, for example, lead to headaches, dizziness or vision problems. By successfully removing these joint blockages, the secondary conditions can also disappear.
The general aim is to return the function and interaction between joints and muscular system back to normal, relieving – or even eradicating – pain at the same time.
As chiropractic is also a part of osteopathic training, at ateré – THERAPIEZENTRUM AN DER BÖRSE, we use this form of treatment within the context of parietal osteopathy.
What is a chiropractic treatment like?
Just like an osteopathic treatment, it is important to follow these steps:
Thorough anamnesis and examination of the body
Before therapy begins the patient will be thoroughly examined and the therapist will ask all relevant questions. On the one hand, this should clarify if a chiropractic treatment is suitable for the patient’s problem, and on the other, make it possible to make the most precise diagnosis and plan the therapy accordingly. For the examination, the patient will be asked to remove certain items of clothing, as the therapist must be able to get the whole picture of the body in order to make a diagnosis.
Occasionally, the therapist may need X-rays in order to rule out organic disorders and tob e able to design a treatment concept.
The treatment
The treatment itself is, contrary to general belief, pain free. Several different methods may be used by the therapist, including:
- Manipulation therapy: the term „manipulation“ refers to an important therapy technique of the chiropractor, using a gentle manipulation with his hands to bring the ajoining joints into a physiological position. Often, an audible „crack“ can be heard, which is completely harmless.
- The treatment of soft parts like muscles or tendons: this is done using different types of massage or targeted stretching.
Medical indications for chiropractic treatment
- Back pain
- Blocked joints
- Muscular problems
- Pains in the musculoskeletal system
- Tension headaches
- Dizziness
- Tinnitus
What complications could arise from a chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic is used often in many practices to treat many symptoms. Most back complaints have a functional origin, meaning they are not caused by organic changes, for example in the case of a slipped disc. If organic causes are discussed and can be ruled out at the beginning, chiropractic is a suitable method of treatment with very low risks – as long as it is carried out by a qualified chiropractor.
In very rare cases, certain complications can arise, for example, malfunction of the nervous system, like loss of sensation, signs of paralysis or vascular lesion. These are, however, usually caused by improper technique, or a previously undiagnosed organic condition.
Please ask your therapist for more detailed information about this type of complication.
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