The Chiropractor and Chiropractic
Ever wondered what a chiropractor does and what chiropractic is? Look no further.
By Dr Mike Back (Chiropractor)
The Chiropractor and Chiropractic
Chiropractic is a legislated health profession that requires any practising chiropractor to be registered with the relevant state authority. Most healthcare insurance accept chiropractic treatment in their offers of cover. There are in addition numerous chiropractic professional associations.
The word Chiropractic is derived from the two Greek words and essentially means ‘to do by hand’. It was a name that was associated to the profession over 100 years ago. The name however does not reflect the 1000’s of previous year’s rich history of manual therapy that pre-date its naming.
Chiropractic is essentially a modern day professionally institutionalised variant of a natural therapy that has been practiced for thousands of years.
Chiropractors can Diagnosis, Evaluate and effectively Treat
Part of Chiropractic focus is on treating the spine, muscles, ligaments and joints by using their hands to examine and treat health conditions related to the bones, muscles and joints (musculoskeletal problems).
Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and diagnose conditions. Importantly they are trained to recognise conditions that fall outside their scope of practice and require referral to other professions.
Chiropractors can and do recommend exercises to treat and rehabilitate health conditions related to the bones, muscles and joints, they are also trained to provide nutritional, dietary and lifestyle advice.
They use a range of methods to diagnose problems, which can include clinical examination using accepted Orthopaedic, Neurological and Biomechanical methods and when relevant diagnostic imaging such as x-rays or MRIs. These and other diagnostic methods are used to determine when and if chiropractic treatment is appropriate.
“Do your best but do less not more. If you do too much you risk strain or injury and then cant do any more later. Relax. Breath” Dr Mike Back (Chiropractor)
Medical Support – GP’s and allied treatment
If chiropractic care is not appropriate, or requires an allied health care professionals approach, your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate health care provider.
For many medical conditions, chiropractic services can complement and support medical treatment through the relief of associated musculoskeletal symptoms. In many cases, such as neck pain and back pain, chiropractic care may be a person’s primary method of treatment.
You do not need a referral to see a chiropractor unless you are registered with Veterans’ Affairs or the Medicare Chronic Disease Management program.
Chiropractors are much like GP’s in a position of ‘primary health practitioner’ ie. no referral is required for a patient to see a Chiropractor. Historically this may have contributed to subtle discourse between GP’s and Chiropractors. Today, good communication, evidence based practice and modern theory result in understanding, cooperation and better patient care.
When to consider chiropractic care
Painful muscle, joint, neck and back problems can be caused by many reasons or even by a accumulation of factors. Examples might include household chores, work, accidents, sports injuries, even the stress of daily living.
Recent research has shown that regular Chiropractic treatment is effective in reducing the amount of days that patient experience pain. It can help maintain health biomechanical and body function, even if you do not have painful symptoms. Chiropractic treatment may help if you are experiencing pain and discomfort through your day. It can help maintain health biomechanical and body function, even if you do not have painful symptoms.
Commonly people seek help from chiropractors for:
- back pain
- neck pain
- headache
- whiplash
- arthritis
- overuse injuries
- strains and sprains from daily activities
- work and sports-related injuries
- restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs
- health care awareness and guidance