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| a-z wellness
professionals: chiropractic
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The basic principle of chiropractic
is that spinal adjustments can improve many health problems
that are related to the nerves, skeleton and muscles. Problems
such as spinal conditions can be helped, and it can also assist
to improve a persons general state of health and wellness.
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Spinal joints that are not working
properly can irritate the nervous system. Chiropractors use
manual treatments, referred to as spinal adjustments, to realign
the joints of the spine. Once the mechanical structure of the
spine is working properly, the body is able to maintain its
own health and wellbeing. |
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History of chiropractic treatment
Spinal alignment has been used as a healing technique for thousands
of years, but the modern version was developed in the late 19th
century. Chiropractic is recognised as a genuine health care
approach and many studies worldwide have proved it to be effective.
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A range of disorders
Scientific studies have shown chiropractic can be helpful
to assist with a range of disorders, including: |
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asthma |
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back
injuries |
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headaches
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lower
back pain |
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migraines
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period pain |
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problems
with posture |
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sciatica
(shooting pains in the leg) |
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slipped
disc |
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tinnitus
(ringing in the ears). |
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A number of studies
have also shown chiropractic care can be of benefit to treat
asthma; however, a recent wide-ranging review for the acclaimed
Cochrane Collaboration found that there was insufficient evidence
that such treatment improved asthma symptoms and that more research
is needed. |
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The spine and spinal
cord
The backbone or spine is the main support structure of the body.
It is curved into a loose S shape and is made up of a series
of hollow bones (called vertebrae), one stacked on top of the
other. Spongy discs cushion each vertebra. Each disc, and the
vertebra immediately above and below, form what is called a
spinal motion unit. The structure of the spine means that it
is strong yet flexible, while also protecting the spinal cord.
Nerves branch out from the spinal cord through holes in every
spinal motion unit to service every part of the body.
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Nerves
under pressure
In chiropractic theory, the spine is the key to a persons wellbeing.
A spinal motion unit that does not allow its vertebra to move
properly can irritate a nerve. The parts of the body serviced
by that nerve, including blood vessels, internal organs and
limbs, might then be affected. By gently adjusting any misaligned
vertebra and restoring normal movement within the spine, the
irritation of the nerve may be reduced and balance is restored.
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A
poorly moving spinal motion unit can also interfere with correct
muscle tension and may result in muscle pain. Standing for long
periods puts a great strain on the spine, which means that pain
particularly in the lower back is a common problem. |
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There are various methods of adjustment
Typically, the practitioner will diagnose your problem by asking
you about your condition and completing a physical examination.
This may involve watching how you stand and move, feeling your
spine, head and pelvis, and requesting x-rays
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You may be adjusted while standing,
sitting, lying down or in combination it depends on your
symptoms. You can sometimes hear a clicking or clunking sound
as the spinal joints are adjusted, but this is usually painless.
There are a number of different methods of adjustments that
use various degrees of hand pressure and specialised equipment,
including |
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using the hands to press or push |
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positioning
the body to use gravity and the bodys own weight |
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using
an instrument called an Activator |
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placing
wedges placed under the body and using the bodys own
weight |
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using
specialised adjusting tables to assist the adjustments
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using
slow and sustained hand pressure or swifter movements. |
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Special considerations
If you have specific health conditions or other issues, the
chiropractor will take them into account when deciding on your
treatment. These assessments help the chiropractor to evaluate
any special needs you may have and to ensure your safety and
comfort during treatment. These issues may include:
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whether you have signs of or diagnosed arthritis |
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any
suspected or recent fractures, bone breaks or trauma
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disorders
of the circulation |
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whether
you are, or have recently been, pregnant |
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your
body size |
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your age whether you are
young, elderly or frail |
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the medication that you
are taking |
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previous
treatment, including operations. |
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find Chiropractic
practitioner |
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