What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, that is, the treatment of problems with joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and other structures, as well as their effects on a person's overall health.

What is a Chiropractor? How is treatment performed?

A Chiropractor is the only doctor who is specially trained to treat problems related to the spine and associated nerves. His treatment is based on a completely natural therapy. Different from most doctors, the Chiropractor does not use any type of medication or surgery to aid the recovery of his or her patients. Through an x-ray, he is able to detect problems such as a misalignment of the bones of the neck and spine, which can cause extreme pain and muscular tension. This misalignment is many times the result of a car accident, work-related injury, bad posture, or even from improper exercising, lifting heavy weights, or sleeping in an awkward position.

What is the ideal age to receive treatment?

People of all ages can benefit from Chiropractic treatment, from newborns to the elderly. The treatment, however, is customized to each patient's needs, using specific techniques for each age group.

What are the main problems treated by Chiropractic?

Lower back pain

Neck pain

Sciatica

Disc injuries

Headaches

Muscle tension

Joint problems

Pinched nerves, etc…

What can cause these problems?

Our common day-to-day activities, repetitive movements, and bad posture can cause the joints in our bodies, especially in the vertebral column, to lose their alignment or normal movement. This is called articular dysfunction or vertebral subluxation complex. With time, these alterations can affect the vertebrae, muscles and the function of the nerve that exits from the vertebrae.

How is the diagnosis done?

The specific diagnosis is done after an interview and thorough clinical exam, which includes postural analysis, orthopedic and neurological tests, along with careful palpation of the joints, muscles, and other affected structures. If necessary, additional exams, such as x-rays, CT-scans, and MRIs, will be requested. These pieces of information are fundamental to the selection of appropriate treatment.

How is the treatment done?

Treatment is done with two objectives: correct and prevent joint problems. After the diagnosis, a treatment plan is developed, specific to each condition. There are several techniques used to restore joint movement. The adjustment, when required, is very specific and painless. With this, significant pain reduction, muscular relaxation, increase of mobility, and restoration of joint function are observed.

How important are exercising and postural orientation?

Prevention is an important part of the treatment, and frequent physical activity is important for those who suffer with back pain and problems. During the treatment, you will be taught specific exercises for rehabilitation, as well as be instructed on how to correct and maintain good posture.

How long does the treatment take?

The amount of time depends on many factors, such as age and lifestyle of the patient, as well as the type of problem. Other factors such as line of work, diet, attitude, and cooperation are also important. In the beginning, treatment requires more frequent visits, varying from one to three times a week in the first weeks. The frequency is reduced as improvement of the condition is seen. It is common for treatments to last between one to three months. The objective is for rehabilitation to occur as soon as possible.

What is the origin of Chiropractic?

Chiropractic began in 1895, when the researcher Daniel David Palmer started to treat people through the use of hand manipulations, hence the current name of the profession. Chiropractic is among the three biggest healthcare professions (Medicine, Chiropractic, and Dentistry) in North America and Europe.