Chiropractic care has become a popular treatment choice for individuals suffering from pain and injury, bio-mechanical and other complex musculoskeletal conditions. However, the safety of Chiropractic treatments is often a topic of debate by those that have no understanding of the depth of training and deep knowledge and skill involved in becoming a qualified Doctor of Chiropractic.
As with many forms of medical care, there are possible but rare risks involved, but these risks are absolutely minimal when performed by qualified professionals. In this article, we will explore the safety of Chiropractic healthcare, focusing on the expertise and qualifications required to perform safe and effective musculoskeletal adjustments. Special attention will be given to Musculoskeletal Solutions, a trusted provider of Masters in professional Chiropractic healthcare in Christchurch city & Rangiora regional Clinic Silverstream, known for their commitment to providing high-level treatments with Master’s level trained practitioners.
Understanding Chiropractic HealthCare
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions and disorders, primarily those affecting the skeletal structure. The main technique employed in Chiropractic care is skeletal adjustment, or manipulation, which aims to improve skeletal function and therefore soften protective tissue to resolve pain.
Chiropractors use a range of refined manual techniques to adjust the skeletal structure, with the goal of restoring proper alignment, freeing pain, improving range of motion, and reducing muscle/tendon/fascia tension. These adjustments can have a profound impact on a patient's well-being, offering resolve from conditions such as lower back pain, shoulders, neck pain, headaches/migraines, sciatica, knees and pain in feet and all injury conditions.
It is important to note that Chiropractic healthcare is typically used as an alternative or complementary treatment to traditional medical approaches. Chiropractors do not prescribe medication, nor do they perform surgery. Instead, they focus on highly skilled physical adjustments and soft tissue release and rebalance to restore full biomechanical function.
The Safety of Adjustments - Chiropractor Christchurch City clinic explains
When conducted by a qualified and experienced Chiropractor, musculoskeletal adjustments are considered to be a completely safe treatment option. However, like many medical procedures, there are risks involved ( rare in the case of the Chiropractic profession), but noted if adjustments were performed incorrectly or by someone lacking proper training.
One of the main concerns raised by individuals considering Chiropractic healthcare is the risk of injury. Skeletal manipulation, or adjustments commonly used by Chiropractors, can seem intimidating to those unfamiliar with the procedure, there are many scaremongers that online write completely incorrect statements regarding exaggerated risks and possible risky outcomes - you will be comforted to know, from a perspective of the trained Masters in Chiropractic professional, these are completely incorrect statements. It is essential to recognise, however, that risks ultimately do exist in an incompetently given treatment - but even in such situations are absolutely rare. Professional Chiropractic practitioner training specifically teaches how precisely to avoid all possible risk.
The Importance of Qualifications
The level of education and expertise gained by the Chiropractic Doctor largely is the determining factor almost guaranteeing the safety of Chiropractic adjustments. In New Zealand, Chiropractors must complete a minimum of five years of university training to obtain a Bachelor or Master’s degree in Chiropractic. This rigorous university medical training covers a wide range of physiological subjects, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiology, biomechanics, and clinical practice. Chiropractors also receive hundreds of hours of hands-on training, where they learn to perform skeletal adjustments, developing very refined, meticulous techniques that are defined by clear medical boundaries and stay in a zone of maximum effectiveness and complete safety - unlike surgical and drug alternatives.
At Musculoskeletal Solutions, Chiropractor Christchurch Clinic, and Rangiora Chiropractor clinic, patients can rest assured that they are in the hands of highly qualified practitioners. The clinic prides itself on employing Master’s-qualified Chiropractors who have undergone extensive education and training. These practitioners possess a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system, allowing them to deeply understand diagnosis and where exactly the patient's Musculoskeletal structure sits currently in terms of pinpointing where the body precisely is out of alignment and hence are able to perform adjustments with a high level of precision and expertise.
It is also important to highlight that Chiropractic care is not limited to just spinal adjustments. A comprehensive treatment plan includes the total body and soft tissue therapy to provide a comprehensive result and prevent future musculoskeletal problems. The approach taken by Musculoskeletal Solutions focuses on both short-term relief and long-term solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
The Role of Chiropractors in Diagnosing and Treating Musculoskeletal Conditions
One of the most important roles of a Chiropractic Doctor is diagnosing the underlying cause of a patient’s pain or discomfort. Chiropractors are highly skilled in evaluating a patient’s musculoskeletal system through physical exams, medical history, and sometimes if necessary diagnostic tests. They are trained to identify all kinds of medical and musculoskeletal conditions that may be causing pain, discomfort, or dysfunction.
Unlike physiotherapists, who may focus primarily on rehabilitation and exercise, Chiropractic doctors are experts in musculoskeletal diagnostics, radiology analysis, medical analysis and manual adjustments. This distinction is particularly important when it comes to skeletal adjustments. While physiotherapists may use techniques such as mobilisation or stretching, they do not typically undergo the specialised training required to perform highly specific skeletal adjustments. Chiropractic doctors, on the other hand, spend years studying the intricacies of manual adjustments to safely and effectively manipulate the spine and joints.
