What does a chiropractor do?
78Are you trying to crack my back? How is my brain involved?
What does a chiropractor do?
This question is often asked and I think most people’s perception is that we just “crack backs”.
Chiropractors are probably best known for their ability to relieve back pain, so it makes sense that it is what we are best known for. As to the “crack” often associated with chiropractic this is just one type of many differing techniques used by a chiropractor.
What is a chiropractor trying to achieve?
For many, chiropractic is about restoring function and stability of the spine. By releasing tension in the spine, muscles can be relaxed thereby relieving the pain associated with the anomaly.
However, what is it that runs through the spine? Your spinal cord, this is your nervous system. It is your nervous system that controls every cell of your body.
The brain sits at the top of your nervous system runs down your spinal cord, branches off in pairs at each vertebral level to control every muscle, organ and cell of your body.
The chiropractor does more than move muscles or straighten your posture and spine. A chiropractor is affecting your nervous system allowing your brain to talk to every part of your body.
So why the crack?
The crack is achieved in a certain type of chiropractic technique it is thought to occur when pressure is released between two vertebrae. A little bit like when you take the lid off the jam jar for the first time, the release of pressure. The aim here is to get the vertebrae to move in the correct motion thereby having an affect on the underlying tissues and nervous system.
My chiropractor doesn’t do a crack?
There are other techniques in chiropractic that do not use a “crack” when they are adjusting their patient. These are generally called “tonal” techniques. A gentle force – usually the pressure you would use to check a ripe tomato – is used to direct the tissues and vertebrae into correction.
In some techniques a pressure or flick is used to achieve the same result. Some chiropractors will use an instrument instead of their hands.
By helping the spine to function properly, this allows the nerve interference at that level to dissipate so that the message from the brain can get to that part of the body.
So what does a chiropractor do?
A chiropractor is trying to restore function and stability not only to your spine, but also to your underlying nervous system. Trying to get your brain to “talk” to every part of your body, to help you reach your full potential.
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You made some good health points there. I did a search on the topic and found most health conscious people agree with what you said.
This is a really good guide, I would also agree that Chiropractic is really helpful when it comes to that matter..
Originally, I was no fan of chiropractic, however after suffering a back injury that left me with chronic pain for years, I felt I had no other choice. The doctor that helped me was great. No pain, no fear. After 6 months, I felt great. It made a believer out of me.
Good article Backchat. Described in a language which both patients and health practicioners can relate to. Well done.
Nice blog, totally get what you mean.
Thanks...
Great Hub backchat! I used to practice over in the UK until last year. We were there for 8 years. Now back home in Canada.
Just visited a Chiropractor 3 weeks ago. Fixed my lower back. It very effective.
I just visited a Chiropractor for my stiffed lower back and neck. He massaged my neck and did some adjustment for my lower back. Was very helpful.
I heard the crack too, but it feels good after that. My lower back was loosen immediately.
Thank you! my Chiropractor is great!
Chiropractor has been able to help not only ease the back pain, severely reduce the number of migraines I have, but has also corrected a pelvic imbalance due to the scoliosis as well as leg problems. I highly recommend seeing a licensed chiropractor and getting adjusted. It does not hurt me when being adjusted and the relief of pain without drugs is a wonderful boost to the emotional well-being of a person. Most insurances cover chiropractic visits and a patient usually only goes once a week or twice a month after the initial period of going 3 times a week gets the bones used to being where they are supposed to be.
As an allergy sufferer, i am very pleased with chiropractic care. No medicine can compare to the effectiveness of an aligned spine allowing my nervous system to work properly.
interesting article. Now i get to know new things :)
Nice one! very informative stuff!
I’m impressed, I have to say. What a great blog.
My name is Amanda and i am very pleased w/h this article. i made a hub so i can follow this page. i came across this article not knowing what a chiropractor dose except for cracking backs i have an apt with one in abt a week and i was nervous about going but now im not thank you. i have a slight case of skullyossis. my plates in my back t4 to 11 are worn down and it just started to affect me 5 months ago i just went to the docs yesterday im a state cna and i made a bad choice. the doc said the skullyossis is causing what he called mechanical back ace because my plates are worn down and my spine is bent at a 20 degree angle. if any one as any advice or comments to help me i greatly appreciate it thank you again to whom ever wrote this article
Thank you for your comments Amanda. If you are nervous about your visit to the chiropractor ask lots of questions and relay any fears you may have to them so the chiropractor can give you the treatment you need.
your very welcome backchat and thank you for the tip i will do as you say you seam to be very wise.. :D
your very welcome backchat and thank you for the tip i will do as you say you seam to be very wise.. :D
oops i commented the same comment twice sorry
Was in agony with my back, tried osteopath etc and was only getting relief for a short time. Changed to recommended chiropracter - what a difference. Definitely works :-)
This hub is very informative. I am sure a lot of people learned a lot from this. http://www.bestsydneychiropractor.com/
I broke my ankle to years ago and after two opperations only started walking without a crutch three months ago.
I developed osteopina in the hip,knee and ankle.
Also I seen to walk slightly bending down like a hunch back.
I want to find out if a chiropractor could help this pain I endure in the lower spine.hip,knee and ankle.
Very informative hub.
Dear Fouzia,
Thank you for your comments.
Chiropractic may be able to help you with your posture and biomechanics of your ankle and lower leg. Before commencing treatment the chiropractor should be able to assess you to see if you are indeed a candidate for chiropractic.
Given your history of osteopenia it would be best if you sought out a chiropractor who used a tonal technique rather than the more mainstream twisting and popping. Techniques which are tonal include SOT or NIP as well as others. Enquire before booking.
chiropractic this is just one type of many differing techniques used by a chiropractor.
Thank you for your comments. It is true many chiropractors use different techniques and modalities (such as massage and acupuncture) when treating a patient. Each patient is different and will have their own unique needs
backchat you are wright this is just one type of many differing techniques used by a chiropractor . Each patient is different and will have their own unique needs.
Great hub. Reminds me of how long it's been since I've been to my chiropractor for just regular maintenance. I went for a back and neck injury.
I am a truck driver and I know I occasionally get lazy and start slouching in my seat. Bad habit and I know I shouldn't do this. Maybe in time, I better go back to him so he can get my brain to tell my body to sit straight :)
He does use different techniques and has a variety of ways for helping people. He's a great chiropractor!
a chiropractor dose except for cracking backs i have an apt with one in abt a week and i was nervous about going but now im not thank you
im actually going to a chiropractor because of lower back pain he does the cracking technique, but I was just wondering is there any chances he can injure my spinal cord???
Hi Marisol, Thank you for your comments. The cracking technique is the most utilised technique in chiropractic. It is very safe and would not injure the spinal cord. The spinal cord is housed within the vertebral column, ie the spinal cord is surrounded by bone. Furthermore before treatment commenced with the chiropractor you would have been given an examination. This examination would have ruled out any preexisting conditions.
This is very informative. I have been having an ache in my neck and shoulder starting yesterday. I wondered if a chiropractor could help, and after reading this, I now know they aren't just about backs. And where it says they help the whole nervous system is good because I think that's why my shoulder/arm/neck so bad. I feel like scheduling an appointment for tomorrow because of this site
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for your comments.
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calgary chiropractor 2 years ago
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