When it comes to complementary and alternative treatment, the chiropractic profession has become a part of mainstream medicine. Chiropractors receive degrees from recognized schools and their services are typically covered by health insurance.
A chiropractor in Chicago has received a rigorous education including biology, physiology, anatomy, pathology, and diagnosis, as well as specialty training in the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors are of the belief that many various stressors can contribute to dysfunction and misalignment of the vertebrae of the spine and that these misalignments and dysfunctions can cause a variety of health conditions and pain. By adjusting or manipulating specific vertebrae, the chiropractor endeavors to restore normal spinal alignment and function, thereby relieving pain and resolving a variety of health problems.
During the initial examination of a patient, a chiropractor in Chicago will take certain measurements which reveal any imbalance in alignment of the spine. Often, the chiropractor will find that one shoulder is higher than the other or one arm has greater strength than the other. Sometimes, the chiropractor will have the patient stand on two scales to determine which side of the body is carrying the most weight.
Chiropractic treatments can be similar to physical therapy, massage therapy, and other types of manual therapies. The word “chiropractic” literally means “through the hands,” and a chiropractor practices his profession via hands-on manipulation and adjustment of his patient’s spine and other structural elements of the body. The patient may be placed on a specialized table that relaxes or stretches the spine. The chiropractor may also apply pressure to specific vertebrae to restore normal function and alignment.
In the past, there were some critics of chiropractic practices who questioned the safety and efficacy of spinal manipulation. However, modern research has documented time and time again that chiropractic manipulation of the spine is a safe and effective treatment for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and a wide variety of other conditions. Furthermore, chiropractic treatment has shown to be free of side-effects commonly associated with the use of drugs or surgery.
The chiropractor in Chicago is but one of thousands of chiropractors across the country that provide 94% of the spinal manipulations made. For safe and cost effective treatment, contact the Progressive Chiropractic Wellness Clinic.
