Chiropractic
Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the joint(s).
Most chiropractors seek to reduce pain and improve the mobility of patients as well as to educate them on how they can account for their own health via exercise, ergonomics, and other lifestyle changes.
Chiropractic care is generally categorized as alternative medicine or complementary medicine.
Chiropractic Exam
An initial chiropractic exam will typically have three parts: a consultation, case history, and physical examination. Laboratory analysis and X-ray examination may be performed if necessary.
- The patient meets with the chiropractor and provides a brief synopsis of his or her condition, such as:
- Duration and frequency of symptoms
- Description of the symptoms (e.g. burning, throbbing)
- Areas of pain
- What makes the pain feel better (e.g. sitting, stretching)
- What makes the pain feel worse (e.g. standing, lifting).
- Case history. The chiropractor identifies the area(s) of complaint and the nature of the pain by asking questions and learning more about different areas of the patient’s history, including:
- Family history
- Dietary habits
- History of other treatments (chiropractic, osteopathic, medical, and other)
- Occupational history
- Psychosocial history
- Other areas to probe, often based on responses to above questions.
- Physical examination. A chiropractor may utilize a variety of methods to determine the spinal segments that require chiropractic treatments, including but not limited to static and motion palpation techniques determining spinal segments that are hypo mobile (restricted in their movement) or fixated. Depending on the results of the above examination, a chiropractor may use additional diagnostic tests, such as:
- X-ray to locate subluxations (the altered position of the vertebra)
- A device that detects the temperature of the skin in the paraspinal region to identify spinal areas with a significant temperature variance that requires manipulation.
When is Chiropractic Care appropriate?
Chiropractic care can be indicated for prevention, alternatives to surgical intervention, and / or as part of a recovery regimen. Ortho Illinois provides access to experienced chiropractors that are equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technologies. If you’re in need of chiropractic care, schedule a consultation today.