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GeneralWhat is Chiropractic Care and How Can it Help You?

In this article I discuss what chiropractic care is and how it may benefit you. As a Doctor of Chiropractic myself, I have over a decade’s worth of experience in caring for local families.

I have a passion for natural healthcare, particularly helping my clients achieve better nervous system health and spinal function. I care for the whole family. This includes pregnant women, newborns, pregnancy, mums, dads, grandparents & athletes.

The most common conditions chiropractors help with are musculoskeletal aches and pains, including lower back pain, headaches, and neck pain.

Read on to learn more about chiropractic care and how we help with these three most common complaints!

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractors use manual manipulation techniques, such as spinal adjustments and other therapies, to improve the function of the joints and reduce pain and discomfort.

Chiropractic care is based on the idea that misalignments (some call them subluxations) in the spine can interfere with the body’s nervous system and overall health. Chiropractors believe that by addressing these issues, the body’s natural healing abilities can be restored, leading to improved health and well-being.

Chiropractic care is often used to treat conditions such as:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headaches
  • Sciatica
  • Pregnancy back pain
  • Postural issues
  • Other musculoskeletal problems.

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe and effective when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks and potential side effects, and it is important to discuss these with your chiropractor first.

What does a chiropractor do for back pain?

Chiropractors may use a variety of techniques to help alleviate back pain. One of the primary techniques used in chiropractic care is spinal manipulation, or a chiropractic adjustment. This involves using controlled force to adjust and realign the vertebrae of the spine. This can help to improve spinal function, reduce nerve irritation, and alleviate pain.

During an adjustment, the chiropractor may use their hands or a specialised instrument to apply a quick, precise force to a joint in the spine. This may result in a popping or cracking sound, which is caused by the release of gas bubbles in the joint.

Chiropractors may also use other techniques to help relieve back pain, such as:

  • Soft tissue therapy: This involves massage, stretching, and other techniques to relax tight muscles and improve circulation.
  • Heat or ice therapy: This can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
  • Exercise and rehabilitation: Chiropractors may recommend specific exercises or stretches to help improve posture, strengthen the muscles of the back, and prevent future injuries.
  • Lifestyle advice: Chiropractors may provide advice on posture, ergonomics, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors that can affect back health.

Back pain is the most common complaint that we see, and it is what chiropractors are most known for.

What does a chiropractor do for neck pain?

Chiropractors may use a variety of techniques to help alleviate neck pain. One of the primary techniques used in chiropractic care is a chiropractic adjustment. This can help to improve spinal function, reduce nerve irritation, and alleviate pain.

During an adjustment, chiropractors apply a quick, precise force to a problematic joint in the neck. This may result in a popping or cracking sound. An adjustment to the neck aims to:

  • Increase joint range of motion, allowing you to turn your head within an optimal range
  • Reduce muscular tension
  • Improve nerve function
  • Reduce feelings of pain.

Another technique used by chiropractors is traction. Specifically, for neck pain, we use neck traction, which is a therapy used to stretch and relax the muscles of the neck and spine. It is typically performed using a device that pulls the head away from the neck and spine, applying a gentle stretching force to the cervical spine.

Please don’t try traction at home yourself. Rather, consult with a chiropractor first and have them perform traction, if clinically indicated.

What about chiropractic care for headache pain?

Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for some types of headaches. Headaches can have many different causes, including tension, migraine, sinus issues, and other medical conditions.

Chiropractors will typically perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of your headaches, and to determine if chiropractic care may help.

Studies (as published in the J. Manipulative Physiol Ther) show evidence to suggest that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, improves migraine and cervicogenic headaches.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of chiropractic care for different types of headaches.

Conclusion – we have your back!

It is important to note that chiropractic care is not appropriate for all types of aches and pain. Chiropractors will typically perform a thorough evaluation to determine if chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.

Hopefully this guide gives you a good overview of chiropractic care and the most common conditions we help with!

Author: Dr. Kerry Falzon (Chiropractor)

Dr Kerry Falzon (Chiropractor) is a highly experienced health professional who enjoys serving all age groups in her community. With a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science (B.Chiro.Sc) and a Master of Chiropractic (M.Chiro), Dr. Kerry is a trusted, professional and fully qualified Doctor of Chiropractic.

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Dr. Kerry Falzon (Chiropractor)

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