A chiropractor is someone who has studied and earned their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. This means that they are a member of the health care industry. They focus on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders. A chiropractor primarily narrows in on treatment options through spinal manipulation and manual adjustments.
At A Family Chiropractic Clinic in Denton, Texas our expert staff is waiting to help you with any questions. We can guide you through the benefits of receiving chiropractic care. Chiropractic care focuses on finding ways to reduce or eliminate pain while improving a patient’s mobility.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
In addition to reducing and eliminating pain, chiropractors educate patients on how to improve their health. By utilizing various therapy techniques and exercises a chiropractor aims to improve overall health. A chiropractor will also put more emphasis on the connection between the nervous system and the spine. This means they believe that the structure of the spine can have a direct impact on the nervous system. By restoring the spine’s integrity they can influence and improve a number of health conditions.
In general, a chiropractor uses non-surgical treatment methods for lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, leg pain, sciatica, and much more. It’s normal for chiropractors to work with other specialists in their field. They also will recommend you to a medical doctor if they believe there may be a more serious issue or if the problem is beyond their scope of service.
During an exam a chiropractor will assess your spine’s structure and function. They will take a medical history and inquire about any recent trauma or pain. The evaluation will usually include a variety of tests based upon your symptoms. They will check muscle tone, range of motion, reflexes and more. They may use diagnostic studies to help identify the specific problem. These could include x-rays and other lab tests. After the evaluation they will reach a diagnosis and recommend a treatment option to help with your situation.
The treatment plan will attempt to alleviate symptoms and correct the problem in the shortest amount of time. They want to resolve the problem and prevent it from returning to the best of their ability. If they don’t believe that your condition is treatable with chiropractic care they will refer you to a medical doctor.
Chiropractor Techniques
There are many techniques used in chiropractic care. Most commonly, chiropractors will use manual manipulation and spinal manipulation. These techniques aim to correct any misalignments with the spine that could be causing your symptoms. In addition to reaching proper alignment, your chiropractor will help you reach a healthy and comfortable function and range of motion in your spine while reducing or eliminating nerve irritability.
Manipulation techniques can involve short, fast thrusts to your vertebra. They also use joint cavitation, which is the release of carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen in an effort to relieve pressure. Occasionally they will add other therapies to their treatment such as heat, ice, or electrical massage.
Each technique used requires skill and experience to be executed properly. This is why choosing the right chiropractor is extremely important. A good chiropractor will know what to treat, how to treat it, and when a treatment won’t improve the situation. Your chiropractor may also suggest exercise or diet changes that will help improve your spinal health. There are many treatments used in conjunction with chiropractic care that can help shorten your recovery time.
Choosing a Chiropractor
Selecting a chiropractor is a very important decision. You want to find a chiropractor that is both educated and experienced. You also want to be comfortable with the chiropractor and ensure they have a great reputation. Your medical doctor may be able to recommend a good chiropractor. You can also ask friends, family, and coworker about their chiropractic experiences. Reading reviews online is also a good way to find out what types of experiences that other people have had. If you consistently hear the same suggestions over and over then you may be on your way to finding your chiropractor.
Once you have a small list of names in mind, it’s a good idea to have a brief interview with the chiropractor. You can hold the interview over the phone or in the office. We recommend visiting the office in person when able to get a feel for what you will experience during your visits. You want someone you can feel comfortable with and an office that helps you relax. If you are tense during your treatment or adjustments then they will not only be less effective but you may end up injured. Feeling comfortable and relaxed will provide a better treatment outcome.
Chiropractic treatment can help with a large variety of issues. Most people who seek chiropractic treatment suffer from lower back pain. However, it’s not uncommon to seek out care for a number of other reasons as well. Finding the right chiropractor is just the first step on your road to recovery and taking control over your pain.
