An Overview of Chiropractic Therapy and How It Is Performed

Chiropractic therapy is a means of alleviating medical disorders related to the nervous system. It is a hands-on therapeutic procedure, which is based on the theory that certain medical disorders may be attributed to partial dislocations in the joints of the spine (known as subluxations). Chiropractic treatments include aligning the joints and the bones of the spine through applying pulling, twisting, and pushing pressures. Treatment is facilitated by applying heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimuli to loosen up the patient's muscles prior to a spinal adjustment.rnThe central idea of chiropractic therapy is that the twisting, pulling, and pushing movements facilitate independent body healing through correcting joint subluxation of the bones and the spine. This form of treatment is applied in the treatment of low back pain, neck pain, and headache. Chiropractic therapy is sometimes applied in treating non-spinal conditions, such as hypertension and asthma, although its therapeutic benefits in such applications are yet to be proven.rnBefore undergoing chiropractic therapy, it is important to first discuss with your chiropractor any health risks or contraindications involved in the therapy. Expected side effects of the treatment include acute pain sensation at the area of manipulation, fatigue, and headache. In very rare cases, a herniated disc and cauda equina syndrome may occur after undergoing chiropractic therapy to treat back pain.rnDuring your treatment session, a chiropractor Portland OR patients go to will manipulate the musculoskeletal structure, applying significant emphasis on the spine. This alleviates back pain and allows the body to heal on its own. Medical professionals who perform chiropractic therapy strongly attest to the idea that a poorly aligned spine may cause obstructions along the nerve bundles in the spinal column. These obstructions are considered a spinal mechanical disorder, though they manifest no signs of pain in the body.rnWhen the body experiences a mechanical disorder, it interferes with nerve impulse transmission to the brain. Failure of the nerves to send impulses to the brain leads to nerve malfunction. As much of the body's normal functioning is facilitated by the central nervous system, spinal subluxations will cause severe deterioration of one's health. A Portland chiropractor eases these knots in the spine through exterior manipulation. This improves a person's nerve function and promotes his wellness.rnAside from chiropractic therapy, alternative therapeutic treatments, like the acupuncture Portland therapists provide, are also popular among patients. Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles at various points of the body. These needles are twirled or warmed prior to insertion. Acupuncture aims to control surgical pain, and helps direct the body's energy flow.