Having a due medical appointment coming up? We understand how stressful it is to think about preparing for something like that. You might expect a whole Pandora’s box of nasty surgeries and medications to be opened, and it only makes more sense why many people stress out to see a doctor if they’re having a simple but persistent neck or back pain.
But what other options do we have? The answer lies within a traditional but proven old-remedy technique called chiropractic treatment, a sacred knowledge of healing one’s pain. It’s normal to wonder how a chiropractor’s experience might compare to one with an orthopedic doctor. It is considered a complementary form of health care. Chiropractors are highly certified professionals who treat painful conditions, muscle aches, and joint pains and help you recover from conditions that affect the bones.
We want you to have a comfortable experience in case of a medical appointment, so we’ve compiled a guide to help you know what to expect.
Chiropractor or a Physiotherapist: What is the difference?
It’s common to compare a physiotherapist and a chiropractor since their roles are similar. But there lies a difference.
Chiropractors traditionally focus more on the function of the spine and pelvis and, thus, keeping in check the body’s alignment by allowing you to perform various stretches with their hand assistance as well as putting an effect on the nervous system through the use of manipulation to increase mobility is their specialty.
In contrast, physiologists use mobilization and exercises to target the muscles to achieve results.
How can Chiropractors help you in your case?
A chiropractor doctor can treat pain, strains, and aches anywhere in the body – from the jaw to the ankle. Some consider this type of healthcare to be alternative medicine since they do not prescribe medications.
Spinal Manipulation
Chiropractors are most commonly known for realigning the joints with adjustments. The process is known as spinal manipulation or SMT. By applying controlled force to the spine, the chiropractor uses their hands or an instrument.
This treatment effectively treats conditions such as low back and neck pain, headaches, and sciatica pain.
Soft Tissue Therapy
You might think that going to physiotherapists is the only way to recover your soft tissues. Chiropractic care also includes massage therapy dedicated to soft tissue recovery.
It can boost athletic performance, improve blood flow, and accelerate muscle recovery. The great thing about soft tissue therapy is that it is not as intense as deep tissue massage, and it can involve a variety of depths and pressures.
Joint Manipulation
Besides adjusting your spine, chiropractors can also adjust the joints in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, and other body parts located in the surrounding areas. There are several reasons why joint manipulation is used to help patients reduce pain and improve the range of motion of their joints.
If you have underused or overused a joint, experienced side effects from an operation or trauma, or are suffering from natural joint dysfunction, you may benefit from this technique.
Nutritional Counseling
Some chiropractor doctors offer nutritional counseling that can ease body aches and specific joint pain. For instance, a chiropractor doctor can make a basic diet plan for you, let’s say a person is diabetic or has some heart disease.
Certain diseases can cause joint and muscular pain, so finding out what your body needs might help ease that.
What’s the first thing you can expect when you’ll have an appointment
The first thing you can expect after entering a chiropractor’s office would probably be a brief conversation regarding your issue before getting straight to the physical exam. Pro Tip: If you have a medical history, bring your laboratory tests or an X-ray.
You might be referred to another doctor if chiropractic treatment is not right for your condition. During your first appointment, you may get spinal manipulation in the office if your chiropractor thinks it would benefit you. Inquire about the number of visits you can expect.
Are Chiropractors Medically Certified?
Those who practice chiropractic are known as chiropractors, with the initials “DC” after their names. Similar to medical doctors, they must study premedical subjects in college. It usually takes them four or five years to complete a chiropractic college.
Among the subjects they study are anatomy, bone disorders, nervous system disorders, X-rays, manipulations, exercise therapy, and nutrition. To practice in their state, chiropractors must pass a national exam.
Conclusion
Chiropractors are trained to treat conditions that affect the muscles and bones that are painful. Make sure to choose a qualified and well-experienced chiropractor and say goodbye to your sore muscles and back pains.
