Treatment
Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician and father of modern medicine, recognized that “many diseases originate in the spine.” This is precisely where American chiropractic comes in. At the end of the 19th century, American Daniel David Palmer discovered that misalignments of the vertebrae can lead to tension and functional disorders in the central nervous system. His findings form the basis for the modern form of chiropractic.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a manual therapy that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of functional disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Chiropractors use specific techniques to correct misalignments (known as subluxations) and restore normal function to the nervous system. The goal of chiropractic is to support the body’s ability to heal itself by maintaining optimal spinal alignment. The spine plays such a central role because it houses our spinal cord and thus a significant part of our central nervous system.
What is chiropractic good for?
Chiropractic care is primarily used to relieve pain and improve physical function. Here are some common complaints and conditions that chiropractic care can help with:
- Support for the nervous system
Since the nervous system plays a central role in controlling all bodily functions, optimal spinal alignment can improve nerve function, which has a positive effect on overall health. - Back pain
Back pain is one of the most common complaints that leads people to seek chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the spine, reduce muscle tension, and improve mobility. - Neck pain
Neck pain, often caused by poor posture or injury, can be relieved by chiropractic treatment. Targeted adjustments can improve neck mobility and reduce pain. - Headaches and migraines
Many types of headaches, especially tension headaches and migraines, can be caused by tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. Chiropractic treatments aim to release this tension and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. - Joint pain
Not only the spine, but also other joints in the body can be treated with chiropractic techniques. This can help relieve pain in the shoulders, knees, wrists, and other areas. - Improved posture
Poor posture can lead to a variety of health problems. Chiropractic can help realign the spine and promote healthy posture. - Long-term prevention
It makes perfect sense not to wait until our bodies signal that something is wrong in the form of pain and/or restricted movement before taking action. It is also extremely beneficial for our bodies to receive regular chiropractic adjustments at individually determined intervals. With a certain degree of regularity, we can support the nervous system and, at the same time, help the body to perform its daily tasks in the long term. - Performance optimization
In addition to improving bodily function, reducing pain, and providing long-term prevention, chiropractic adjustments offer the possibility of performance optimization. This is evident in the fact that more and more professional athletes, as well as people who work and act in positions of responsibility on a daily basis, are able to increase or maintain their physical and mental performance through regular adjustments and improved nerve function.
Why chiropractic?
Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive alternative to medication and surgery. It aims to activate the body’s self-healing powers and promote long-term health. Many patients report an improved quality of life and less pain after chiropractic treatment.
Is chiropractic painful?
No, the gentle adjustment techniques are generally considered pleasant. This is especially true when, as is often the case, there is a spontaneous improvement in symptoms. However, a certain level of trust in the chiropractor is required. Following the first treatment, you may experience some muscle soreness as the surrounding muscles adjust to the improved posture. This process is referred to as positive initial worsening.
Is chiropractic dangerous?
As with any form of therapy, risks and undesirable side effects cannot be completely ruled out in chiropractic treatment. You should therefore always ask any questions you may have about this important topic in a personal consultation. Chiropractic treatment is not dangerous if it is carried out in accordance with modern American chiropractic guidelines, which are subject to constant further development.
How often should adjustments be made?
The more acute the situation, the more frequently adjustments should be made. In individual cases, this may be necessary on a daily basis! For chronic conditions, an adjustment interval of 1-2 times per week is recommended. Once the spine has become increasingly stable, the adjustment intervals can be extended to 4 weeks, but no longer than 3 months, to maintain good health.
Pregnancy and Chiropractic
Chiropractic care for expectant mothers is particularly beneficial during this time due to the changes in posture and increased strain on the spine. Yes, it is very beneficial with the gentle techniques used in modern American chiropractic.
Chiropractic in competitive sports—does it make sense?
In competitive sports, the body is pushed to its ultimate limits. Extreme training, one-sided strain depending on the sport, and the requirement to deliver peak performance at a specific moment in time all require a completely healthy body. This includes, in particular, free mobility of the spine. It is no coincidence that many world-class athletes have “their” chiropractor with them at all times during the competition phase.
