People are easily intrigued by the idea of chiropractic care when they hear stories from friends and neighbors of instant relief of various pains. If you are considering a visit to Chiropractors in Ferguson, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some terminology before you go.
Misalignment
Muscles usually work in pairs, especially around the spine. When one muscle becomes tight, it tends to pull the other one causing bones to move slightly away from their normal position. When chiropractors talk about misalignment, they are referring to this simultaneous muscle and joint imbalance which is usually the source of a patient’s pain and restricted movement.
Subluxation
While misalignment is a term for general imbalance, subluxation refers specifically to the partial or complete dislocation of joints that result from an injury or chronic posture problems.
Manipulation and Mobilization
Most people would frown at the idea of being manipulated by their doctor, but in the chiropractic world, manipulation is a good thing! Manipulation is the most common treatment a chiropractor uses to correct misalignment and usually involves a forceful thrust which often results in a painless, but audible ‘pop’. Manipulation is what most people think of as a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractors will also treat complaints with mobilization which involves gently moving and stretching joints and muscles to improve imbalances.
Spinal Talk
When chiropractors mention thoracic vertebrae, it may sound like a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth, but they are talking about the spine! Cervical vertebrae refer to the bones and joints in the upper neck, thoracic refers to the upper back, and lumbar refers to the lower back.
Other Considerations
When visiting the chiropractor, your treatment plan will depend on the type of your injury. If a patient has suddenly hurt themselves in a fall, a minor car accident, or by awkwardly lifting something heavy, often one or two visits can correct a misalignment. If a patient has a more chronic condition from continual posture problems like daily hunching over a computer or carrying small children, imbalances are more effectively treated with weekly or monthly adjustments. Also remember that chiropractors are highly trained to treat problems of the musculoskeletal system, but are not usually able to prescribe medications.
Knowing these chiropractor basics should take the mystery out of anyone’s first trip to a chiropractor. Visit Website Domain to find the best Chiropractors in Ferguson.
