With nearly 16% of Australians suffering from back pain, it’s no surprise that many people seek help from a chiropractor. But what does a chiropractor do? And how can they help relieve your pain?
Chiropractors are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, focusing on the spine. They use various techniques to manipulate the joints and soft tissues to relieve pain, increase the range of motion, and improve function.
If you’re also suffering from chronic pain, consider seeking the help of a qualified chiropractor. Chiropractic care is safe and effective and helps alleviate discomfort.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who focus on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractic care is based on the belief that good health depends on a properly functioning musculoskeletal system.
This system includes the bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Chiropractic treatment aims to correct or improve alignment problems with the spine and other joints to alleviate pain and improve function.
What Does a Chiropractor Do: What Conditions Can a Chiropractor Treat?
Some common conditions that chiropractors treat include neck pain, headaches, back pain, joint pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and whiplash. Chiropractors often diagnose these conditions by using X-rays, MRIs, and manual exams.
Once a diagnosis is made, the chiropractor develops a treatment plan that may involve various adjustment techniques combined with stretching exercises and lifestyle counselling.
Common Chiropractic Treatments
It may be worth considering chiropractic treatment if you are suffering from chronic neck or back pain or other musculoskeletal conditions. If you are wondering what does a chiropractor do to treat patients, here are some common treatment methods used by a chiropractor:
Spinal Mobilisation
Spinal mobilisation is a type of manual chiropractic care that uses low-velocity, low-amplitude force on the spine to treat conditions such as neck and back pain, joint stiffness, and muscle spasms.
To perform spinal mobilisation, chiropractors use their hands to apply pressure to the spine. They may also use instruments to help with the mobilisation. The treatment is usually done over a series of visits and may require several weeks to see results.
Spinal Manipulation
The goal of spinal manipulation is to restore normal movement and alignment of the bones in the spine. Chiropractors use their hands to apply controlled high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to the spine beyond its typical range of motion.
This force is applied with a quick thrust that often produces audible cracking sounds, indicating the release of built-up gases from the joints. Spinal manipulation is usually combined with other forms of treatment, such as massage, ice or heat therapy, and exercises.
Spinal Traction
Spinal traction is a decompression chiropractic care procedure used to treat back pain caused by bulging or herniated discs or degenerative disc disease. The goal of traction is to stretch the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal discs. The chiropractor asks the patient to lie on a table with their feet secured in stirrups to perform traction.
The chiropractor then uses a pulley system to gradually pull the patient’s legs away from their body, gently stretching the spine. Traction can be performed with the patient lying face-down or face-up, depending on the specific condition being treated.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a pain relief chiropractic care method that uses low-voltage electrical current. The electrical current is delivered through electrodes placed on the skin. The current works to disrupt pain signals from reaching the brain.
TENS may be used to treat pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and menstrual cramps. Treatment is generally well tolerated and has very few side effects. Some people may experience skin irritation from the electrodes or headaches after treatment.
Thompson Drop-Table Technique
The Thompson Drop-Table Technique is a chiropractic treatment used to align the spine and relieve muscle and ligament tension. The technique involves using a drop table consisting of a padded table with a trap door in the centre.
The patient lies on the table, and the chiropractor uses their hands to apply pressure to the affected area. The trap door is then opened, and the table drops a short distance. This causes a sudden release of tension in the muscles and ligaments, allowing the spine to realign itself.
Soft Tissue Manipulation
Soft Tissue Manipulation (STM) is a type of manual chiropractic care therapy that uses slow, deep strokes to release muscle tension and break up scar tissue. The treatment is often used to treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis.
During an STM session, the chiropractor uses their hands to apply pressure to the affected area. They will then move the muscles and tissues in a specific direction to stretch and loosen them. The treatment is usually gentle and does not require instruments. STM can be used as a standalone treatment or as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Chiropractors are also trained to provide various other holistic healing services, including massage, nutritional counselling, and stretching exercises. These services augment the adjustment techniques used by chiropractors and provide patients with a complete approach to wellness.
Get Holistic Chiropractic Care at CEN Chiropractic
At CEN Chiropractic, we believe in providing holistic care to support your overall health and well-being. We understand that the nervous system is the centre of everything in the body, and our goal is to restore optimal function. Our chiropractors are highly skilled and experienced in providing gentle, effective care.
We also offer numerous additional services, such as dry needling and nutritional counselling to address pain and its causes. If you are looking for comprehensive care to help you achieve your health goals, visit CEN Chiropractic.
References
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537188/#:~:text=Transcutaneous%20electrical%20nerve%20stimulation%2C%20known,even%20fit%20into%20a%20pocket.
Clay Thompson Technique Foundation
https://thompsontechnique.org/
What are back problems?
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems/contents/what-are-back-problems