If you are experiencing back or neck pain, you may have considered going to a chiropractor. Your friends and family members may have been skeptical. They may have told you that chiropractors are not real doctors and that the treatments will not really do anything. Some people fear that chiropractic treatment will hurt and may even be harmful. However, it’s important to note that chiropractic care has evolved over the years, and there are now specialized practitioners, such as dog chiropractors, who provide similar services for our furry friends
The truth is that chiropractic treatment is effective for many different kinds of medical conditions. It is safe for most people and in most cases, any discomfort is very temporary. The American College of Physicians recommends that patients combine heat therapy and massages along with spinal manipulation.
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What Kinds of Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
According to the chiropractor at SnapCrack, chiropractors primarily treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system and nervous systems although they may be best known for treating problems in the neck and lower back. Chiropractic care can be used to treat pain in any part of your body. Chiropractic care is excellent for the treatment of headaches and muscle pain.
What Kind of Training Does a Chiropractor Have?
Chiropractors are not doctors, but they do have extensive medical training. Although a person does not have to have a college degree to get into chiropractic school, they do have to have at least 90 college credits. Some schools insist a person has an undergraduate degree before they are admitted.
Chiropractic school may be anywhere from three to five years depending on the school and the state. A chiropractor must have 4,200 hours of training. The state of Florida requires that a person complete parts I to IV of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners certification. They have to complete the physiotherapy examination and a Florida laws and rules examination.
What Does Chiropractic Treatment Involve?
Chiropractors treat medical conditions by manipulating the spine. Treatment generally involves a sharp thrust to the spine that may be harsh or mild. In some cases, the chiropractor may use their hands and in other cases, they may use a tool or a special table.
Chiropractors will often do soft tissue therapy as well. This can help to alleviate spasms and release tension in the fascia which is connective tissue around each muscle.
Some chiropractors can recommend a diet or put patients on a regiment of dietary supplements or vitamins. Chiropractors cannot prescribe medicine or perform surgery. However, they can use the Kinesio taping method when treating patients. This is a method of taping that helps lymphatic fluids in the tissues and vessels of your body drain when they are injured. It does this by slightly lifting the areas of the skin around the affected area.
What do Patients Think?
The need for spinal care is prevalent. Spinal pain affects 11% of the population in the world. A 2015 Gallup poll revealed that most people who have chiropractic treatment are satisfied with it and say that it helps them feel better.
Chiropractic care is often effective and it is less costly than traditional medical care. It can help to relieve pain without using any drugs.