Basically, chiropractic is actually a health profession which is concerned with diagnosing, treating and preventing mechanical problems in the musculoskeletal system, as well as the effects of such problems on the functioning of the nervous system and the general health as whole. Chiropractor Ofallon IL use their hands in treating disorders of the joints, muscles, and bone. Normally, treatments that involve using hands are known as the manual therapies.

To treat the musculoskeletal system disorders, chiropractors use different techniques but usually put more emphasis on spinal manipulation. They also give advice on various aspects such as lifestyle, diet and rehabilitation programs which include exercises that patients can undertake at home. In other cases a chiropractor may provide alternative treatments, for instance, acupuncture.

Basically, chiropractors are part of the complementary and alternative treatment meaning they are different from the other treatments that form part in the conventional medicine. On the other hand, chiropractors use treatments ideas and evidence which are not recognized by a majority of independent scientists.

Nevertheless, chiropractors in most cases treat those conditions specifically connected to the spine such as lower back pain and neck pain. In other cases, they may use chiropractic treatment on other conditions that may include asthma, infant colic and irritable bowel syndrome among many others.

Usually, chiropractic treatments are not a single treatments but a health profession where chiropractors may use one or several treatments. On the other hand, there is adequate evidences that manual therapy which involves manipulation of the spine and often used by a chiropractor is effective when treating persistent back pain. However, there lacks sufficient evidence on spinal manipulation to effectively treat musculoskeletal conditions like soft tissues, joints and bones. For this reasons, manual therapy lacks the strong basis that would be used to recommending chiropractic treatment.

Nevertheless, good chiropractors do their best in order to help relieve patients of their symptoms within the shortest time possible. They try to use few treatments as possible and to offer advice in order to avoid any future episodes of conditions such as sciatica. Because of the different philosophies and techniques in the chiropractic profession, it is usually important to ask all the necessary questions in order to understand the diagnosis and the treatment program.

On the initial consultation for the chiropractic treatment, patients normally follow a similar process as when visiting other physicians. Patients normally provide sufficient information of their background with emphasis on the symptoms and the conditions. A chiropractor practitioner might also want to know other information such where is the pain located, when the pain started, whether it is dull, sharp, throbbing or searing pain or if that pain could be due to injury. Patients may as well be required to offer more information about their own medical history and that of their families.

A chiropractic exam normally includes various tests such as blood pressure, reflexes, respiration, and pulse. The exam may also involve some orthopedic and neurological tests in order to assess muscle tone, the motion of the affected part, neurological integrity and muscle strength. Further tests on the affected areas may be necessary such as posture analysis, manipulation on the affected part as well having the patient move in a certain manner.