Chiropractic Family Health Centre

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How Effective Is Chiropractic Care?

back pain reliefThe mobilization of the spine is the primary focus of chiropractic care and the responsibility of the chiropractor that is treating you. First time back pain sufferers typically consult with a family physician first before visiting a chiropractor. This may be attributed to some of the controversies regarding this alternative healing practice. It is well documented that opinions vary regarding how effective this type of medical care is. However, one thing is certain. If it wasn’t an effective treatment, then over 22 million Americans who visit chiropractors on an annual basis would never visit them for treatment.

Chiropractic associations and many individual chiropractors tout the efficacy of chiropractic care. Many opponents feel that the claims made by these groups and individuals are totally unsubstantiated. Despite the fact that countless numbers of research studies have been conducted regarding chiropractic treatments, these opponents feel that the results of those studies are conflicting at best. So what do we know about this type of alternative healing methods and techniques?

The manipulative and manual therapies practiced by licensed chiropractors are as effective as other types of treatment and certainly more effective than getting a prescription for pain medications. Taking pain pills is merely a bandaid and does not address or treat the actual cause of lower back pain. However, it has been suggested that chiropractic treatments can be effective for treating lumbar disc herniation and radiculopathy, which is a set of neuropathic conditions that affect nerve function. Additionally, chiropractic treatments are used to relieve extremity joint conditions, neck pain, and some types of headaches.

It should be noted that most of the research studies have primarily focused on the practice of spinal manipulation, and not chiropractic manipulation. This is another source of criticism for those who oppose the use of chiropractic care. However, the individual authors who have written different reviews did not view this as a significant research element. They also concluded that correct spinal manipulation is beneficial regardless of which licensed chiropractic is performing it.

The overall conclusion is that Spinal Manipulative Therapy, or SMT as it is oftentimes referred to, has been shown to be effective for a number ailments associated with the spine. This includes conditions of the extremities, headaches including migraines, low back pain, neck pain and whiplash, and radiculopathy. Research was also conducted into the efficacy of SMT for relieving pain in the arms, legs, and neck.

Additionally, another conclusion that has come out of the different studies showed that chiropractic care is generally safe when it is practiced in an appropriate and skillful fashion. In addition to the above, sustained care is very effective as a preventative measure and it is viewed as being extremely cost-effective, even when used in conjunction with other forms of treatment or by itself.

Dr. Paul Curcio

Chiropractic Family Health Centre

 

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Consulting With A Chiropractor On The First Visit

paul curcioThe foundation of chiropractic care is based upon a single, fundamental principle namely that the human body has a number of self-healing properties that are associated with nerve flow and spinal adjustments.  It is well known that diseases and pain are caused by nerve flow interruptions resulting from spinal misalignment or subluxation.  Additionally, chiropractic care methods and techniques address the alleviation of pain and correct certain areas of the body by employing spinal adjustments and manipulations.

The chiropractic industry believes that the human body is capable of healing itself when spinal alignments are performed on a regular basis.  Spinal adjustments and manipulations are considerably different from any traditional medical procedures including major spine surgery.  If you do not know what to expect once medical procedures have been performed it can be extremely disconcerting.  What you need to remember right up front is that a chiropractor is not a hack like the opponents of chiropractic care would have you believe.

Every legitimate chiropractor is a certified and trained professional who has at least 7 to 8 years of education under their belt as well as a great deal of experience in the field.  The first time you consult with one of these professionals they will most likely conduct a thorough interview with you regarding your medical history and past treatments you have undergone.  They will also brief you about chiropractic science and the services typically provided.  This provides you with the details of chiropractic treatment principles.

At this point in the consultation, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and clarify any doubts or myths of chiropractic care and treatment.  Being the certified and licensed professionals that they are, chiropractors are not going to start any treatment regimen until all your doubts are clarified and questions have been answered in satisfactory fashion.  Once this stage of your consultation is completed, a series of x-rays will be ordered and the chiropractor will perform an extremely thorough spinal exam.  Finally, the treatment regimen that is recommended by the chiropractor will be based on the exam results.

Dr. Paul Curcio

Chiropractic Family Health Centre

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A Basic Overview Of Chiropractic Care

In the simplest of definitions and descriptions, the terms “chiropractic” and “chiropractic care” refer to an alternative form of health and medical care that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal system disorders.  Additionally, the practice is concerned with how those disorders affect an individual’s general health.  The emphasis of chiropractic care is on joint adjustment and manipulation (i.e. manual therapy).  Today, there are more than 100 countries where practicing chiropractors are available.

D.D. Palmer, a magnetic healer living in Davenport, Iowa is credited with founding the first chiropractic care facility in the mid 1890’s.  Since the inception of it, there has been a great deal of controversy regarding spinal joint dysfunction theory and its role in treating diseases of a non-musculoskeletal nature.  Most of the controversy is attributed to the metaphysical and vitalistic origins of the practice.  However, chiropractic practices are prevalent in Australia, Europe, and North America.

Most individuals who visit a chiropractor do so for treating and relieving lower back pain.  It is estimated that over 22 million Americans get chiropractic care on an annual basis.  Of that 22 million, roughly 35% or 7.7 million individuals are suffering from lower back pain that is attributed to accidents, muscle strain, and sports injuries.  However, many individuals visit chiropractors for headaches, including migraines, and pain in their arms, legs, and neck.  In addition to the above, the plan of treatment selected will vary from one person to the next.

Since no two individuals are ever alike where chiropractic care is concerned, the causes of lower back pain and pain in the other areas of the body mentioned above will vary, the chiropractor treating you will research your medical history in order to determine the cause.  As a result, they will select a treatment plan that addresses your exclusive condition and your personal needs.

Dr. Paul Curcio