Chiropractors treat a wide variety of health problems, not just back pain. Here is a list of various health conditions that chiropractic care can help with:
 
Musculoskeletal-

Chiropractic care is very safe for all ages, including infants and the elderly. Spinal trauma can occur at birth, through childhood activities, sports, our jobs, and simple life stresses. Spinal and nervous system health is important for all ages. Chiropractic care provides a safe, natural approach to maintaining health.
 
Compared to other medical treatments such as surgery or using medication, chiropractic care has an excellent safety record. Studies have shown that not only is chiropractic care the most effective treatment for back-related problems, it is also the safest.
 
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The vertebral subluxation complex is a term used to describe what happens to spinal bones when they lose their normal position and motion. Our vertebra protects our brain stem and spinal cord, which are the communication pathways for nerve impulses to and from the brain. When a subluxation occurs, the disturbances can cause tissues and organs throughout the body to function poorly. Many back problems and other health conditions can be traced back to vertebral subluxation. Subluxations can be a result of physical, chemical, and emotional stresses. The chiropractor’s goal is to detect, reduce, and prevent subluxations by performing spinal adjustments, along with utilizing various physiological therapies and rehabilitation exercises.
 
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The term adjustment or chiropractic manipulation therapy (CMT) is used to describe the technique of applying precise and directed force to a joint that is locked up or not moving properly. There are a variety of techniques that chiropractors use to “adjust” a patient. Some techniques involve the doctor using their hands or a specially designed instrument to deliver a quick thrust. Other techniques require slow, constant pressure. All techniques are performed in order to restore vertebrae to normal position, straighten the spine, relieve nerve compression, and stretch contracted muscles causing relaxation. This allows the bones to return to a more proper position and for your body to function better.
 
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The adjustment is generally not painful. Most people actually feel an immediate relief of pain after the adjustment. For patients who are in moderate to severe pain, the adjustment can be uncomfortable for obvious reasons. Chiropractic is safe, gentle, and non-invasive care.
 
A “popping” or “clicking” sound can often be heard or felt by the patient during an adjustment. This sound is called cavitation. The sound is caused by a rapid release of air bubbles that have been under pressure in the joint. Cavitation is not painful and is not necessary to make the adjustment effective.
 
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No. Each patient will go through a thorough examination, which will assist in developing a treatment plan. Many factors play a role in how a person is adjusted and their treatment options. The severity and longevity of the problem, in addition to the individual’s age, diet, physical fitness level, and health history will play a role in determining the patient’s individual treatment plan.
 
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Each patient recovers from injuries and chronic conditions differently. Recovery depends on the severity of the problem and how long it has been present. One pill will not cure a disease; neither will one adjustment. Your body will heal in relationship with how much healing has to be done. Making and keeping your appointments, following home treatment plans, and performing the stretches and exercises shown to you will greatly help your recovery.
 
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Absolutely! Too often, once a patient starts to feel better, they stop treatment. Unfortunately, the problem may recur. There are three phases of chiropractic care:

1. Initial Care- This phase begins with the first visit. The patient is in pain and depending on the severity and longevity of the problem, the pain will start to diminish during initial care. A single pill cannot cure an illness, nor can a single adjustment cure a severe or long-standing spinal problem.
2. Rehabilitative Care- This phase promotes complete healing. Even after the initial pain symptoms have eased, muscle and soft tissue damage can remain. If this damage is left untreated, a relapse can occur. This stage helps to restore joint mobility and function of the spine through adjustments, stretching, and strengthening exercises.
3. Wellness Care- During this phase the patient has adopted healthier posture, exercise, nutritional, and stress management habits that will help to keep them healthy. It is important to visit the chiropractor for check-ups to manage minor conditions before they become major concerns.