Chiropractic 101
As a result of extensive education and training, chiropractors are capable of diagnosing and treating a wide range of spinal and peripheral musculoskeletal disorders. Individuals with musculoskeletal disorders experience pain, lose physical function, and have a reduced quality of life in not only the physically, socially and mentally. The annual incidence of musculoskeletal disorders is approximately 14% in the spine, 4% in peripheral joints, and 5% in muscles. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to decrease pain and disability with individualized patient care and to restore function with the earliest possible return to work and daily activities. The effectiveness of chiropractic treatment has been studied extensively. In fact, manipulation is recommended by the evidence-based guidelines for headaches, neck and back complaints, along with whiplash associated disorders.
A comparative analysis of individuals with and without chiropractic coverage found that patients with chiropractic insurance coverage have 12% lower health care costs overall than patients without chiropractic coverage. The researchers suggest that people with chiropractic coverage utilize less costly procedures, resulting in lower total health care expenditures.
Chiropractic care is safe, effective and cost-effective. The treatment methods commonly used by chiropractors to treat musculoskeletal disorders which are best practice and best evidence include:
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Manual Therapies – joint manipulation, mobilization, and soft tissue therapies
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Rehabilitation strategies – exercises and behavioural modifications
Peripheral and spinal muscles and ligaments can be injured by activities of daily living, and occupational, sports, and recreational activities leading to various cumulative or single-trauma strains and sprains.
Consider seeing a chiropractor if you are experiencing one or more of the following conditions:
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Acute and chronic neck and back pain
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Chronic headaches
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Whiplash associated disorder (WAD)
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Musculoskeletal complaints of the geriatric population (osteoarthritis)
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Early conservative therapy for lumbar stenosis or disc herniation
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Strains and sprains
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Occupational, sport-related, and recreational musculoskeletal injuries