Welcome to Chiropractic
By Jesse B Roberts
I am a Chiropractic intern, and will soon be practicing at The Chiropractic Health Centre in Claremont and Sea Point. Throughout my Chiropractic studies, I have been asked the same questions.
To list a few…
- "What is Chiropractic?"
- "Do Chiropractors only treat the spine?"
- "Is Chiropractic safe?"
Over
the years, I have noticed that more and more people are becoming aware
of the natural health benefits related to Chiropractic and I no longer
have to explain why I have been studying for the past 6 years.
With
the current health-care movement towards evidence-based practice and
the constant growth of scientific knowledge surrounding our profession,
it is important that the general public is made aware of what
Chiropractors have to offer. For those that are still unsure, I hope
this article is able to clarify some of your questions. If not, feel
free to contact me at, The Chiropractic Health Centre:jbroberts@chiropractor.co.za
What is Chiropractic?
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic
is an art, science and philosophy specializing in restoring normal
balance and function to the neuromuscularskeletal system and thus,
facilitating the body's natural ability to heal itself. The term
'Chiropractic' means practiced by hand and, as the name suggests,
Chiropractic is a drug and surgery-free, hands-on, safe alternative for
optimal health, healing and general wellness.
The
first Chiropractic manipulation was performed in 1895 and since, the
primary health care profession has become the 3rd most popular in the
world. Doctors of Chiropractic are highly skilled at assessing and
treating neuromuscularskeletal conditions which affect the nervous
system, muscles and joints in the body and specialize in the
biomechanical integrity of the spinal vertebrae.
How does the Chiropractic adjustment work?
Chiropractors are highly skilled at assessing the vertebral joints in the spine in terms of mobility and function. Individual vertebral joints that are not functioning normally may irritate the spinal nerve that exits their 'intervertebral foramen'/opening. This irritation may affect the related nervous supply and result in back pain, neck pain and other problems in the body. The Chiropractor aims to identify and manipulate or adjust the dysfunctional joint, and thus, restore natural balance, mobility and function to the body.
How does the Chiropractic adjustment work?
Chiropractors are highly skilled at assessing the vertebral joints in the spine in terms of mobility and function. Individual vertebral joints that are not functioning normally may irritate the spinal nerve that exits their 'intervertebral foramen'/opening. This irritation may affect the related nervous supply and result in back pain, neck pain and other problems in the body. The Chiropractor aims to identify and manipulate or adjust the dysfunctional joint, and thus, restore natural balance, mobility and function to the body.
Who can benefit?
• Babies and kids- "as the twig bends, so grows the tree"-David Noer.
Children's bodies and nervous systems are rapidly adapting as they
grow. It is important to correct any spinal problems early in life.
• Pregnant women- Chiropractic can make delivery easier and decrease back pain during and after the pregnancy
.
• Office workers- Today's world requires us to sit in unnatural positions, with minimal movement or activity for extended periods of time. This results in poor postural habits, neck/back pain and other issues.
• Office workers- Today's world requires us to sit in unnatural positions, with minimal movement or activity for extended periods of time. This results in poor postural habits, neck/back pain and other issues.
• Elderly- After years of wear and tear, the elderly can be susceptible to spinal issues.
• Athletes- Athletes place large amounts of stress on their bodies in order to perform at their peak and push themselves to the limit. It is important to maintain optimal health and prevent conditions from developing later in life.
When should I see a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors
are known to treat any neuromuscularskeletal condition. This means
anything that is related to your nervous system, muscles or joints may
benefit from Chiropractic treatment. Although Chiropractors are known to
specialize in the spine, the biomechanical integrity of the upper and
lower limbs is never overlooked and the body is treated as a whole.
Common conditions treated by Chiropractors include: • Neck pain
• Low back pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Whiplash
• Shoulder pain
• Arm pain (elbow pain and tingling in the hands)
• Hip pain
• Leg pain
• Sciatica
• Knee pain
• Foot pain
What causes neuromuscularskeletal conditions?
