Thursday, January 6, 2011

What chiropractors can do for you?

Chiropractic is a field involving the diagnosis and treatment of patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors of chiropractic are called as chiropractors. In order to become a chiropractic physician, a license must be obtained for which 2 to 4 years of undergraduate education is necessary. A chiropractic college course of 4 years should also be completed and eligible scores must be obtained in examinations at national and State level. These practitioners also concentrate on the effects of these health problems on the overall health of a person and the nervous system. The spine and its adjustment are part of the chiropractic treatments. These physicians concentrate on the principle that any kind of misalignment in the spinal joints can disrupt the working of the nervous system. The body’s resistance to fight diseases also reduces. The patient’s entire health history is examined by the chiropractic physician.

Treatments prescribed are away from drugs and surgery. They are entirely natural. They keep in mind several factors that affect your health including exercise, diet, rest, stress, environment and heredity. As a treatment, the doctor may ask you to adopt certain lifestyle changes in your daily routine. You may have to change your sleep cycle or your dietary habits. Depending on your history, the physician may also recommend you to consult other health doctors.

The information that the physician obtains about the patient is by following a standard routine. Orthopedic, neurological and physical examinations are carried out to track the patient’s history. The doctor may also conduct laboratory tests. The principle of chiropractic focuses on the spine for which X-rays and diagnostic images are important tools. The physician will also try to analyze the posture of the patient. For this a specialized technique is used. If the health problems of the patient are traced to musculoskeletal system, the spinal column is fixed by the physician on his own. No surgery is performed and neither any kind of device is used.

Certain practitioners may also use additional procedures like therapies using water, light, heat, electric currents, massage and acupuncture. Supports like shoe inserts, tapes, braces or straps may also be applied to help the patient. The physician may also ask you to attend counseling sessions on stress management, nutrition and changes in lifestyle.

Chiropractors over time may also specialize in orthopedics, nutrition, pediatrics, and sports injuries.  They practice at comfortable and clean offices. They are required to remain working for very long hours. Practitioners need to be careful of radiation when they are taking X-rays and thus, they need to take appropriate precautions.

Find more great information at the Portland Chiropractor & Portland Acupuncture Clinic.