What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is an alternative form of therapy that treats many back complaints and other conditions of the body. It involves the hands-on manipulation of the spine and a combination of other alternative therapies to treat the patient’s problem.

Chiropractic governs itself around three main beliefs:

1.The body has a powerful self-healing ability.

2.The body’s spine and its health are directly related to the way the body functions.

3.By manipulating the spine to restore it to its normal condition, it helps the body function correctly and also facilitates the self-healing process.

Restricted movement in the spine – caused by an injury, repetitive stress or sitting for long periods without proper back support – leads to pain and reduced function in the back. The chiropractor’s goal then is to use their hands to apply a force that will relax muscles that have been shortened or are in spasm and help flex joints that have become stiff. By restoring normal spinal movement, back pain is reduced and mobility returned to the back.

A chiropractor may also choose to use other alternative therapies in conjunction with their hands-on treatment. These include:

-heat and ice
-ultrasound
-exercise
-magnetic therapy
-dietary supplements
-counseling about diet, weight loss and other lifestyle factors
-electrical stimulation
-homeopathy
-acupuncture

What are the benefits of Chiropractic?
This is considered a safe, effective treatment – especially for conditions such as acute lower back pain, sudden back injuries caused by strain, neck pain and headaches. Sufferers of osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia are also said to respond well to the moderate pressure used by chiropractors.

Studies regarding chiropractic are inconclusive about its effectiveness but many patients give strong testimony to its ability to cure and provide relief from lower back pain and other back and body ailments.

Are there any risks?
In rare cases, treatment has made conditions to the back such as a slipped disc worse. Neck manipulation also carries with it a small chance of incurring spinal cord injury or causing a stroke. This is why it is extremely important for you to speak to your physician before you visit a chiropractor and to find a practitioner who has the correct certifications. It is also essential that a correct diagnosis of your back problem is made before seeing any alternative practitioner, and that the patient discloses a full medical history including any spinal surgeries that have been preformed.

What else should I know?
-In addition to chiropractors, osteopathic physicians and some physical therapists may use techniques of spinal manipulation. Speak to you physician about any specialists they might recommend.

-It’s a wise idea to find a chiropractor who will agree to work with other members of your health care team to make your treatment a team effort.

- All good chiropractors will offer you an initial consultation to inform you about their type of treatment, the amount of sessions you will need and to make sure you are comfortable with their techniques. It is also important that you are well informed about any risks involved so you can make an informed decision before choosing this type of therapy.

Think about prevention

Thankfully, most sudden back injuries resolve themselves after a few weeks. But in the meantime – before, during and after treatment for any back problems – it is essential you maintain good back health practices to promote good back health and prevent further injuries, pain and problems. Follow these 11 simple tips:

1. Try and maintain a healthy diet and weight.
2. Undertake a good exercise regime to help you stay active – consult your physician about the types of exercise you should avoid.
3. Avoid prolonged inactivity or long periods of bed rest.
4. Avoid activities that involve repetitive twisting or bending.
5. Warm up and stretch before exercising or undertaking other physical activities such as gardening.
6. Wear low-healed shoes that are comfortable.
7. Sleep on a firm mattress that will minimize your spine curving when sleeping.
8. Lift objects by bending your knees first and taking the weight on your legs, not your back. Do not twist when lifting.
9. If you smoke, give up your habit. It impairs blood flow and deprives your spinal tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
10. Always take breaks when having to sit or stand for long periods of time.
11. Make sure your work desk and home office desks are ergonomically correct. Invest in a good ergonomic seat to help you sit up straight, preventing future back problems.

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