Alternative Medicine Types: A Guide To Chiropractic

Chiropractic is one of the most popular alternative medicine types, classified as either an alternative or complementary medicine depending on how it is used. It is based on treatment with the hands (otherwise known as a manual therapy) for muscles, joints and ligaments, specifically focused on the spine.

The main theory behind chiropractic is that human disease is generally caused by a misalignment of the spine. Correcting this misalignment will cure the condition – and the methods are used on virtually any ailment. However, chiropractic is distinctly more popular and more widely accepted as a treatment for lower back pain.

What Does Chiropractic Treat?

Chiropractic is used to treat a wide range of conditions and ailments including:
* Lower back pain,
* Sciatica,
* Shoulder and neck pain,
* Allergies,
* Colic in babies,
* High blood pressure,
* Anxiety,
* Gastrointestinal disorders,
* Fibromyalgia.

What To Expect During Treatment

As with other alternative medicine types, it’s important to find a fully qualified practitioner. They will guide you through a number of questions about your medical history, and may physically examine you to work out the best course of treatment. Diagnosis may also involve testing reflexes or taking an X-Ray.

You’ll usually be asked to lie down for treatment. Chiropractors will make use of a number of techniques on the spine and pelvic area including:
* pulling or stretching muscles in specific directions to improve range of movement,
* high-velocity thrusts to remove restrictions on the joints,
* moving joints through their natural positions to reduce tension.

Because of this manipulation, you may hear clicking sounds from your body – this is normal so don’t worry!

The risks during treatment include mild to moderate discomfort in the area being treated, or stiffness after treatment. You may also feel tired once the treatment has ended. Some rarer complications associated with spinal manipulation include damage to arteries or stroke.

Does Chiropractic Really Work?

One of the main questions of alternative medicine types is whether they work at all. In the case of chiropractic, there is good evidence to suggest that it works to treat lower back pain, either in place of, or alongside, more conventional treatments.

When it comes to alternative medicine types, chiropractic is generally considered a good idea for lower back pain. For any other treatment, however, there are no guarantees that it’ll help – so do your research before deciding whether to spend money on this treatment.