A chiropractor is a doctor who deals with healing the body, through alternative techniques. The science behind this theory is that the body can heal itself under the right circumstances. A chiropractor Riverside CA-based chiropractor understands how the body works, and what it takes for the body to regain its strength and vitality.

The techniques a chiropractor uses address every part of the body, and promote healing from within. The joints, bones, arms, wrists, shoulders, arms, and legs, are the extremities that a chiropractor works on to improve and increase optimal mobility.

The Beginning of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care began on September 18, 1895. At this time, chiropractics would focus on four distinct areas of care, dealing with the human body; bonesetting, orthodox science, magnetic healing, and health reform. By the nineteenth century, bonesetting had become popular. Bonesetters basically put bones and joints back into their sockets.

With the help of a conversant Greek minister, “Bonesetting” became known as “chiropractic“, which means “hand work”. The tradition of bonesetting was combined with magnetic healing, which believes that the body is filled with magnetic energy that leads to the path of the nervous system. If the spinal vertebrae were misaligned, it is believed that energy is blocked and prevents the magnetic energy from flowing freely throughout the body.

Orthodox science introduced spinal irritation and subluxation. Through this concept, it was then that chiropractic was finally accepted. This concept made it possible for health reform to be recognized as alternative medicine practitioners. This proves that traditional medicine has its limitations when it comes to treating the whole person.

Chiropractor Methods Today

Today, modern-day chiropractors use many different types of methods to treat their patients. These methods are designed to heal, restore and realign the misaligned bones, and to restore the body to its original form, if possible. Some of the techniques below are commonly used by chiropractors worldwide. Whatever problem you are experiencing in your body, you can get the help you need at a chiropractor’s office.

Flexion-Distraction

Quality chiropractors will likely use this technique if you are experiencing lumbar or spinal issues. If you are suffering from lower back pain, sciatica nerve damage, and disc injuries, this method can bring you relief. The flexion-distraction fixes bulging discs and herniations.  Experienced chiropractors can manipulate the spine, thus, removing pressure from the discs.

Gonstead Technique

The Gonstead technique is known as the most effective technique used to realign the spine. This technique relieves pressure off the spine by means of manual manipulation. When you lay on your side, a chiropractor will realign your joints, which are causing you pain, stiffness or discomfort. This method works best if you have limited mobility. Since the use of this technique is so popular, it is now being taught in most chiropractic courses.

Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization

The spinal manipulation and mobilization technique is the manipulation of the spinal column to improve the function and mobility of the surrounding joints.The technique uses a gentle thrusting motion which activates the flexibility of the joints by stretching them.

The Drop Technique

To get the full effect of the spinal manipulation technique, your chiropractor will place you on a table that drops in small increments, as the chiropractor works to apply pressure to the spine or other parts of the body. This technique requires that the chiropractor analyze the length of your legs and how they line up with your spine and pelvis.

Extremity Manipulation

This extremity manipulation technique targets all the extremities of the body including the knees, arms, legs, shoulders, elbows, hips, wrists, and ankle joints. Through the manipulation of this technique, some discomfort may be experienced depending on the sensitivity of the joints.

This technique also treats you if you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The chiropractor works by aligning the joints on the outside of the body, to help improve mobility.

Activator Method

The activator method alleviates pain in the neck and back, and the extremities located outside of the spine. We use a special adjustment instrument that pinpoints the affected areas of the body. The ideal is to prevent the body from tensing up.

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