3 Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic

A form of alternative medicine, chiropractic care has gained in popularity with patients and recognition within the medical community as research has demonstrated its effectiveness for certain types of conditions. However, it is still often misunderstood by physicians and the public. Information can help patients make an informed decision regarding chiropractic treatments.

What patients should know about chiropractic

Accurate information about chiropractic treatment can be difficult to come by. Patients may hear wild claims about what it can accomplish or equally unreasonable skepticism about its effectiveness. Here are answers to three of the most common questions that patients may ask.

1. Is the treatment safe?

Adjustments performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor are generally regarded to be safe. However, the treatment may pose a risk in the presence of certain pre-existing conditions. For example, people with arterial malformations of the neck have experienced strokes after spinal manipulation. However, complications such as this are extremely rare.

Other contraindications for chiropractic treatment include spinal compression, inflammatory arthritis and osteoporosis. People who take blood thinners should avoid treatment due to increased bleeding risk.

2. What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Research has demonstrated the most benefit from chiropractic treatment for musculoskeletal complaints, such as chronic back pain and osteoarthritis, and neuromuscular conditions, such as fibromyalgia and migraine headaches. The benefits for conditions affecting other systems have yet to be confirmed with research.

3. How long does treatment last?

It depends on the patient and the specific condition. It is rare that one adjustment is sufficient to achieve maximum improvement. However, a chiropractor should be able to provide a patient with an estimate of how long treatment should last. Furthermore, patients are free to discontinue chiropractic at any time.

What to expect from an initial appointment

The first appointment with a chiropractor involves diagnosis of the condition and formulation of a treatment plan. It may be necessary to obtain an x-ray to assess the patient's pathology, and a physical examination is likely to take place. The initial visit may or may not include an adjustment.

Chiropractic adjustment involves hands-on treatment that includes forceful manipulation of a joint. While adjustment can take place at almost any joint, it is most often performed along the spine. Only a highly trained and fully licensed doctor of chiropractic should attempt to perform an adjustment. Otherwise, injury could result.

Patients often describe a cracking or popping noise as manipulation take place. This is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the space of the joint due to the mobilization. It is not the sound of bones shifting back into proper alignment and should not be interpreted as a sign that the treatment is working.

Side effects of adjustment are rare and usually mild. Patients may experience fatigue or soreness in the areas of manipulation.

Conclusion

It is useful to learn all you can about chiropractic care before deciding if it is appropriate. If a primary care physician feels you may benefit from it, they may offer a recommendation or referral.

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