Strains, falls, accidents, lifting heavy objects and stress are some examples that may cause a joint to become fixated. A fixated joint has compensatory effects on other joints in the body and causes irritation to their surrounding musculature. This often results in muscle spasms, the development of 'trigger-points' and nervous changes, such as increased sensitivity.
What to expect?
Initial Consultation
At
you initial consultation, the Chiropractor will take a full medical
health history. This will consist of questions pertaining to your
current complaint, previous conditions and your family history. Next,
the Chiropractor will complete a physical exam consisting of posture
analysis, range of motion tests, reflex tests, neurological examination
and the relevant orthopaedic tests. The information gathered will aid
the Chiropractor to find the root cause of your problem and, if
necessary, he/she may refer you for further investigations such as
X-rays and lab tests. Once a diagnosis is made, the Chiropractor will
establish the most effective management protocol.
How will the Chiropractor treat my condition?
If
the Chiropractor determines that your condition is best managed with
Chiropractic care, they shall manipulate your fixations. Manipulation is
a highly specialized technique delivered by hand and consists of a
high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust with a specific vector and at a
specific joint level. Manipulations are very safe. You may feel instant
relief as natural balance and function returns to the joint and the
nerve is 'freed.' However, some conditions require more than one
treatment, especially chronic conditions that have been present for a
long time. At the Chiropractic Health Centre, we incorporate various
modalities into our treatment protocols in order to optimize your
recovery. These services include dry-needling, rehabilitation,
strapping, massage therapy, pilates classes, Bioflex Laser Therapy,
Storz Shockwave Therapy and Foot Levelers Custom Orthotics.
SOME MORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Are Chiropractors opposed to medical treatment?No, Chiropractors recognize that often, medical/surgical intervention is the only appropriate treatment option and are qualified to refer when necessary.
2. What is the 'Cracking' sound?
A joint in the body naturally has a functional negative pressure system. During the Chiropractic manipulation, an audible 'pop' may be heard. This is gas/fluid shifting inside the joint and does not relate to the quality of the manipulation.
A joint in the body naturally has a functional negative pressure system. During the Chiropractic manipulation, an audible 'pop' may be heard. This is gas/fluid shifting inside the joint and does not relate to the quality of the manipulation.
3. Is Chiropractic covered by medical aid?
Yes, most medical aid plans cover Chiropractic care.
Yes, most medical aid plans cover Chiropractic care.
4. Is Chiropractic covered by COIDS?
Yes, Chiropractic has been covered by 'Compensation for Occupational Injury and Disease' since 1994. Any treatment received from a Chiropractor, with or with-out referral and including X-rays, may be reimbursed by COIDS.
Yes, Chiropractic has been covered by 'Compensation for Occupational Injury and Disease' since 1994. Any treatment received from a Chiropractor, with or with-out referral and including X-rays, may be reimbursed by COIDS.
5. Are there risks involved?
All medical interventions involve potential risks and side-effects, Chiropractic is not excluded. However, it is important to know that you have a far greater chance of being struck by lightning than suffering from a complication of a spinal manipulation (1>1000 000).
All medical interventions involve potential risks and side-effects, Chiropractic is not excluded. However, it is important to know that you have a far greater chance of being struck by lightning than suffering from a complication of a spinal manipulation (1>1000 000).
THE CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTRE
At
The Chiropractic Health Centre, we aim to restore mobility, function
and health through natural, hands-on therapy and offer massage,
rehabilitation and Chiropractic treatment.
Our Chiropractors are highly skilled at assessing and treating neuromuscularskeletal conditions and specialize in the biomechanical integrity of the vertebral joints of the spine.
We provide evidence based treatment related to neck/back pain, sports and repetitive strain injuries, chronic headaches, pregnancy-related back pain, post-surgical rehabilitation, pediatrics, geriatrics and worker's compensation.
Our practitioners place emphasis on ensuring that our knowledge and treatment methods are up-to-date with the current literature and make use of the latest, evidence-based treatment modalities in order to optimize your recovery and health.
Our practices are conveniently located on the Atlantic Seaboard, Sea Point and in the heart of the Southern Suburbs, Claremont.
Phone: 021 683 2996 (Claremont) or 021 439 8898 (Sea Point)
Email: claremont@chiropractor.co.za
