Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including the neck, thorax, and the lumbar spine. Treatment involves manual therapy, manipulation and adjustment of the spine, joints, and myofascial releases of the soft tissues. Chiropractic care is an integral part of the medical field and its roles assumes more and more popularity.

It is estimated that over 50% of the population consult chiropractors for spinal issues. Chiropractors work in synch with other professionals to relieve pain. They are allowed to order diagnostic tests and imaging, explain to the patient the findings, perform thorough physical examination and plan a management regimen for treatment. They are not allowed to prescribe medications. Their duties usually vary from state to state.

Chiropractic care has several interfaces with other disciplines. It overlaps with manual therapy professions, including osteopathic manipulations, massage therapy, and physical therapy. Occasionally, chiropractors can dispense dietary supplements that benefit the overall well-being and the joints. When applied by a skillful and experienced chiropractor, spinal manipulation is overall safe.

Chiropractic care for low back pain: There is continuing conflict of opinion on the efficacy of Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) for nonspecific low back pain. A 2008 review found strong evidence that Spinal Manipulation (SM) is similar in effect to medical care with exercise. A 2007 review found good evidence that SM is moderately effective for low back pain lasting more than 4 weeks; a 2008 literature synthesis found good evidence supporting SM for low back pain regardless of duration. Of four systematic reviews published between 2000 and May 2005, only one recommended SM, and a 2004 Cochrane review found that SM or mobilization is no more or less effective than other standard interventions for back pain. Methods for formulating treatment guidelines for low back pain differ significantly between countries, casting some doubt on their reliability (Edited from Wikipedia)

Chiropractic care for whiplash and neck pain: There is no overall consensus on manual therapies for neck pain. A 2009 systematic review of controlled clinical trials found no evidence that chiropractic spinal manipulation is effective for whiplash injury. A 2008 review found evidence that educational videos, mobilization, and exercises appear more beneficial for whiplash than alternatives; that SM, mobilization, supervised exercise, low-level laser therapy and perhaps acupuncture are more effective for non-whiplash neck pain than alternatives but none of these treatments is clearly superior; and that there is no evidence that any intervention improves prognosis. A 2007 review found that SM and mobilization are effective for neck pain. Of three systematic reviews of SM published between 2000 and May 2005, one reached a positive conclusion, and a 2004 Cochrane review found that SM and mobilization are beneficial only when combined with exercise. A 2005 review found consistent evidence supporting mobilization for acute whiplash, and limited evidence supporting SM for whiplash (Edited from Wikipedia)

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Bilal Shanti
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