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5 July, 2009

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Chiropractic

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 person’s general state of health and wellness.

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.

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.

A range of disorders
Scientific studies have shown chiropractic can be helpful to assist with a range of disorders, including:

Asthma
Back injuries
Headaches
Lower back pain
Migraines
Period pain
Problems with posture
Sciatica (shooting pains in the leg)
Slipped disc
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

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.

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.

Nerves under pressure
In chiropractic theory, the spine is the key to a person’s 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.

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.

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.

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:

Using the hands to press or push
Positioning the body to use gravity and the body’s own weight
Using an instrument called an Activator™
Placing wedges placed under the body and using the body’s own weight
Using specialised adjusting tables to assist the adjustments
Using slow and sustained hand pressure or swifter movements.

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:

Whether you have signs of or diagnosed arthritis
Any suspected or recent fractures, bone breaks or trauma
Disorders of the circulation
Whether you are, or have recently been, pregnant
Your body size
Your age – whether you are young, elderly or frail
The medication that you are taking
Previous treatment, including operations.

Where to get help

Registered chiropractor
Chiropractors Registration Board of Victoria Tel. (03) 9639 8652
Chiropractors’ Association of Australia

Things to remember

Chiropractic is an effective treatment for back pain and injury.
The underlying theory is that a properly aligned spine allows the body to maintain its own health.
The adjustments usually feel good.

You might also be interested in:
Acupuncture.
Chinese herbal medicine.
Herbal medicine.
Physiotherapy.
Tai Chi - health benefits.
Tai Chi and arthritis.
Yoga - health benefits.

Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.

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