The spinal cord is a very delicate and integral part of the body. It consists of 24 vertebrae; all of which are independent and allow the body to twist, move and bend when participating in any physical activity. The spinal cord also plays a significant role in helping to protect the central nervous system, which is very important because it controls and coordinates tissues and organs, and aids in normal functioning of the body.  It is, therefore, crucial to ensure optimal functionality of the spinal cord.

However, there are certain careers that limit one’s posture and, in such instances, it is best that the person takes part in chiropractic therapy. Restaurant employees, supervisors, sales agents, and professional dancers spend most of their time on their feet, and if they are not conscious of their posture, then they might end up developing musculoskeletal complications which may, in turn, lead to more severe disorders.

Chiropractic is a commonly known health care profession that primarily targets musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. It also focuses on the effects of such disorders and the general health of any person.  Most complaints related to neuromusculoskeletal disorders are treated using chiropractic methods that include back pain, headaches and migraines, neck pain, and knee pain. Certain diseases may also arise as a result of not being conscious of the spinal cord, and they can also be treated using chiropractic therapy.

One such condition is arthritis. During chiropractic sessions, a certified chiropractor will apply targeted but gentle movement around and on the part of the body that is affected. The Chiropractor at T98 Rehab aims to enhance and improve the movement of the body especially the spinal cord and its extremities.

Doctors of Chiropractic, also known as DC’s, practice a drug-free, hands-on approach in treating complications related to the spinal cord. Some of the approaches used by doctors include patient examination, diagnosis, and finally the treatment. During the treatment, the chiropractors will recommend rehabilitative and therapeutic exercises and provide dietary and nutritional lifestyle counselling.

The first process of chiropractic is the assessment process. During this stage, the patient is to complete a clinical examination, diagnostics, and laboratory testing. Other diagnostic interventions can also be carried out to determine whether the patient should undergo chiropractic treatment or not. In the case the chiropractor finds out that the process is not suitable for the patient, the practitioner will refer the patient to another appropriate health provider. In some instances, the patient may need to undergo chiropractic in conjunction with another treatment. In such cases, the chiropractor will always advise the patient accordingly.

What a patient should expect on the first visit

Most patients, especially those who have never heard of chiropractic, are not sure what to expect during their first appointment with a chiropractor. The first thing that the chiropractor will do is to take your health history and then proceed to perform examinations in order to develop a diagnosis. The diagnosis and examinations include both imaging and lab tests such as MRI, scan, X-ray or even CT. Chiropractors combine the patient’s history and the results from their examinations so that they can reach an appropriate diagnosis.

What conditions can be treated using chiropractic

  1. Back pain

Almost every person will experience back pain during their lifetime, and it is also among the top reasons why patients visit chiropractors or doctors. In some cases, back pain may be sharp and intense. It can be caused by an injury or a wrong movement but may heal in a few days. This does not, however, mean that the problem is completely solved. In most cases, the complication may come up again. In some instances, the back pain may be intense and even prevent one from working, enjoying time with family, or taking part in other leisure activities.

People who are subjected to excessive sitting are more likely to develop back pain, primarily when they do not maintain the correct posture, and since chiropractic is used in the treatment of musculoskeletal system complications, it can be used to treat back pain.

  1. Headaches and Chiropractic

Just like back pain, quite a lot of people experience headaches although the intensity may vary. Besides, most people do not also understand what to do when they have a headache. Some people will just grit their teeth and carry on with their work. Others will just lie down while others will pop a pill and hope that the pain reduces. However, there is always a better alternative to all these because the complication maybe even worse than you can imagine.

According to research, chiropractic is an alternative to the above approaches and can be used to treat both tension and headaches that originate from the neck.  Since most problems are related to neck pain, the methods taken by chiropractors significantly improve the outcome of such complications.

  1. Neck pain

The neck, or cervical spine, begins at the base of the skull and has a lot of vertebrae. The vertebrae support the entire weight of the head and are therefore very sensitive. The neck may be very flexible since it can move in all directions, but this, however, exposes it to a lot of risks all of which may result in pain and injury. Some of the most typical causes of headaches include injury and auto accidents, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and certain lifestyle choices.

When you visit a chiropractor, you will be expected to tell them when the pain started, what you have done about it, if the pain affects any other part of the body, and if anything reduces the pain. Also, the chiropractor will carry out physical and neurological exams.

People who develop neck pain can seek a chiropractor’s assistance. Chiropractic care has been proven through research to alleviate neck pain. Clinical trials have indicated that there is a significant improvement to the health of the neck after chiropractic spinal manipulation.

Your posture is important

Maintaining your posture is extremely important especially if you stand or sit for a better part of your day. Wrong postures during your youth can significantly affect you begin to age.  A good posture requires proper alignment of the body while maintaining the right amount of muscle tension against gravity to support yourself.

A good posture will enhance standing, walking, sitting and lying in any position without any complications.  Also, good posture will keep your bones and joints in the right alignment and ensure that the muscles are used accurately.  To ensure a proper posture, it is essential that you sit and stand properly

Appropriate Sitting Posture

  • Ensure your feet are flat on the floor. Use a footrest in case you can’t reach the floor on your own.
  • Avoid crossing your legs.
  • Be sure to keep a small gap between the backs of your knees and the front of the seat.
  • Your knees should be below or at the level of your hips.
  • The back of your chair should support your mid and lower back.
  • Your forearms should be parallel to the ground as you relax your shoulders.
  • Change your position after some time.

Appropriate Standing Posture

  • Ensure that you bear your weight on the balls of your feet.
  • Keep your knees slightly bent.
  • Keep your feet slightly shoulder-width apart
  • Let your hands hang naturally
  • Stand straight with your shoulders backward
  • Tuck your stomach in
  • Keep your head level. Earlobes should be in line with your shoulders and be sure not to push your head forward.
  • Ensure you shift the weight of your body from one leg to the other

Bottom line 

Chiropractic is recognized as one of the safest non-invasive and drug-free therapies available for pain related to the back, neck, spine, and any other complications relating to the Neuromusculoskeletal system. People who sit or stand for prolonged amounts of the time are more likely to experience pain in the joints and should, therefore, consider trying chiropractic treatment.

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