Understanding Chiropractic: Two Approaches to Health
Despite the fact that it is the fastest growing segment of health care providers, many people are still essentially in the dark about chiropractic medicine. The lack of understanding of what chiropractic is, how it works, and when it should be used is complicated by significant changes within the discipline itself. When choosing a San Francisco chiropractor it is essential you understand at least the difference between the two basic kinds of chiropractic treatment so you can choose the one that is appropriate for you.
Musculoskeletal Chiropractors and Symptom Relief
Often called “symptom relief” chiropractors, those who are dedicated to this approach to chiropractic health focus on just that, the relief of classic chiropractic symptoms. Although the symptoms vary widely from back pain to headaches to overall achiness, all treatment is based on the theory of manipulation.
A San Francisco chiropractor who practices symptom relief relies on manipulating the spine to reduce pain. By decompressing the joints and freeing fixations, the musculoskeletal elements of the body align themselves properly thus thwarting the pain caused by misalignment.
This chiropractor also employs electro therapies like electro stimulation, laser acupuncture, and tens units. (A tens unit is a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation device that stimulates the nerves. It is painless.) There are even some areas of the country where chiropractors prescribe drugs for pain relief. Others work with MDs to allow their patients the relief drugs can bring.
One issue many patients foresee with the symptom relief approach is the length of time and frequency of treatment. Some skeptics point to prolonged periods of treatment as an indicator the chiropractic approach to pain relief is not effective. Actually, how often you are treated and for how long depend on two key factors: the nature of your chiropractic issues and your insurance. While a San Francisco chiropractor will always be concerned about your health first, the duration of treatments is sometimes dictated by insurance coverage. Many chiropractors use a “step down” schedule (3 – 2 – 1 times a week) in order to continue treatment.
The plus side of symptom relief chiropractic is relief from pain. The down side is while the pain eases, the cause of the pain often does not. Once treatment is stopped, the pain is likely to return.
Traditional Chiropractic and Subluxation
A San Francisco chiropractor who practices in the traditional manner is one who treats subluxation, the misaligned vertebrae. Subluxation causes problems because it interferes with nerve impulses from the brain. To relieve the condition, the traditional chiropractor uses a combination of adjustments and spinal exercises to remove the subluxation.
Just as with symptom relief chiropractic, the frequency of treatment and its duration is controlled by the patient’s recovery and insurance regulations. However, in traditional chiropractic, the symptoms (pain) that sent the patient to the doctor to begin with may be long gone before the spine is correctly aligned and is likely to remain that way. Without pain as an indicator, the chiropractor employs tools such as x-rays, computerized tests, and observed posture fluctuations to determine when the spine is aligned properly.
Other than the pain they cause, subluxations offer no other symptoms. Research shows they may even begin at birth and remain unobserved for some time. Traditional chiropractors often recommend both adults and children be examined even if there is no pain.
Before you determine which San Francisco chiropractor to see, spend some time getting to know what each has to offer and what approach they use. Ask for a telephone discussion or an in-person visit. To help you get started, take a look at our recommended chiropractor.