See a Chiropractor Visit
with
Cathy Wong
Have you ever wanted to take a peek inside the office of a chiropractor? See a standard chiropractic consultation as well as various treatments, such as spinal manipulation.
Transcript: See a Chiropractor Visit
Hi, I'm Cathy Wong, your guide to Alternative Medicine at About.com.What is a Chiropractor?
Doctors of chiropractic are health care professionals that focus primarily on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, and the effects of these disorders on overall health.Emphasizing the healing power of the body, chiropractic is a hands-on approach most often used for neuromuscular complaints, such as back and neck pain, joint pain, and headaches.
See a Chiropractor
If you've never been to a chiropractor and want know what to expect, we'll take a behind the scenes look at the Copley Health Alliance in Boston with Doctor of Chiropractic Desiree Kiehn D'Agostino.Health History and Your Chiropractor
During the initial visit, the doctor of chiropractic reviews your health history and performs a physical examination, which includes orthopedic and neurological tests, joint palpation (a method of "feeling" with the hands) and possibly x-rays to determine whether chiropractic is appropriate.A course of treatment is then recommended.
Spinal Manipulation at the Chiropractor
The hallmark of chiropractic care is the "spinal manipulation", which is also called a "chiropractic adjustment."The purpose of the adjustment is to restore joint position and mobility by manually applying a controlled force to a restricted joint.
This restores proper function, relieves pressure on the surrounding nerves, reduces pain and muscle tightness, and allows tissues to heal.
There are over 20 different adjusting techniques, which can be used alone or in combination.
Diversified at the Chiropractor
Diversified is the most common adjusting technique. It involves quick, light pressure to a joint, often causing a popping sound due to the sudden release of built-up pressure in the joint. It is usually painless, and some people say it feels like cracking your knuckles.Activator Method at the Chiropractor
There are other widely used techniques, such as the Activator Method. Instead of delivering the adjustment by hand, the Activator Method uses a hand-held, spring-loaded instrument to deliver lighter and quicker pressure. The activator can be used for all patients, and is often used for those who may not want or cannot have a manual adjustment.Cox Flexion Distraction at the Chiropractor
Another technique is the Cox Flexion Distraction, which involves controlled traction, or stretching, to specific spinal segments with the assistance of a movable table. This gentle technique is primarily utilized to treat disc herniations, or for patients with scoliosis or severe arthritis.SOT Blocking at the Chiropractor
The SOT Blocking technique uses triangular-shaped blocks placed under the pelvis of the patient to realign the low back and pelvis.Extremity Adjustments at the Chiropractor
Joints in the shoulders, arms, and legs can also be adjusted. Called extremity adjustments, they can be used for conditions such as carpel tunnel syndrome, gait or posture-related problems. These joints can be adjusted by diversified, activator or a number of other methods.After the treatment, many people notice an immediate decrease in their symptoms. Some side effects may include mild soreness, which should resolve within 1 to 2 days.
Other Chiropractor Techniques
Many doctors of chiropractic also use other therapies, such as ultrasound, electric stimulation, massage, or soft tissue manipulation.Thanks for watching. To learn more, visit us on the web at Altmedicine.About.com