Chiropractor:
Mike Badke; Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) / Active Release Techniques Practitioner
What is Chiropractic?
The word Chiropractic is derived from Greek and means 'to perform with the hands'. This is because the most important component in a Chiropractor's treatment is the manual treatment of the joints and muscles of the
body.
We know from paintings from ancient Egypt and Greece that the treatment we call
Chiropractic was used thousands of years ago. However, modern Chiropractic was not founded until 1895 by
Daniel David Palmer in the United States.
Today, Chiropractors are specially educated in treating the joints and muscles of the body with their
hands. As of June 2001 the term 'chiropractor' is protected by law - anyone referring to themselves as a
chiropractor has to be registered with the General Chiropractic Council, who can also provide details of
registered chiropractors.
What happens when you go to see a Chiropractor?
Before the course of treatment, the patient will always be examined thoroughly. The purpose of the
examination is to decide whether the problem qualifies for Chiropractic treatment and also to make as
precise a diagnosis as possible.
Patient's history:
The Chiropractor will ask questions to get as accurate a picture of the problem as possible. The patient
may be asked about working conditions, previous diseases, operations, medicine taken, as well as general
questions about their lifestyle.
Examination:
Before the examination, the patient will be asked to undress so that the Chiropractor can see the whole
body. Often, the patient's blood pressure and pulse will be taken. The chiropractor may listen to the
patient's heart and lungs or conduct other examinations.
Then the patient's problem will be examined in detail, for instance by orthopaedic (bone) and
neurological (nerve) tests and by testing the patient's joint and muscle functions.
X-ray examination:
It may be necessary to X-ray the part of the body where the patient is experiencing problems.
What is Chiropractic treatment?
Treatment at a Chiropractor is usually painless and, contrary to popular belief, seems completely
normal and undramatic. The Chiropractor will choose the most appropriate treatment for the patient's
problem.
Manipulation treatment
Manipulation is the Chiropractor's most important technique. With his or her hands, the Chiropractor
moves a joint a little further than the patient would be able to do on their own.
The vacuum that exists in most joints in the body is overcome and small bubbles of gas are created in
the synovial fluid between the joints. These bubbles can cause the audible 'snap' that can often
accompany manipulation. This sound is not caused by bones grating against each other or by something
being torn.
The purpose of this treatment is to normalise the functions of the joints and muscles and to ease, or
remove, pain.
Soft tissue treatment
The Chiropractor also treats the soft tissues of the body - the muscles and tendons. This may be done
by different forms of massage and stretching.
Training
An important part of Chiropractic treatment is to teach the patient how to take care of their own body.
The patient may be given a programme of exercises to be done at home.
Recent research shows that special training under supervision from educated personnel is valuable for
patients with persistent pains in their back and neck. This kind of training now forms part of the
treatment offered by many chiropractors.
Prevention
Once the problem has been relieved, it is important to prevent similar problems arising in the future.
The Chiropractor will talk to the patient to identify any strains that their body is exposed to, eg at
work, home or playing sport.
It may be necessary for the chiropractor to contact the person's work place or sports club. Aids or supports may also need
to be purchased.
What does a Chiropractor treat?
Most people will consult a Chiropractor because of pains in their back and neck. But poor functioning of the muscles and joints can affect people in many ways.
The nervous system may also be affected and this can cause other symptoms, such as headaches from tension,
sciatica and pains in the legs, chest or stomach.
Badly functioning joints and muscles may cause pains in areas other than where the problem is situated.
These are called referred pains. The Chiropractor also treats referred pain in, for example, shoulders,
elbows, hips, knees and feet.
Babies who cry a lot may also have problems that can be treated by a Chiropractor.
Can I have Chiropractic treatments on my private medical insurance?
Most private health funds give benefits for Chiropractic treatment. Reimbursement will depend on the
insurer and the plan you have chosen. Contact the helpline of your insurance company who will explain the
actual benefits and methods of claim for your individual policy. If your Health Fund is a member of
HICAPS
we can reimburse your benefit at City Clinic.
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