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WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
What truly
differentiates doctors of chiropractic from
any other healthcare professionals is the
fact that chiropractors are the only
professionals who are trained to diagnose
and treat what are called spinal
subluxations. The word “subluxation” comes
from the Latin words meaning “somewhat or
slight" (sub) and “to dislocate” (luxate).
So the term ‘vertebral subluxation’
literally means a slight dislocation or
misalignment of the bones in the spine. When
a subluxation occurs, a chiropractor can
correct the misaligned bone and allow it to
return to its proper position. This
procedure is appropriately called an
adjustment, and the adjustment enables the
body to heal. The chiropractic adjustment is
a quick thrust applied to a vertebra for the
purpose of correcting its position, movement
or both. Adjustments are often accompanied
by an audible release of gas that sounds
like a “crack.” The sound sometimes shocks
people a little bit the first couple times
they get adjusted, but the sensation is
usually relieving. Occasionally, minor
discomfort is experienced, especially if the
surrounding muscles are in spasm or the
patient tenses up during the chiropractic
procedure. There are times when the audible
“cracking” does not occur. This is often due
to either significant muscle tightness or
that the patient may be having a hard time
relaxing during their adjustments. However,
the chiropractic adjustment is still
important. The leak is fixed. The wiring is
fixed. Information is flowing again. To keep
the wiring fixed and the information
flowing, several adjustments over a course
of time may be necessary, in addition to
massage, physical therapy, stretching
exercises, or strengthening exercises. In
the chiropractic world, keeping the problem
fixed and preventing its reoccurrence is
just as important as the initial remedy. |
