Chiropractic is known to have worked wonders for many people, however, others tend to be more sceptical and less convinced that it can serve as an effective treatment. But if you're suffering from aches and pains mainly related to your spine and neck, a chiropractor can help you get rid of the pain, offering much-needed relief.

All about chiropractors

Centred on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders that may cause a series of musculoskeletal or nerve pain, chiropractors help their patients to relieve their pain and symptoms, yet without having to resort to invasive techniques. In contrast, they use manual adjustments and manipulations of the spine, gradually moving joints into varied positions and pulling or stretching muscles.

Although considered a health care professional, chiropractors are not medical doctors and as such, they do not hold medical degrees. In effect, chiropractic is generally considered a form of alternative or complementary medicine that may or may not be used along with standard medical treatment. You may find a handful of chiropractors across Malta and Gozo who either work independently from their own premises or from private clinics that focus exclusively on chiropractic or that also offer other medical services. With over 100 different chiropractic methods, some may be specialised in one or several areas. Locally, the Malta Chiropractic Association is the first association of its kind on the island, ensuring that its members maintain high standards of practice and abide with the objectives to raise public awareness and understanding. Irrespective of the problem you're suffering from and the method you'd like to try, ensure that the chiropractor you have selected is experienced and fully licensed.

What are the benefits of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic is generally associated with problems of the spine and with decreasing back and neck pain, however, it can be beneficial for a series of other issues. Unlike conventional medicine that focuses on patients' obvious symptoms, chiropractors use a more holistic approach, focusing on the whole body rather than on a specific area. It can improve any problems related to slipped or herniated discs, complications associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, whereas it can ameliorate the overall range of a patient's motions. In addition, it can reduce headaches and anxiety, it can help with insomnia, while it can improve the immune system. Certain studies even support the use of chiropractic treatments for digestive problems, while on occasions, pregnant women are also seen by chiropractors near delivery time for relieving any pregnancy-related pains. But perhaps most importantly, it can detect underlying issues that could be causing pain.

Consultation and diagnosis

If you've never visited a chiropractor, you might be wondering what a consultation might entail, however, just like a typical meeting with your doctor, the chiropractor will want to acquire as much information about you as possible. The professional will ask you a series of questions to find out the problem areas, the duration and frequency of the symptoms and things like what makes the pain feel worse. Your family history, dietary habits and past history of treatments will also be discussed so make sure that you take all your test results, x-rays or various notes that you might have from consultations with other doctors.

Next, the chiropractor will perform a physical examination. This is usually done via numerous methods that help determine the areas that will require chiropractic treatments. However, if needed, the professional may need to take x-rays or a CT scan to locate what are called subluxations (the altered position of the vertebra) and to get a more accurate diagnosis. Another way of testing subluxation is through heat detection tools, namely the nervo-scope. This measures the temperature of the skin in what is known as the paraspinal region and detects any temperature variations that could indicate that chiropractic manipulation may be required.

Treatment

Unlike typical medical remedies that may include anti-inflammatory medications and other treatments, chiropractic generally involves manual chiropractic adjustments. One of the main forms of chiropractic treatment involves spinal manipulation, otherwise known as adjustments or spinal manipulation therapy (SMT). Yet, manipulation of other joints and soft tissues is also carried out. Yet, not all chiropractic treatments involve the cracking of bones. For instance, applying heat and ice in the affected area is also common. Chiropractic adjustment tools together with other equipment also used during physical therapy such as ultrasound therapy machines and electrotherapy. Other common tools include a handheld device known as the activator, which just as SMT, it can also align your spine.

Training to become a chiropractor

Interested in becoming a chiropractor? Currently, a chiropractic degree cannot be obtained locally but can be acquired from a number of accredited colleges and universities across the world. The curriculum focuses on topics such as basic medical sciences, biochemistry and therapeutic techniques amongst other things, whilst it covers both classes and laboratory attendance, as well as clinical experience.

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