Because it's an alternative medicine, people often wonder if a chiropractor can accurately diagnose symptoms stemming from injuries. The answer is yes, but they can only legally diagnose problems derived from the spine or the nervous system. They use a wide range of methods to diagnose musculoskeletal problems, including practical clinical exams and diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or MRIs. These and other diagnostic methods are used to determine when chiropractic treatment is appropriate.
Your chiropractor may use x-rays to help diagnose you, while an osteopath usually uses them to rule out other potential problems. Treatment with the chiropractor may include six sessions. The former may be more frequent, while the later sessions may be weekly. In the case of an osteopath, you will tend to go to them when necessary.
A chiropractic adjustment is a therapeutic treatment in which a licensed chiropractor uses your hands or special instruments to manipulate your body's joints. This treatment is also called spinal manipulation or joint manipulation. A chiropractic adjustment can help reduce pain, correct body alignment and physical functioning of the body. Chiropractic adjustments offer treatment that complements traditional medical care that you receive.
The difficulty in diagnosing and treating MS underscores the importance of a holistic approach to healthcare.
Chiropractors cannot diagnose multiple sclerosis, but they can take the first step in recognizing potential neurological symptoms and recommending early intervention by a specialist.
Your role is an excellent example of the collaborative effort needed in healthcare to ensure that you receive comprehensive care. Be sure to discuss your entire medical history with a chiropractor, in case you are at risk of suffering from these potential problems. Plus, you don't need a referral to see a chiropractor, and most insurance plans cover them.You may see a chiropractor for a condition such as back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, or certain types of headaches. Surprisingly, a chiropractor can be a “first line of defense” against more aggressive treatments for people suffering from pain, loss of mobility and chronic diseases. When you visit a chiropractor, he or she may suggest a series of exercises to help alleviate the discomfort. Chiropractors are known to perform manual adjustments to the spine and other joints to help improve body function. Given their experience in the nervous system and musculoskeletal health, chiropractors are likely to notice when symptoms differ from typical musculoskeletal ailments and suggest that something more serious is involved.
In fact, chiropractors routinely use traditional diagnostic tools, such as scans and x-rays, as part of the diagnostic process. A chiropractor is a licensed health professional who focuses on the body's ability to heal itself to himself. Many case studies have explored the positive outcomes that people with MS have after receiving consistent chiropractic care following their MS diagnosis. After learning more about your symptoms and what could be causing your discomfort, the chiropractor will develop a unique treatment plan based on the results of the exams and tests.
Chiropractors look at all of these problems from a holistic point of view that tracks the causes of pain rather than simply trying to hide it. If you do not want to use medication, consult a chiropractor to control or eliminate pain in the lower back, neck and the head. A chiropractor is a complementary and alternative medicine healthcare provider who specializes in treating problems with the alignment of the body's bone, muscle, and ligament (or musculoskeletal) systems. If chiropractic care isn't adequate, or if your medical condition needs to be co-treated with other health professionals, your chiropractor will refer you to the right healthcare provider.
With this information, a chiropractor can refer you to a neurologist who can perform specialized evaluations.
