3 Particulars Involving Chiropractic Care You Might Want To Know
Posted on: 28 July 2017
Chiropractic care involves the non-surgical, drug-free treatment for various types of health issues and conditions involving the musculosketetal system. Treatment by a licensed chiropractor will typically involve different types of manipulation and adjustments to relieve stress and physical pain. Whether you have received a referral from your primary care physician or you are seeking chiropractic care on your own, you need to consider some important facets pertaining to this practice.
1. A Chiropractor Can Treat a Wide Range of Medical Afflictions
While most chiropractors will treat a wide variety of medical conditions, disorders, and injuries, a consultation with the doctor may help you determine if you may benefit from chiropractic care. In general, chiropractors treat injuries and pain that involves the muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. If you experience neck pain, back pain, or shoulder pain, you might want to make an appointment with the chiropractor.
That said, some of the common conditions chiropractors treat are sciatica, myofascial pain, herniated disc pain, chronic headaches, tendinitis, and more. Additionally, many patients seek chiropractic care for symptoms of whiplash, osteoarthritis, and sports injuries as well. You should note that chiropractors also treat pregnant women, babies, and infants. If you are a pregnant women with medical issues, your practitioner will need to evaluate your case to determine if this treatment is a safe option for you.
2. Various Techniques May Be Implemented in Chiropractic Care
Understanding the various treatment methods and techniques of chiropractic care will provide you with insight before you seek treatment. While every case is different and may require specific methods of treatment, there are a few basic techniques that are generally implemented during treatment. Before your chiropractor initiates a method of treatment, he or she will perform an evaluation and obtain your medical history. Only then can the specialist implement a treatment program. That said, what are a few of the more common techniques often used in the practice of chiropractic care?
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Spinal Manipulation Therapy: This will involve adjusting the spine in an effort to relieve chronic back and neck pain and restore function. Using his or her hands, the practitioner will apply a degree of force directly to the joint of the spine. You should note that some patients experience minor discomfort or temporary soreness for a day or two after this method has been implemented.
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Activator Treatment: The activator method involves the use of a handheld device known as an activator. This spring loaded instrument uses a forceful type of pressure to the back, neck, or spine. It may help restore function and mobility, as well as relieve back and neck pain.
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Flexion Distraction: If you have an affliction involving the lumbar spine, your practitioner may utilize this technique. This is a non-forceful technique that may help alleviate your pain. The general concept involves gentle stretching or traction of the lower spine. This technique has been known to reduce pressure on the nerves and spinal disc, and improve circulation as well. This may help to decompress the spine and expedite healing to the affected area. You may require several treatment sessions over the course of several weeks for it to be fully utilized.
3. Your Insurance Plan May Partially Cover the Treatment of Chiropractic Care
Because chiropractic care is considered alternative treatment, you may find various insurance plans differ in terms of what is covered. For the most part, many insurance plans (and workers' compensation also) will cover chiropractic adjustments, although coverage may vary depending upon a few circumstances. You may be limited in the amount of visits you are covered for or for the amount your plan will cover.
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