The field of chiropractic includes methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, especially the mobility of the joints. The fundamental assumption of chiropractic therapy is the belief that man is a self-regulating complex organism and that a normally structured body is capable of healing itself. Restoring the musculoskeletal system to a pain-free state in postural equilibrium is the ultimate goal of chiropractic.
What is chiropractic therapy?
Diagnosis in chiropractic therapy is made through a comprehensive history and detailed and specific physical examinations to determine orthopedic, neurologic, or rheumatologic asymmetries. Chirotherapy is a therapeutic intervention that has its roots in traditional medicine and has been used by various cultures for thousands of years. Modern renewed interest in chiropractic began in the late 19th century and was not accepted by mainstream medicine until the middle of the last century. Today, chirotherapy is an integral part of medical practice. Diagnosis in chiropractic therapy is based on a comprehensive medical history as well as detailed and specific physical examinations to determine orthopedic, neurological or rheumatologic asymmetries. This is done through appropriate radiological examinations and specific chiropractic manipulations to palpate musculoskeletal mobility, detect tissue changes, or assess circulation of fluids and energy in the musculoskeletal system. The treatment methods of chiropractic are not only focused on restoration; rather, various manipulative procedures are used to correct lesions.
Function, effect, and goals
The interdisciplinary treatment approach of chiropractic spans the specialties of neurology, orthopedics, as well as rheumatology and is practiced in application by medically trained personnel (manual medicine or chiropractic), non-medically trained individuals (manual therapy), or alternative practitioners (chiropractic). This includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors or osteopaths. They use chiropractic to treat problems of the musculoskeletal system (muscles and joints), back pain, headaches, dizziness, nausea, effects of disease of internal organs, and neurological disorders. Chiropractic therapy pays special attention to the functionality of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, as well as the resolution of the associated blockages that lead to joint pain, tinnitus or muscle pain. As a result of the misalignment, often triggered by external influences or postural errors, the muscles surrounding a joint tense up and hold it in its unnatural position, triggering pain. Many patients feel pain relief after the first chiropractic treatment, and an average of five visits is enough to achieve treatment success in about 80% of patients. Numerous methods have been established in chirotherapy, which is now anchored not only in the complex Asian medical systems, including, for example:
- Acupressure
- Anma
- Physiotherapy
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Cranio-Sacral-Therapy
- Bodywork
- Manipulative osteopathic medicine
- Bowen technique
- Chiropractic
- Dorn method
- Rolfing
- Manipulation of the spine
- Massage therapy
- Acupuncture
- Muscle energy technique
- Myotherapy
- Osteopathy
- Shiatsu
Regardless of the treatment method, a patient to be treated by means of chiropractic is first placed in a suitable posture so that the joint in question can be carefully placed under tension. In the decisive treatment step, the joint is then manipulated with the respective special grip techniques in rapid, powerful pulses beyond the usual axis of motion to dissolve the muscle stiffness. Chiropractic care is usually not painful and produces rapid results. Only if the malpositions are based on other underlying diseases, e.g. of internal organs, this disease will have to be treated first. Only with the onset of healing will chirotherapy be able to have a lasting successful effect.
Risks, side effects and dangers
As with all procedures, there are risks associated with spinal manipulation in chiropractic care. Rare but potentially serious side effects include vertebrobasilar accidents, stroke, disc herniation, fractures of vertebrae or ribs, and Kauda syndrome. Manipulation of the cervical spine, in particular, carries greater risks because the blood supply to the brain runs through this area. However, several statistical surveys have been able to demonstrate no significant risk. When used correctly by medically trained specialists, no side effects should be expected in chirotherapy other than mild muscle soreness as well as mild circulatory symptoms. Patients with osteoporosis, blood clotting disorders, chronic intervertebral disc disease with nerve damage, fractures or tumors are advised against treatment with chirotherapy. In any case, extensive education about the risks of such treatment should precede any chiropractic procedures.
