The basic concept of chiropractic therapy
The body has a powerful and surprising ability to health itself. The spine and its function have a close relation, which affects our health. The goal of chiropractic therapy is to normalise the relationship between the structure and function and help the body as it heals.
What happens in a typical chiropractic session
During your first visit, your chiropractor will go through your medical history and will examine you physically. You might also be asked to go through other lab tests such as X-ray and more. It’s post all the tests that the chiropractor will determine if you should undergo the chiropractic therapy.
During the treatment, one or more adjustments might be done. Adjustments are also called manipulation. The therapy is done manually, which means it is done by hands.
The adjustments are done to increase the quality and range of motion in the area being treated.
Apart from manipulation, most chiropractors use other treatments such as mobilization (moving a joint through the range of its motion), massage and non-manual treatments such as applying ice or heat and electric stimulation.
Side effects of chiropractic treatment
Chiropractic treatment does not have any severe side effects. Some side effects include temporary discomfort in the parts of the body that have been treated, dizziness and headache. These side effects go away in one-two days.
Chiropractic therapy for breast cancer survivors
Some research and studies have shown that chiropractic therapy can help relieve headaches, back and joint pain in women who had breast cancer treatment. There have also been studies that claim that chiropractic therapy is used to relieve menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors. The results of the therapy on breast cancer survivors are mixed.
Things to consider before you decide to go for chiropractic therapy
It’s important to talk to your doctor before you decide to undergo chiropractic therapy. Two important things to keep in mind are:
– Anyone on anticoagulants (blood thinners) may have a higher risk of stroke caused by the manipulation of the spine.
– Women with weak bones or osteoporosis from breast cancer may be at risk of broken bone due to chiropractic therapy.
If you are getting chiropractic therapy after breast cancer, the chiropractor has to be extra cautious with the adjustments near the area where the surgery is done.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
