Chiropractic treatment, commonly known as spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is a technique wherein the hands are used to manipulate, massage, mobilise, adjust, stimulate and apply traction to the spine and related tissues to give relief from pain, mostly back pain, and many other ailments. The practice can be traced back to over 3000 years, as mentioned in ancient Chinese writings. Hippocrates, the ‘father of medicine’ used chiropractic techniques, and so did ancient Egyptians and many other cultures.
Chiropractic practitioners consider themselves to be experts in providing adjustment or manipulation of the spine to give relief from many ailments. Claims made by chiropractic practitioners, or spine adjustment therapists, range from temporary, palliative (pain relieving) effects to long-term wellness and preventive care. However, some claims are debatable, particularly those with regard to major health benefits. Opinion is also divided concerning the safety of some of the procedures used in the treatment of the spine, particularly those used for upper cervical area.
Some people think of chiropractic treatment as an alternative form of medicine while others think of it as a speciality practice. But whatever it is called, chiropractic treatment has shown amazing results on a lot of people by improving the body’s physical functions through the manual adjustments in the spine.
Generally, there are considered to be two types of chiropractors, the ‘straights’ and the ‘mixers’. The former focus on revitalising the body through spinal adjustments. They are of the opinion that subluxations, or a spine which is out of alignment, is the primary cause of all diseases. The ‘mixers’ prefer to combine treatments such as exercise, massage, nutritional supplements and acupuncture with chiropractic treatment of the spine. They are also open to the idea of working in combination with the more traditional doctors to keep patients healthy.
Chiropractic treatment consists of manually moving a joint in the spine beyond the normal range of motion, but not so much that it leads to any kind of dislocation. These manipulations can be carried out through a number of different techniques. Some of the popular techniques are diversified technique, activator technique, Gonstead, Coxflexion-distraction, Sacro-Occipital technique, Nimmo Receptor-Tonus technique and Applied Kinesiology. Medicine-assisted manipulation of the spine is normally carried out with anaesthesia but is not very popular.
During your first appointment with a chiropractic practitioner, your medical history will be noted and there will be lengthy discussions about the nature of your problems, and some x-rays may also be taken. Then an appropriate course of spinal adjustment treatment will be chalked out.
Mostly all chiropractors have their own different styles and use different techniques to perform their spinal adjustments. These styles can range from extremely tender to the almost brutally aggressive. Chiropractors claim that these spine adjustments correct nerve problems and encourage proper energy flow throughout the spine. Many patients respond very well to chiropractic adjustments and report good, but short-term results.