The Philosophy Behind Chiropractic Care
Many people unfamiliar with chiropractic care may wonder what differentiates it from traditional medical approaches, or physical therapy. The goal of chiropractics is similar to that of its counterparts, in that it seeks to aid in the treatment and recovery process for patients with an illness or injury. The difference is that chiropractic focuses on the whole body by way of the nervous system, noting that the spine contains many connection points for nerves across the body.
Chiropractic doctors diagnose conditions by seeking out misplaced vertebrae (also called subluxations) in the spine, which can cause nerve pressure. This pressure can block vital nutrients from reaching organs and muscles from head to toe. The chiropractor will correct these subluxations and prescribe a wellness plan to promote overall health and treat the problem area at the same time. This plan may include further adjustments, stretches or light exercises or muscle stimulation.
Many different conditions, from asthma to herniated discs have the ability to be treated with chiropractic. This is another way chiropractic stands out from other medical practitioners. While general practitioners are able to treat and diagnose many simple ailments, there are also dozens of other types of doctors and specialists that you may get referred to – all for the same illness or injury. Chiropractic doctors try to treat not just the main problem in a patient, but will also work to boost the immune system in order to promote overall wellness.
Chiropractic treatment is also an affordable way to promote overall wellness. Studies have shown that regular chiropractic adjustments can lead to a drop in overall hospital visits. Many insurance companies now cover chiropractic, since it may reduce overall healthcare costs in the end. Used both in a preventative and recovery manner, the treatments may help boost immunity and speed the healing process for several different maladies. They do say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and chiropractic may be the little pinch you need.
Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Army Medicine