Health Care

By: Andrew Stratton

While you may have heard of chiropractic treatment, you may not be familiar with the practice itself or the benefits of receiving chiropractic care. Doctors of Chiropractic, D.C.s, are specially trained in this alternative type of therapy which involves spinal manipulations commonly referred to as "adjustments."

This treatment is based on the concept that our bodies have self-healing properties that originate from the spine which controls all of our bodily functions and movements. Adjusting the spine allows the various systems of the body to function properly, alleviating common problems such as back pain and headaches.

An initial consultation with a chiropractor can help you determine if treatment is appropriate based upon your medical history or previous injuries as well as any current medical conditions. During the initial appointment, the D.C. will obtain these details and perform a spinal examination and basic physical exam.

If the results of these exams indicate that treatment would be beneficial, the doctor will then set up a treatment plan consisting of regular spinal manipulation and may also include other treatments such as therapeutic exercise, nutritional or diet counseling, and electrical stimulation.

The core element of chiropractic treatment, spinal adjustment, involves application of sudden pressure or force to various points along the spine. This allows joints that have been affected by improper posture, regular strenuous movement, or injury to be restored to their normal mobility which then allows healing of the tissues and an improved range of motion of the joints.

Side effects of chiropractic care are minimal and typically temporary but may include headache and soreness or discomfort of the treated areas. Most patients seek chiropractic treatment for back pain, especially in the lower back, it is also an acceptable form of treatment for neck pain, headaches, and leg pain associated with sciatica. Patients range in age from infancy to the geriatric years.

Treatment may be needed once a week or several times a week and the frequency will usually lessen as the plan progresses. Depending upon the spine's condition, your individual treatment plan could be as short as a few months or as long as several years.

While D.C.s are required to obtain their degree after 4 years of education and training from a college accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), it is important to inform both the D.C. and your regular physician of any treatments, medications or supplements provided by the other. Before choosing a practitioner, be sure to ask about his or her training and accreditation.

Ongoing research is being conducted to determine the benefits of chiropractic care but the advantages and benefits have long been established. Once considered as something akin to "snake oil treatment", it is now being covered by many insurance companies and HMOs as well as Medicare, some state Medicaid programs, and state workers compensation programs.

Before scheduling treatment, check with your own insurance provider to be sure the services will be covered. As with any form of alternative medicine and therapy, it's important to consider the advantages and expense of treatment to decide if chiropractic care is the right choice for you.

Published At: Isnare Free Articles Directory http://www.isnare.com
* About Andrew Stratton

The benefits of chiropractic care have long been established and it is now being covered by many insurance companies. San Francisco chiropractor will help you alleviate back pain, headaches and more using this natural, alternative mode of therapy. Visit http://www.chirocaresf.com/ to know more.