With the rise of the internet and Google, the answer to any question is at our fingertips.
With services like Amazon Alexa, we don't even have to type anymore.
We ask a question into thin air, and a machine gives us an answer.
We have more information at our fingertips than every other generation had before us combined.
We carry around the entire collection of the worlds knowledge in our pockets.
Even with all this knowledge, there still seems to be confusion about chiropractic care.
Some people don't think it's legit.
Like it's just another new age alternative medicine that doesn't work.
Other people believe in it but aren't sure exactly what it is.
They think it's just getting your back popped.
It is that in a sense, but it's so much more.
Let's take a look at what chiropractic care is, and what it takes care of, the musculoskeletal system
Article Table of Contents:
- What is the musculoskeletal system?
- Common musculoskeletal disorders
- What's a Chiropractor?
- How does a chiropractor manipulate your musculoskeletal system?
- Chiropractors and the musculoskeletal system
What is the musculoskeletal system?
The musculoskeletal system is the combination of the muscular and skeletal systems working together.
The system includes the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body.
The musculoskeletal system gives us our shape, allows us to move, and protects our internal organs.
Most of the tasks you perform without thinking are performed by your musculoskeletal system.
Walking, sitting, standing, jumping and talking all use your musculoskeletal system.
If our musculoskeletal system doesn't work or is injured, our ability to perform these simple tasks is greatly hindered.
Just think of someone with a broken wrist or ankle. How does that affect their daily lives?
Sometimes we are hindered by our musculoskeletal system without having a broken bone.
There are multiple musculoskeletal disorders.
Common musculoskeletal disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, are the largest category of workplace injuries, and
In 2011 alone, companies spent $50 Billion on MSDs.
Simply put, an MSD is an injury that affects the movement of the body, or any part of the musculoskeletal system.
Common MSDs are:
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Herniated Disc
- Tendonitis
- Muscle strain
- Ligament Sprain
- Broken Bone
Several risk factors contribute to MSDs. Your age, family history, activity level, and your occupation all contribute to the likelihood of you having an MSD.
Work-related MSDs are the most common form of disorders.
Heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time all contribute to MSDs.
Many occupations require us to partake in at least one of those activities.
There are several ways we can heal and prevent MSDs.
The first thing to do is to avoid the activities listed above.
The second thing to do is to try to live an overall healthy lifestyle.
Maintain a healthy diet, exercise and drink plenty of water.
That will help strengthen your musculoskeletal system and prevent MSDs.
Another excellent way to prevent MSDs is to visit your chiropractor.
What's a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation to achieve proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal structure.
In most cases, this enables the body to heal itself without surgery or medication.
Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by musculoskeletal disorders.
People visit the chiropractor for pain relief in the musculoskeletal system.
The most common reasons people visit the chiropractor is for back and neck pain, but a chiropractor can adjust and manipulate the entire musculoskeletal system.
This makes chiropractors ideal for treating musculoskeletal disorders.
How does a chiropractor manipulate your musculoskeletal system?
A chiropractor uses their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to the musculoskeletal system, allowing them to adjust and correct alignment.
If performed correctly, the proper position of the musculoskeletal system is restored, giving the body the ability to address and heal the source of the pain.
These processes are often called alignments or manipulations.
During your first trip to the chiropractor, there are a few things that will happen.
Your DC, or doctor of chiropractic, will ask you about your medical history.
If you have any MSDs, where the pain is, when the symptoms started, etc.
They'll ask if you had a recent injury or an accident.
After that, they will conduct a physical exam of your musculoskeletal system that will help them reach a diagnosis.
If needed, they can also conduct image or lab studies to further the diagnostic process.
After the exam is completed, your DC will be able to reach a diagnosis.
This will determine if you need treatment from him or not.
If you do need treatment, they will work out a treatment plan with you that day.
If your chiropractor thinks you should be seen by a conventional doctor, he will make arrangements for that as well.
If chiropractic care is needed, you'll receive your first adjustment before you leave.
Chiropractors and the musculoskeletal system
If you are experiencing any musculoskeletal disorder such as back pain or neck pain, a chiropractor is an excellent option to relieve your pain.
Chiropractors manipulate your musculoskeletal system in order to achieve the proper alignment of your spine.
When your system is properly aligned, your body is better able to fight the disorders on its own.
Want to learn more? Check out the following articles on chiropractors and chiropractic care.
- How Long After A Car Accident Do I Have To See A Chiropractor?
- Are Neck Adjustments Safe?
- 10 Benefits of Chiropractic Care
- It's Not Just For Your Back
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