The most common therapeutic procedure performed by chiropractic physicians is known as a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation. Chiropractic is a primary health care profession which diagnoses and treats mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system with the intention of affecting the nervous system and improving overall health. It is based on the premise that a joint dysfunction can interfere with the normal function of muscles, nerves, joints and tissues and may result in many different conditions of diminished health. Treatments typically include spinal and joint adjustments to correct the joint motion.
Chiropractic Physicians have broad diagnostic skills and may assess patients through clinical examination, laboratory testing, imaging and other interventions to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate. Chiropractors will readily refer patients to the appropriate health care provider when chiropractic care is not suitable for the patient’s condition, or the condition warrants co-management with other members of the health care team.
Chiropractic care is used most often to treat neuromusculoskeletal complaints, but is no longer limited to only neck and back pain. There are a number of conditions that respond favorably to chiropractic care including:
- Sciatica
- Sports injuries
- Extremity pain
- Sprains and strains
- Headaches
- TMJ
- Plantar fascitis
- Arthritis
- Whiplash
- Pinched nerves
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis elbow
- Pregnancy aches and pains
- Tendonitis and bursitis
- Disc problems
- Scoliosis