In the article, we will talk about who such a manual therapist is. Specialists of this profile are quite common, but not everyone correctly understands the essence of their activities, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. We will deal with which abnormalities it is worth contacting with this particular doctor, and also what features of his work should be taken into account.
Chiropractic
So, first we’ll deal with the definition itself. The fact is that such therapy did not arise on its own, but on the basis of two previously existing practices. It is about osteopathy and chiropractic. These are alternative directions, which nevertheless differ in a certain efficiency. "Chiropractic" literally translates as "manual exposure." This is a Greek word that began to be used at the beginning of 1890 in England. Specialists were involved in helping people who felt tired, complained of muscle cramps, poor blood circulation, and biomechanical failures.
Note that there is one negative point. At that time, chiropractors were unprofessional, and therefore they used rather crude methods of work. Considering that the cause of all the unpleasant sensations in the body are dislocations, they often forgot about a simple diagnosis. Because of this, very often the treatment ended in bad consequences, especially when it came to the spine. After some time, other techniques appeared that operated with milder methods. But chiropractic quickly spread to Europe and Russia. However, in our country, it is better known as bone grafting.
Osteopathy
In order to answer the question of what a chiropractor treats in adults, it is necessary to be well-versed in this concept. So here. As we said, osteopathy is one of the components of manual therapy. Literally translated means bone defects. The founder is considered a famous surgeon from America, Steel. The doctrine is based on philosophical thoughts that are focused not only on the physical, but also on the mental health of a person. Note that, compared to chiropractic, osteopathy is more careful and accurate. It is aimed at eradicating the disease, and not weaken or get rid of the symptoms. Methods are very widespread in Russia.
Chiropractor : what heals?
So how can this specialist help? With the help of manual exposure, he can anesthetize. Note that any pain medication, on the basis of whatever they are produced, is very harmful to our health. That is why they can not be consumed for a long time. Therefore, manual therapists are very popular, because by acting on the body they can relieve pain.
Also, the doctor can help avoid the intervention of the surgeon. Many diseases cannot be cured without surgery, but if you visit a chiropractor periodically, you can stop the development of the disease already in the first or second stage. For example, this can cure arthrosis. This will avoid endoprosthetics and a long painful rehabilitation, which awaits a person who agrees to a traditional treatment.
A chiropractor is also able to solve many problems associated with disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Sometimes spinal traction can help avoid surgery. Also, experts help to carry out muscle displacements, relieve various spasms and clamps, which, in turn, retains spinal mobility at any age. Note that displacement and cramping can occur for various reasons. For example, large loads and sudden movements that lead to the displacement of the ribs, increased chest tension due to work in the wrong position, etc.
Also, the doctor is able to correct the curvature of human limbs, which can occur due to displacement of the pelvic bones after childbirth, flat feet, deformation of the cervical spine.
We figured out what diseases a chiropractor treats, but it must be added that he is able to deal with defects of a congenital nature. So, he can correct a torticollis in a child, congenital dislocation of the hips, osteochondrosis of newborns. In addition, during and after bearing the baby, it eliminates pain in the back, prevents the appearance of a hernia and a crooked spine, normalizes the uterine tone, prepares the pelvic bones for the maternity process, and correctly displaces the pelvic bones after the baby is born.
Specific diseases
We figured out what a chiropractor is like, which treats children and adults. Now we give a list of specific ailments and anomalies with which he can cope:
- Arthrosis.
- Dislocations.
- Muscle strain.
- Muscle pains.
- Anomalies in the thoracic and intercostal spine.
- Hernia.
- Post-traumatic and age-related defects.
Note that the chiropractor is also able to deal with visceral pathologies. These are diseases that arise due to improper arrangement of organs. Therapists also deal with defects due to circulatory failures that cause severe headache, dizziness, disrupt veins, etc. Another manual therapist is able to solve problems associated with impaired movement of cerebrospinal fluid and lymph.
Contraindications
Despite all its advantages, there are some contraindications in which the intervention of a chiropractor is prohibited:
- Anomalies in the development of bones.
- Problems with the spine in 3-4 degrees.
- Radiculitis.
- Tuberculosis and osteomyelitis.
- All types of oncology.
- Chronic purulent infectious processes.
However, it is worth consulting a doctor before contacting a chiropractor. If you are confident in the professionalism of a person, then he himself will tell about all contraindications and send for an additional examination.
How does a chiropractor treat cervical osteochondrosis?
We will discuss how the doctor affects the body of a sick person. Receptions:
- Sprain The specialist makes certain efforts in order to stretch the muscles that are shortened or are in a spasm.
- Mobilization. The impact is on the joints and bones, which were immobilized for some time. They are gradually mobilized and extended.
- Manipulation They consist in the fact that the influence occurs in one sharp movement, which can cause little pain.
- Sprain This allows you to get rid of muscle clamps.
- Acupuncture. Thin needles are inserted into the patient’s body, which allow treating visceral ailments. A chiropractor treats osteochondrosis in a similar way very often.
- Acupressure These are actions with hands that involve important points of the human body. Another name is acupressure.
Number of sessions
The specialist can determine the exact number of sessions only after a thorough examination. But we can give approximate data. Dislocations are eliminated in one visit. Treatment of arthrosis takes about 3-4 sessions, which are carried out up to 4 times a year. Hernias, cramps and chronic pain require at least 10 sessions, but in severe cases, up to 20 visits may be required.
What is important to remember?
Before you go to the office of the chiropractor, it is advisable to take a full course of hardware research. It includes ultrasound, MRI, X-ray, ECG and neuromyography. It is also advisable to take a blood and urine test. Before entrusting your health to a chiropractor, be sure to check with him for the availability of special documents and certificates that confirm the medical qualifications. This person should be familiar with anatomy and medicine. You should never be treated by dubious professionals who do not want to show documents or hide information about themselves. You can not only not achieve the desired result, but also exacerbate your problems, as well as acquire new ones.
Indications
We figured out how a chiropractor acts on our body. What he heals, as well as what additional problems he can solve, we discussed. But let's pay attention to the symptoms in which you can turn to this specialist, and he is guaranteed to help you, and not redirect to another doctor. Symptom list:
- Discomfort in the back.
- Aching in the chest.
- Inability to actively work with limbs.
- Violation of posture.
- Severe protracted rehabilitation and post-traumatic stress.
- Severe pain after various operations related to the joints.
- Migraine.
- Neuralgia.
Doctor's recommendations
Here are some tips that chiropractors give to their patients, no matter what problem they come with:
- Give the body moderate exercise.
- Eat fully and on time.
- Try to move more, but if you, in view of your professional activities, lead a sedentary lifestyle, then learn how to properly equip a place for work.
- Sleep up to 8 hours a day.
- Choose a mattress of moderate hardness.
Remember that if you turn to this specialist in time, then he can not only alleviate the symptoms, but also stop the onset of the disease. However, be very careful and choose real professionals to whom you are really ready to entrust your health.