Chiropractic is a branch of alternative medicine mostly concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Proponents claim that such disorders affect general health via the nervous system.
The main chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues, but may also include exercises and health and lifestyle counseling.
Chiropractic is generally categorized as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or integrative medicine. It is the largest alternative medical profession, making up about 4% of the health care workforce in the United States. In 2010, there were about 60,000 actively practicing chiropractors in the United States, although the actual number may be higher since some chiropractors practice without formal licensure.
According to a 2005 Gallup poll, approximately 34% of adults in the U.S. had used chiropractic at some point in their lives, and 14% of U.S. adults had seen a chiropractor in the previous 12 months. A 2006 survey of Louisiana adults found that 45% of respondents had used chiropractic in the previous 12 months.
A 2010 Cochrane review of studies concluded that chiropractic "is effective for treatment of low back pain", but "it is no more effective for low back pain than other conventional or complementary treatments." A 2011 systematic review found moderate evidence that chiropractic care was effective for chronic low back pain. In general, the effectiveness of chiropractic appears to be limited to treating back and neck pain.
A 2012 systematic review suggested that the use of spine manipulation in clinical practice is a cost-effective treatment when used alone or in combination with other treatment approaches.
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) recommends that chiropractic be used as part of a comprehensive health care program, but they caution that it should only be done by a trained and licensed chiropractor. The ACA also recommends that people with serious health conditions should always consult with their primary care physician before seeking chiropractic care.
There is some controversy surrounding chiropractic, and its effectiveness is still debated. Chiropractic is not covered by all insurance plans, and its cost may not be eligible for reimbursement by some health plans.
If you are considering seeking chiropractic care, it is important to discuss your decision with your primary care physician,
How will I know if my condition has improved enough to discontinue care?
It is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor to determine if your condition has improved enough to discontinue care. You and your doctor can review your symptoms and how well you have responded to treatment. Factors that may be considered include:
-The severity of your symptoms -How long you have had symptoms -The extent to which your symptoms have interfered with your daily life -The side effects of your medication -Your overall health
If your doctor decides that your condition has improved enough to discontinue care, they will likely decrease the frequency of your visits and eventually discontinue your care altogether. You may be asked to return for periodic follow-up visits to ensure that your condition does not worsen.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should you stop chiropractic treatment?
If you are experiencing any negative side effects from chiropractic treatment, excessive bleeding or bruising, experiencing seizures, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs, then it is best to stop the treatment immediately.
How often should I re-evaluate my chiropractic treatment plan?
It is important that patients re-evaluate their chiropractic care plan every 4-6 weeks, in order to optimize the patient’s treatment and keep them as informed as possible about their symptoms.
Does chiropractic care run counter to our assumptions about healthcare?
There’s no single answer to this question, as different people may have different assumptions about healthcare. Some of the most common assumptions about health care include that it is readily available and affordable, and that itQuick fixes are usually not the best option for addressing long-term health concerns. Chiropractic care often goes beyond traditional medical treatments by focusing on underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. This approach tends to take a bit more time than traditional healthcare models, which can understandably throw people off balance. When we first encounter a model like this, it can feel like it isn’t in line with our expectations of what healthcare should be like.
Can I cancel my Joint Chiropractic membership?
Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time by calling our Member Services Department at 800-776-7755.
How do you decide when to stop chiropractic treatment?
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individual patient and their symptoms. In general, however, it may be useful to periodically re-evaluate how the patient’s symptoms are improving or progressing, and make decisions based on those evaluations.
