As it is my first blog post, excuse me for the lingo used as I transition from a doctor to a "blogger". I thought I'd start off with a bold title, something to attract attention; usually people say never judge a book by its cover, but the fact of the matter is we all do. For those of you who have made it thus far, I promise you'll learn something new with each of my posts. Now lets get down to business.
What is Chiropractic? What do chiropractors do? What is the crack? And how will it fix my back? Are these some of the questions running through your head. Well you're not alone. In fact I currently practice in India, a country of over 1 billion people; 1 billion people who probably do not have the answer to the above questions either. It is for this reason that I started this blog, to educate and empower as many people as possible with the knowledge of their health and how to optimize it.
Chiropractic is a profession that is currently at the crossroad of establishing itself as a major player in the healthcare market. Founded as an independent profession in 1897 by D.D Palmer, it gained steam in the early 20th century as an alternate to mainstream medical care for most health disorders. Chiropractic was founded on the premise that the nervous system governs the human body, every organ, every cell, and since the nervous system is largely encased in the spinal column, any form of dysfunction or disturbance to the spine would lead to dysfunction and "dis-ease" to the corresponding organ.
Today, at the start of the 21st century, chiropractic is primarily utilized for the diagnosis and conservative management (non-surgical) of neuromusculoskeletal (nerve, muscle, joint) conditions. With an increased number of government funded studies, wide scale experimental studies and full-time chiropractic researchers, the profession has flourished and is utilized in over 80 countries worldwide.
Lets discuss the "crack" and what is it that distinguishes chiropractors from the rest of the healthcare fraternity. Chiropractic adjustments aka spinal manipulations are procedures that are performed by hand to a joint in the body (usually spinal joints or facet joints) with a specific force and speed, and in a specific direction to correct any misalignment of the joint or restrictions in motion. During the application of this procedure nitrogen gas is believed to be released from the joint causing the "cracking" or "popping" sound. At some point in your life, you all have performed a chiropractic adjustment without knowing it! Think back to the last time you cracked your knuckles. You applied a certain amount of force, at a particular speed and in a particular direction to release your knuckles and the tension built in them.
Finally, how does the crack fix the back? What are the effects of spinal manipulation and how does it fix back pain? Well, a manipulation is believed to have 3 major and very powerful effects. First: it restores the proper orientation of a joint and clears out motion restrictions allowing a joint to move freely. Second: a chiropractic manipulation is believed to cause a release of Endorphins or the body's natural pain killer or feel good hormone. Third: it causes a reflex relaxation of tight muscles surrounding the joint.
Aren't these the basic effects most of the medication out there claim to achieve for your back pain. Imagine a simple and skilled procedure i.e. spinal manipulation has the same effects but without the side effects of strong opiodes and muscle relaxants. It isn't just masking your pain but actually a solution to the problem unlike most medication prescribed. Therefore, it isn't surprising that the American Academy of Family Physicians guidelines for the management of low back pain suggests the use of spinal manipulation along with exercise as the first line of treatment for spinal conditions with a mechanical non-specific cause either in the acute or chronic stage.
Now that you know what is chiropractic, the crack, and how it fixes your back, don't wait for your back or neck pain to get out of control. There is a solution! Its safe, effective and one of the most utilized form of care for most causes of spinal pain. Chiropractic and spinal manipulation works! Get your spine checked regularly, pain is usually the last sign that something is wrong. When you can take your car for servicing when nothing is wrong, why can't you take yourself! Remember prevention is always better than cure. I hope I've given you a peak into the world of chiropractic and its wonderful benefits. I will try my best during the course of this blog to further educate you about the benefits and unlimited potential of chiropractic.
Hope you have a wonderful day, stay healthy, stay well adjusted!