Chiropractic is the third largest healthcare profession in the world. Yet, many people have no idea what a chiropractor exactly does and what issues they can address. They are primarily known as “crackers” because of the sound you sometimes hear during a treatment. To dispel this myth right away: that cracking sound is not your bones, but gas/air escaping or shifting between the vertebrae. What is chiropractic? Where does this practice originate from? What techniques are there? Is it right for you? In this blog, you’ll find answers to these questions and more. Here’s to a healthy life without pain
The origins of chiropractic
Chiropractic is a natural healing method focusing on the spine and nervous system. The American Dr. Palmer is considered the founder of chiropractic when he cured a deaf man at the end of the 19th century with a chiropractic treatment. This deafness had occurred due to a shifted vertebra/ blockage of nerves. He discovered a connection between complaints and certain issues in the spine. Dr. Palmer’s son continued his work, conducted extensive scientific research, and established a school for chiropractic.
Did you know: the word chiropractic is derived from the Greek words ‘cheiros’ (hand) and ‘pratto’ (practice)? This refers to the manual treatments.
Studying chiropractic is almost equivalent to studying medicine at university and takes 5 years. In the Netherlands, there is no chiropractic education; most chiropractors study in England, France, Denmark, the United States, or Australia. After completing the education, certain certificates are still required to practice specializations.
What is chiropractic?
Chiropractic is based on the idea that the body can heal itself and that the structure of the spine influences overall health. In other words, if your spine is in the correct position and your nervous system is functioning optimally, this contributes to better immune function, sleep quality, and energy levels.
Alternative medicine
Chiropractic is practiced worldwide. It is a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes understanding the body as a whole system rather than treating individual symptoms. This holistic approach is based on the body’s natural healing ability. Other forms of alternative medicine include acupuncture and herbal medicine. Because chiropractic is relatively new compared to other practices (approximately 100 years old), it is not yet recognized in some countries.
Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, chiropractic is not covered by basic insurance; you always need supplementary insurance. The effectiveness of chiropractic treatments varies from person to person and depends on many factors such as lifestyle, medical history, and age. At Avant Garde Chiropractic, dozens of people are helped daily; feel free to check out all the reviews on Google.
Who is chiropractic for?
Chiropractic is for everyone, from babies and teenagers to pregnant women and seniors. Chiropractic is mainly known as a good treatment method for back pain and muscle tension, but you can seek help from a chiropractor for many other complaints, including:
- Headaches and migraines
- Digestive problems
- Neck and shoulder pain
- RSI complaints like tennis elbow
- Bursitis
- Herniated discs, sciatica, and lumbago
- Pregnancy-related complaints
- Pelvic instability
- Jaw problems
- Children’s complaints (bedwetting, ADHD)
- Infant complaints (excessive crying, torticollis)
This is far from all the issues chiropractic treatments can help with. Are you unsure if chiropractic is the solution for your complaint(s)? Email all your questions to info@avantgardechiropractie.nl or call 023-2052188.
Focus on prevention
Although most people only visit the chiropractor when they have complaints, chiropractic care is actually intended as a preventive measure to maintain overall health and well-being. This can be compared to going to the dentist regularly to prevent cavities or dental problems. Regular treatment at the chiropractor keeps your body supple, healthy, and balanced. This can prevent many problems. It’s like an MOT for your body. Unfortunately, chiropractic as a preventive treatment method is not yet very well-known, but we would like to change that.
Chiropractic treatments
Are you going to a chiropractor for the first time? We would like to get to know you better through an intake interview, where we delve into your complaints, medical history, and lifestyle. We also conduct a physical examination to feel the alignment of your spine and muscle tension. After discussing the findings, you’ll receive advice and a personalized treatment plan. A chiropractic treatment mainly consists of manipulation of the spine. We apply controlled pressure to specific joints to restore normal movement and relieve any blockages. Additionally, if necessary, you will receive exercises, and we are happy to provide tips on a healthy lifestyle and good posture.
Different techniques
There are various techniques within chiropractic. The technique used depends on the needs and comfort levels of the client. Some commonly used techniques in chiropractic include:
- Diversified Technique: A versatile approach that uses various manual adjustment techniques to align the spine correctly, make joints more flexible, and restore flexibility. Short, quick ‘pushes’ in specific spots help reduce muscle tension and allow joints to move normally.
- SOT (Sacro Occipital Technique): This is a method in chiropractic that focuses on restoring balance in the pelvis and spine. Chiropractors using this technique apply gentle adjustments, especially to the sacrum and occiput. The goal is to improve communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body to promote overall health.
- Activator Technique: This technique uses a small handheld instrument to gently adjust specific joints, restore movement, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. This gentle technique is especially suitable for children or people with a sensitive nervous system.
- Thompson Drop Technique: In this technique, you lie on a special table with ‘drop’ sections. The chiropractor treats with a quick push while the table ‘drops’ to minimize pressure. It often looks more intense than it is.
- Webster Technique: This chiropractic technique is specifically for pregnant women, focusing on restoring the pelvis. Chiropractors adjust the spine and pelvis to promote more comfortable pregnancies.
- NOT (Neural Organisation Technique): A well-functioning nervous system is crucial for optimal health. This technique focuses on optimizing communication between the nervous system and the rest of the body. It ensures better balance within the nervous system, which can be influenced by various factors such as stress, physical traumas, or emotional tensions.
Healthy with chiropractic
Now that you know what chiropractic is, where it comes from, and how it works approximately, there’s only one thing left to do: make an appointment and experience for yourself how wonderful it is. Whether you have a whole range of complaints or just want to come preventively, you won’t regret it. Our experienced team is ready to assist you!