Chiropractic

What to expect during a Chiropractic Visit
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    What to expect during a Chiropractic Visit

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    During the initial visit, chiropractors typically take a health history and perform a physical examination, with a special emphasis on the spine. Chiropractic practice involves a general and specific range of diagnostic methods, including x-ray, skeletal imaging, laboratory tests, orthopedic and neurological evaluations, as well as observational and tactile assessments. There are 4 main signs/symptoms that chiropractor is paying attention to:
    • Pain and Tenderness
    • Asymmetry / Misalingnment
    • Range of Motion / Abnormality
    • Tissue / Tone change
    If chiropractic treatment is considered appropriate, a treatment plan will be developed. Given mainly to the spine, a chiropractic adjustment involves using the hands or a device to apply a controlled, rapid force to a joint.

    Patient management involves spinal adjustment and other manual therapies, rehabilitative exercises, supportive and adjunctive measures, patient education and counseling. Chiropractic practice emphasizes conservative management of the neuromusculoskeletal system, without the use of medicines and surgery. 

    Chiropractors may combine the use of spinal adjustments and other manual therapies with several other treatments and approaches such as:
    • Heat and ice
    • Electrical stimulation
    • Relaxation techniques
    • Rehabilitative and general exercise
    • Counseling about diet, weight loss, and other lifestyle factors
    • Dietary supplements.
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    Safety

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    According to NCCIH, Side effects from spinal manipulation can include temporary headaches, tiredness, or discomfort in the parts of the body that were treated.There have been rare reports of serious complications such as stroke, cauda equina syndrome (a condition involving pinched nerves in the lower part of the spinal canal), and worsening of herniated discs, although cause and effect are unclear.


    Safety remains an important focus of ongoing research:
    • A 2007 study of treatment outcomes for 19,722 chiropractic patients in the United Kingdom concluded that minor side effects (such as temporary soreness) after cervical spine manipulation were relatively common, but that the risk of a serious adverse event was “low to very low” immediately or up to 7 days after treatment.
    • A 2009 study that drew on 9 years of hospitalization records for the population of Ontario, Canada analyzed 818 cases of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) stroke (involving the arteries that supply blood to the back of the brain). The study found an association between visits to a health care practitioner and subsequent VBA stroke, but there was no evidence that visiting a chiropractor put people at greater risk than visiting a primary care physician. The researchers attributed the association between health care visits and VBA stroke to the likelihood that people with VBA dissection (torn arteries) seek care for related headache and neck pain before their stroke.
    • To see the list of Medical conditions contra-indicated with Chiropractic click this link, (WHO report)
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    Best way to build trust between you and your chiropractor

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    If You Are Thinking About Seeking Chiropractic Care
    • Ask about the chiropractor’s education and licensure.
    • Mention any medical conditions you have, and ask whether the chiropractor has specialized training or experience in the condition for which you are seeking care.
    • Ask about typical out-of-pocket costs and insurance coverage. (Chiropractic is covered by many health maintenance organizations and private health plans, Medicare, and state workers’ compensation systems.)
    • Tell the chiropractor about any medications (prescription or over-the-counter) and dietary supplements you take. If the chiropractor suggests a dietary supplement, ask about potential interactions with your medications or other supplements.
    • Tell all of your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.