Have you ever believed that once you start seeing a Chiropractor that you have to consistently return for adjustments? Many individuals believe this to be truth but in fact it’s completely false. The issue lies in the doctor not performing Chiropractic Corrective Care to allow the patients spine to return to the normal curvature that it should be in.
Chiropractic Biophysics
A technique known as Chiropractic Biophysics is necessary to achieve these desired effects. The Chiropractor will take a thorough case history, perform a detailed physical examination including neurological and muscles testing, and will administer precise x-rays to really analyze the patient’s curvature in their spine. Upon analysis, the doctor will determine how the spine is in relation to what is normal. They will make drawings all over the films with specific templates and you’re able to see normal compared to yours. This proof is astonishing. Once x-rays are reviewed then treatment can begin.
Chiropractic Adjustment and Traction
The doctor will first start with adjustments to correct the segmental mis-alignment or subluxation. If there are no issues with this aspect of care then they will incorporate the mechanical traction as soon as possible. Everyone is different and their spine condition will depend on what mechanical tractions they will perform. Depending on the severity of the spine the patient may need to perform a multitude of tractions including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar if need be. Most individuals will only perform one to two regions though. They will begin their traction for a minimum of six minutes and increase this gradually in one minute increments until they reach maximum threshold. It has been proven that mechanical traction over twenty minutes has no more effect than plateauing at twenty minutes. On the weighted traction for the cervical spine known as 2-way traction the patient will only perform a maximum of ten minutes. This is an aggressive traction to correct a reversal in the cervical spine. After any mechanical traction the patient should ice the area for at least twenty minutes up to two times post. This will absolutely decrease the inflammation that is brought on during the mechanical traction.
Passive Physiotherapy Modalities
The Chiropractor will also incorporate passive physiotherapy modalities like electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and massage therapy to speed up the effects of both the Chiropractic care as well as the mechanical traction. After thirty visits of mechanical traction, the Chiropractor will take a post film to analyze the progression of the spinal curves. Upon this, they will establish a continued treatment protocol if need be. The goal is to have the patient on more of a maintenance basis to just check the spine for mis-alignment.
See what to expect on the first chiropractic visit.
