A chiropractor is a professional who uses natural methods to manage the pain or other symptoms in your body. Chiropractors do not utilize drugs or any type of surgical procedure in the management of illnesses. They basic philosophy is that the human body can repair itself with a little bit of physical help. The main part of the body that is managed by chiropractors is the spine- as it is believed that the spine is the nerve center of the body. A chiropractor uses his hands gently to manipulate the joints, muscles and spine to fix the disorder. Chiropractic techniques have utilized a combination of acupuncture, homeopathy and massage to treat various disorders. Chiropractic therapy has been practiced in America for more than 3 decades and the numbers of Americans using this modality of therapy is escalating.

Chiropractors are highly skilled in art of spinal adjustment. An adjustment involves applying a specific force in a precise direction to a joint that is causing problem. The aim of the adjustment is to help restore a more normal anatomic position or alignment and relieve pain. With this basic manipulative technique, chiropractors can treat most joint problems in the body. The treatments are generally painless and in many cases are relaxing.

Chiropractic treatment involves adjustments/manipulation of joints, with the aim of decreasing pain, improving function and improves the well being of the patient. During the joint manipulation, cracking or popping sound may be heard. These are normal sounds when the joint sets in. There is no need for anesthesia and the majority of joint adjustments are done with finger manipulation. The adjustments are done with fine dexterity with minimal force.

Chiropractic medicine has been practiced safely for 2 decades. Like any aspect of medicine, the art of chiropractic is safe but rarely the individuals performing it may lack experience. However, one should be aware that the greatest risk of chiropractic is during neck manipulation. The art of chiropractic does not use any drugs, anesthesia or injections. The type of treatment is individualized and based on the age, type of disorder and the degree of adjustment required.

Chiropractors treat most disorders of the musculoskeletal and joint system. This includes lower back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, slipped discs, plantar fasciitis, jaw problems, muscle strains and sciatica. Chiropractors combine various modalities of treatment including stress relief, massage, acupuncture, vertebral adjustments and optimize the function of the body. Chiropractors also specialize in preventive medicine, nutrition, help in the prevention of disease and ways to improve the quality of life.

During pregnancy, there are numerous physiological changes on the entire musculoskeletal system. With the addition of more water and added weight, most of the joint systems in the body are stressed to a maximum. Chiropractors have special techniques to help the mother during all stages of the pregnancy. All manipulations done during pregnancy are designed to relieve the aches, joint pains and lead to an uneventful pregnancy without complications.

During the first visit, the chiropractor will want obtain your health history as well as the major complaint. All aspects of your home, health, family and work will be assessed to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Although chiropractors manage most disorders using their hands, they also combine other techniques such as heat, light, ultrasound, electrotherapy, exercise programs, muscle-testing and massage therapy. The chiropractor will also provide you with information on how to maintain proper nutrition, exercise and adopt lifestyle changes for a healthy life.

The majority of manipulations are painless and one gets a sense of relaxation. However, in some cases the condition itself may be painful (like whiplash) and there may be some discomfort during the manipulations. Chiropractors do not use any type of pain medications.

Some individuals with chronic problems require long term therapy. However, others may require short term therapy. Generally chiropractic therapy requires at least a couple of treatments because rapid fixes are rare with the therapy they offer.

Depending on the condition one has, chiropractic is covered by most insurance and management plans. All the filing claims are done by the office. Co-payments of deductible from the insurance plans will be paid by the individual. For those who have no medical insurance plans, arrangements can be made affordable monthly payment plans.