While chiropractors are not medical doctors, they treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system. The neuromusculoskeletal system consists of the nervous system and the muscular system, and the interrelation of the two. Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on treating conditions related to the neuromusculoskeletal system. Chiropractors use methods such as spinal adjustments or manipulation, the Sacro-Occipital Technique and other techniques to treat or alleviate patients’ health issues related to the neck and spine, especially complaints of pain. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that approximately 27 million Americans undergo treatment from a chiropractor every year.
First Visit
During a first visit to a chiropractor, the patient is likely to go through a regular medical intake exam, with verbal questioning as to symptoms and any relevant medical history. After a review of the patient’s symptoms, a chiropractor may conduct a physical examination of the patient, paying close attention to areas that are identified as causing pain. A chiropractor may also recommend further diagnostic testing through the use of X-Rays or other imaging exams. After a diagnosis is made, the chiropractor, in consultation with the patient, may determine a course of treatment for the patient.
In most cases a chiropractor may recommend adjustments for treatment of neck and back pain, which consists of spinal manipulation. The length and frequency of sessions typically varies based on a patient’s treatment plan and medical condition. With adjustments, a patient may require fewer sessions as their pain decreases, going from weekly sessions to monthly sessions as needed. A chiropractor may suggest additional changes, such as orthopedic shoes or weight loss to go along with a chiropractic treatment.
Conditions A Chiropractor Can Treat
Although chiropractors are best known for treating back pain, there are a host of other conditions that a chiropractor may be able to treat. These include, but are not limited to;
- Fibromyalgia;
- Osteoarthritis/degenerative joint disease;
- Chronic headaches;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Sciatica;
- Whiplash;
- Herniated discs; and
- Scoliosis.
There is also evidence that patients who have suffered from traumatic brain injuries, for example as a result of a car accident, may be able to benefit from chiropractic treatments. For a patient suffering from a mild traumatic brain injury, chiropractic treatments can assist with pain management, and can help reduce symptoms related to balance, allowing the patient to have more motor skills, as the neural system heals. Due to the unpredictable nature of traumatic brain injuries, a complementary approach using both conventional medicine and chiropractic may be beneficial to some patients.
Chiropractic treatments can help alleviate pain without the use of strong pain medicine that may lead some patients to addiction. Visits to a chiropractor may be covered under your medical insurance depending on your insurance plan. It is best to check if you can get coverage for treatment directly, or if you have to combine your chiropractic treatment with more conventional medicine.
Can Chiropractors Treat Injuries? Contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney for More Answers
If you have been injured by someone else’s negligence or reckless conduct you should contact the Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at the Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, at any time for a free consultation by calling 702.252.0055. We are happy to help.
