CHIROPRACTIC
Origin and bases: U.S. Alternative medicine practiced by university graduates with the title of DC (Doctor of Chiropractic). Studies take between 7-8 years in the U.S. and 5 years in Europe.
In Spain there are two colleges, Both offer the chiropractic degree in five years. Daily frequency is mandatory, same as in medical and / or dental schools.
The title DC is recognized in 44 countries and cannot be obtained by taking postgraduate or weekend courses.
Primary Focus: Spine and Nervous System.
Type of manipulation: The specific vertebral “Adjustment”.
There are over 150 manual techniques. Some use a small instrument called activator and special treatment tables.
Based on their strong academic background, and the high number of class hours dedicated to spinal manipulation techniques, chiropractors are considered more experts in the specific manual treatment of the spine than any other health professional.
Diseases or conditions in which is especially recommended:
Chiropractors do not treat diseases. They primary goal is to restore the ideal alignment and movement between the vertebrae allowing maximum space for the spinal nerve roots. This ensures an optimum nervous irrigation, increase natural defenses and prevents all diseases.
“Subluxations” (misalignment and lack of vertebral movement) may remain silent, with no apparent discomfort, for many years. It could be compared to tooth decay; it doesn’t hurt until it “touches the nerve.”
In fact, disc hernias occur between chronically locked or subluxated vertebrae.
The sooner you unblock and realign the vertebrae, the less vertebrae and discs wear (less osteoarthritis) and better functions nervous system and immune (best natural defenses).
It’s advisable to begin chiropractic care from the first days of life, without waiting for pain or other symptoms. Many times, during the birth process, the 1st cervical vertebra (atlas) can become misaligned or “subluxated”. This may generate frequent disorders in infants and children such as low immunity, otitis, tonsillitis, asthma, intestinal colic, enuresis (bed wetting), dyslexia etc.
Due to lack of information, most people go to the chiropractor only upon accusing symptoms associated with herniated discs, sciatica, back and leg or foot pain, knees, hips or neck pain, headaches, migraines, dizziness, tiredness etc.
After a thorough physical examination, including x-rays, and other tests, the chiropractor studies every clinical case. If there are no contraindications he/she elaborates a treatment plan to relieve symptoms and eliminate their causes.
Often multidisciplinary treatment is necessary. The chiropractor may recommend physical therapy, acupuncture, podiatry, osteopathic and / or medical treatment, as needed. Every patient is informed from the beginning and can choose to get only relief or continue maintenance care. This means getting periodic spinal adjustments in order to prevent or detain osteoarthritis. It also ensures an optimum nervous flow and a correct communication of the brain with all body organs.
