Has your GP recommended that you see a general chiropractor yet you don't know who they are and what they do? If so, you shouldn't feel embarrassed. If anything, you being here shows that you take your health seriously.
Learning about what chiropractors do can help you mentally prepare for your referral for specialist care. Here are a few important things to know about general chiropractors before seeing one for the first time.
Who Are Chiropractors?
General chiropractors have a reputation as the doctors that crack people's back, but that's just the gist of what they do. Technically speaking, they are health care professionals that specialise in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders.
They use a variety of manual adjustment techniques called spinal manipulation to adjust your spine and treat problems that may be affecting your body's functions.
What Can Chiropractors Treat?
As aforementioned, chiropractors diagnose and treat problems affecting the body's neuromuscular system. But what specific conditions do they treat day in and day out? Listed below are some of the most common neuromuscular problems that may require chiropractic treatment.
- Back pain
- Migraines
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Sports injuries
- Auto accident injuries
- Disease factors such as pain from arthritis
Symptoms of Neuromuscular Problems
Neuromuscular disorders can manifest in many ways. Symptoms of neuromuscular diseases usually advance over time and can range from mild to moderate to life-threatening. Here are some common symptoms to watch out for.
- Muscle pain
- Muscle stiffness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscular weakness
- Muscular cramps
- Difficulty breathing
If you have one or more of the above symptoms, you're a potential candidate for chiropractic treatment.
What Treatment Methods Can Chiropractors Use?
In addition to manual adjustment techniques, chiropractors use other treatment solutions to remedy existing neuromuscular disorders. Some of the most common chiropractic treatment options used together with manual adjustments include but are not limited to the following:
- Cold therapy
- Hot therapy
- Ultrasound therapy
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretching exercises
General chiropractors understand that every patient is different. That's why they often use the combination of treatment options that they deem to be the most effective for each patient.
It's always wise to know what a medical specialist does before going to see one. With the above information, you should know what to expect when it's time for you to see your general chiropractor, at the least. If you have further questions regarding chiropractic health care, feel free to talk to your general chiropractor during your initial visit.
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