It’s the largest complementary and alternative health profession; the third largest area of health care (after standard medicine and dentistry). Originating from the Greek words meaning "treatment by hand," chiropractic involves manual manipulation of the body in order to promote healing and wellness. After an assessment of your condition, you will receive a diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan will be developed.
Although the ultimate goals are to reduce pain and normalize function, chiropractic care prides itself in assisting the improvement of the overall health of an individual and thus quality of life. Your chiropractor may incorporate specific recommendations, such as nutritional counseling, exercise and pain management techniques to encourage the practice of health choices that create a more successful and balanced lifestyle.
Chiropractic care utilizes traditional diagnostic methods involving a thorough history and evaluation and, when necessary, testing methods such as X-rays, MRIs and lab work. Treatments may include manipulation (adjustments) of spinal or other joints, stretching, and applications of physiotherapies including cold or hot packs. Treatment frequency and duration varies according to the condition being treated.
Today, people are becoming increasingly aware that chiropractic relieves many additional conditions, including treatment for:
- Headaches
- Neck and back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Arthritis
- Numbness or tingling to the arms or legs, and
- Injuries to extremities such as shoulders, wrists, knees and ankles
