Chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system and how those disorders affect general health. The term "chiropractic" comes from Greek, and it means to be done by hand. And there are many tools that chiropractors use to help the body heal. There are traditional chiropractics techniques where a very gentle, specific, precise thrust is applied to an area of the spine that's misaligned or malpositioned to restore nerve interference. It also has the effect of decreasing inflammation and relaxing muscles.
There are many other kinds of chiropractic techniques that are different in that they use a very gentle or non-force touch to realign the vertebrae and restore the normal alignment of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors understand that realigning the musculoskeletal system is so powerful, because it helps restore normal neurological function, which has a profound effect on well-being and health.
In addition to adjusting techniques, there are many other modalities that chiropractors will incorporate into their treatments to benefit the patient. These may include things like ice or heat application, electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser, as well as distraction or traction machines that will gently stretch either the low back or the neck to open joints and relax muscles.
Many chiropractors do massage or trigger-point therapy or myofascial release, and this is a very powerful and effective way to relax muscles and restore normal muscle function. Chiropractors may also use other techniques like applied kinesiology, sacral occipital technique, or cranio-sacral therapy, which are very effective techniques to restore normal musculoskeletal alignment.
The other important part of your chiropractic care are the recommendations your chiropractor will give you for home care. And this is a very powerful part of your treatment, because you're home a lot more than you're in the office. And what you do at home really can impact how you progress. Your chiropractor may recommend nutritional supplements to decrease inflammation and repair soft tissue in your body. You may also be given homeopathic remedies and very specific stretches or exercises to restore the normal function in your body.
Your chiropractic also may advise you on posture, proper ergonomic positioning at your desk, or even sleeping positions. Additionally, chiropractors are natural healthcare experts, and they can equip you with tools that you can use to reduce stress in your life, which will help your body heal faster as well.