Dr David Black explains a common question asked of us in the clinic most days. Listen to the following audio file and you may better understand how this unique health profession obtains results to improve patients’ health.
Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment typically involves manual therapy, often including spinal manipulation. Other forms of treatment, such as exercise and nutritional counseling, may be used as well. In Australia, chiropractic is a regulated healthcare profession.
To practice as a chiropractor, individuals must be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia (CBA). This ensures that practitioners meet specific educational and professional standards to provide safe and effective care. Chiropractic Board of Australia, NCCIH.
How Chiropractic Works:
- Spinal Manipulation: Chiropractors perform adjustments (manipulations) to the spine or other parts of the body. The goal is to correct alignment problems, ease pain, and support the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
- Pain Relief Mechanisms: Spinal manipulation inhibits back and neck pain partly through spinal segmental mechanisms and potentially through peripheral mechanisms regulating inflammatory responses.
- Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care often includes additional treatments such as exercise and nutritional counseling to support overall health.
- Common Conditions Treated: Chiropractic adjustments are commonly sought for conditions like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint issues. By addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, chiropractors aim to alleviate discomfort and improve movement.
- Natural Healing: Chiropractors emphasize the body’s ability to heal itself when the nervous system and musculoskeletal system are in harmony. The care provided is non-invasive and drug-free.
What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit:
- Assessment: Chiropractors perform a thorough assessment, including a detailed medical history and physical examination, to understand the patient’s condition.
- Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, chiropractors develop a personalized treatment plan that may include spinal adjustments and other therapies to address the identified issues.
Chiropractic care is a collaborative process, with the chiropractor working closely with the patient to achieve the best outcomes.
