A chiropractor is a primary healthcare professional that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders related to the muscular, skeletal and nervous system. Chiropractic is a drug-free non-surgical approach, which utilises a variety of manual techniques to treat a myriad of conditions that cause pain and disability. Chiropractic treatment is suitable for all ages from infants to the aged. Although chiropractors are most commonly considered to have expertise in treating conditions relating to the spine (neck and back); a chiropractor is able to competently assess and treat any joint, muscle, tendon or ligament.
In South Africa, Chiropractors are required to complete 5 to 6 years of intensive educational and practical training. They have an in-depth and extensive knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and joint biomechanics. In addition, chiropractors are required to complete a dynamic internship programme that has been implemented as a mandatory registration requirement by the Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa (AHPCSA).
Chiropractic is a holistic health care approach which recognises the multiple factors that affect health, such as:
- Age
- Diet
- Exercise
- Stress
- Environment
- Ergonomics
- Family history etc.
All factors affecting health are taken into consideration when formulating a diagnosis and treatment plan. Therefore, a chiropractor may also provide patients with a long term treatment plan which includes exercise and stretch regimes; as well as lifestyle and ergonomic advice.
Pain and disability can negatively affect the quality of life. Chiropractic is a drug-free approach which aims to decrease pain, improve range of motion and restore function.
Who Can Benefit From Chiropractic Treatment?
Chiropractic treatment is suitable for all ages. The purpose of chiropractic is to decrease pain and inflammation; as well as restore the function of the body. Here are just some common conditions which chiropractors can effectively treat:
- Headaches
- Neck, back or any other joint pain (shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles etc.)
- Muscle strains
- Ligament/tendon injuries
- Stiffness or decreased mobility of joints
- Injuries related to accidents such as whiplash
- Sports Injuries (such as shoulder strains/sprains, tennis elbow; runner’s knee, achilles injuries, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, etc.)
- Post-operative pain and stiffness
- Nerve Impingement/pathologies which can be associated with pain, numbness and tingling (such as carpal tunnel syndrome, sciatica, etc.)
- Disc pathologies (such as disc herniations)
- Pain management during pregnancy
- Babies suffering with colic