Chiropractic medicine is a complementary practice that focuses on treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system—the body’s muscles, bones, joints, cartilage and tendons that support and move the body. While the core of chiropractic medicine is spinal manipulation, chiropractors use a variety of treatments to manage pain and discomfort in all parts of the body. These techniques include massage, trigger point therapy, electrical stimulation and heat or cold therapy. Chiropractors also perform physical examinations, medical history reviews and diagnostic imaging when needed.
While there are many different types of chiropractic, most share a common philosophy. This includes a belief that the nervous and musculoskeletal systems are linked and that the spine is a key part of this connection. emergency chiropractor Melbourne emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself without the need for drugs or surgery.
Although some critics argue that there is no scientific evidence for the effectiveness of chiropractic, a number of studies suggest that chiropractic treatment can be effective in managing pain and discomfort. For example, a 2016 study found that spinal manipulation was associated with moderate improvements in lower back pain and chest pain, and may improve overall function.
Moreover, a 2020 study showed that spinal manipulation significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of headaches in patients with recurrent cervicogenic headache. Moreover, the research found that when chiropractic care is combined with exercise and nutritional counseling, it can help to reduce the severity of chronic headaches.
Chiropractors also believe that their work is more than treating symptoms; it is about addressing the root causes of the pain. The goal is to increase the patient’s natural rate of healing, which can be hindered by muscle stress, misalignment or inflammation. A healthy spine and joint structure can support the immune system, which is essential to maintaining a healthy body.
A patient’s experience with a chiropractic physician can be shaped by the culture of the clinic and how well a practitioner understands their unique health needs. A chiropractic student learns to listen to a patient’s story and develop a personalized approach to treatment that supports the individual’s goals, while incorporating the best evidence-based practice.
Heal Your Body Heal Your Life: Chiropractic Medicine Explored is published online-only by the journal Chiropractic and Manual Therapies. To read the article in its entirety and to access additional resources, including a full list of authors, editors, reviewers and editorial board members, please visit the journal website.
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