What happens when you consult a Chiropractor?

1. Physical Examination and Diagnosis

When you consult a chiropractor, the doctor first records a full history of your illness. He then carries out a physical examination and a full spinal examination wherein he carefully examines the interrelated functions of the body through

• joint mobility and muscle strength
• integrity of the nervous system
• general alignment of the spine and its related structures.

If necessary, your chiropractor will use radiological examinations such as x-ray and MRI scans, and other laboratory procedures to assist diagnosis and to rule out other underlying pathological conditions. If your chiropractor identifies a condition for which other treatment is indicated, he will refer you to the appropriate healthcare practitioner.

2. Chiropractic Treatment

Your chiropractor's main goal in chiropractic treatment is to facilitate the neurological and biomechanical integrity of your neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractic treatment consists of a wide variety of manipulative techniques that include

• Chiropractic adjustment, the most important chiropractic method of treatment, is a specific, high-velocity, shallow thrust performed manually on the joints of the spine and extremities to correct joint dysfunctions (functional subluxation)
• Other joint manipulation techniques such as long-lever, nonspecific manipulation, active or functional manipulation, and techniques employing mechanical aids
• Joint mobilization techniques
• Soft tissue techniques.

Your chiropractor may also employ adjunct treatment measures that include physiological methods such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, acupuncture, and the use of back supports and orthotics.

3. Chiropractic Management

Your chiropractor's plan in the management of your condition emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of your body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery. In order to support the treatment he offers and to help prevent the recurrence of your condition, your chiropractor may devise a specific exercise programme and provide patient counseling on ergonomics and posture, nutrition, use of health supplements, and other lifestyle modifications.

　

Is Chiropractic safe?

Manipulation when carried out by a properly qualified practitioner is considered to be very safe, as most reactions to chiropractic treatment are physiological in nature and the complication rate of manipulation is low.

The most common reactions following chiropractic treatment, which affect 50% of patients, include discomfort in the area treated, headaches, fatigue, and pain radiating from the area treated. These reactions are those to be expected and are mainly physiological in nature (Barrett AJ et al. 2000, Senstad O et al. 1997, Leboeuf-Yde et al. 1997).

The most serious complications of chiropractic treatment that have been reported are cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) after manipulation of the neck, and cauda equina syndrome (CES) after manipulation of the lumbar spine. Following manipulation, CVA is estimated to occur in 5 to 10 per 10 million manipulations with half having a fatal outcome, while CES is estimated to occur in 1 per 100 million manipulations (Hurwitz EL et al. 1996, Shekelle P 1994). Compared to other treatment used for similar conditions, these rates are 200 times lower than the death rates reported for gastrointestinal bleeding due to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and as much as 800 times lower than the overall mortality rate for surgery on the lumbar spine (Gabriel SE et al. 1991, Dabbs V et al. 1995, Deyo RA et al. 1992, Malter AD et al. 1998).