Be Wary of Less Experienced Practitioners
Unfortunately, not all individuals who claim to be able to perform spinal adjustments are qualified Chiropractic doctors. Some physiotherapists, for instance, may advertise skeletal adjustments as part of their treatments, despite not being formally trained in this area. While physiotherapists are certainly qualified to treat musculoskeletal conditions, they do not traditionally specialise in skeletal manipulation, which requires a deep understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine and wider structure.
It is essential for patients to seek Chiropractic care from practitioners who are highly trained in musculoskeletal adjustments. A well-trained chiropractor will be able to accurately diagnose the issue and perform an adjustment tailored to the patient’s specific needs. If you are receiving care from someone who is not a qualified Chiropractic doctor, you may be missing out on the benefits of more comprehensive and effective care.
At Musculoskeletal Solutions, Chiropractic Christchurch clinic and Rangiora Chiropractor clinic, we believe that education and expertise are paramount to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our treatments. Our chiropractors have completed extensive training, earning their Master’s qualifications and demonstrating their ability to perform safe, effective spinal adjustments that are tailored to each patient’s individual condition.
The Role of X-rays in Chiropractic Care
Another common concern is the overuse of X-rays in Chiropractic healthcare. Some Chiropractors may routinely take X-rays of every new patient, which is unnecessary for every individual and potentially harmful due to the exposure to radiation. However, it is important to note that X-rays are sometimes required for patients with unusual presentation or initial response does not bring results as it should.
A well-trained Chiropractor, such as those at Musculoskeletal Solutions, Chiropractor Clinic Christchurch city clinic and Rangiora chiropractor clinic, will conduct a thorough assessment, using their clinical skills and expertise to determine whether X-rays are necessary. In most cases, X-rays are not needed, as Chiropractors are highly skilled at manually diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions through physical examinations and medical history.
That being said, there are instances when X-rays are essential for ruling out serious underlying conditions, such as fractures, infections, or tumours. A good Chiropractic doctor will always ensure that X-rays are used only when necessary and will exercise caution when making this decision.
Activator Guns: What You Need to Know
Some Chiropractors use an instrument known as an "activator" or "adjusting gun" to perform spinal adjustments - this has been increasingly popular by graduates in recent years. Although these devices deliver a quick, very gentle force to the joints to attempt to facilitate adjustments - they do create effectiveness in some cases such as the elderly, weaker vulnerable individuals, to babies and small children and in animal Chiropractic in certain cases.
At Musculoskeletal Solutions, we do not use activator guns as a primary means of treatment. While these devices may have a place in certain cases, they generally do not offer the same depth of adjustment that can be achieved through traditional manual spinal manipulation. Chiropractors at Musculoskeletal Solutions are trained in the art of manual adjustments, which involve a deeper, more targeted correction of spinal misalignments. By using their skilled hands, our practitioners can assess and adjust the spine and all other joints with precision, ensuring that each adjustment is tailored to the patient's unique needs.
Chiropractic Care Versus Traditional Medical Treatments
Many patients seek chiropractic care as an alternative to more invasive medical treatments, such as surgery or long-term pharmaceutical use. While medication and surgery certainly have their place in modern medicine, chiropractic care presents a lower-risk alternative for managing musculoskeletal pain.
Pharmaceutical drugs, such as painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications, come with well-known side effects, including digestive issues, addiction potential, and long-term health risks. Surgery, on the other hand, carries significant risks, including it simply not being successful, complications from anaesthesia, infection, and long recovery times.
Chiropractic healthcare, when performed by a qualified practitioner, is a much safer, non-invasive option that addresses the root cause of musculoskeletal issues without relying on medications or surgical interventions. While there is always a small risk involved with any medical procedure, the likelihood of serious injury from Chiropractic healthcare is incredibly low, particularly when the Chiropractic doctor is well-trained and experienced.
Conclusion: Trust Musculoskeletal Solutions for Expert Chiropractic Care Christchurch City
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option for musculoskeletal issues, but it is essential to seek care from a highly trained, qualified chiropractor. The practitioners at Musculoskeletal Solutions, Chiropractor Christchurch City clinic and Rangiora North Canterbury clinics are committed to providing the highest level of professional Chiropractic and Sports Chiropractic healthcare. With Master’s qualifications, years of training, and expertise in musculoskeletal adjustments. Our Chiropractors are equipped to deliver safe, effective treatments that address the root cause of your pain or discomfort.
If you are considering Chiropractic healthcare or have any unresolved musculoskeletal conditions, don’t hesitate to reach out to 'one of the most comprehensive clinics in Canterbury for treatments in pain and injury - contact Musculoskeletal Solutions for an expert consultation and our comprehensive treatments are second to none. We are here to help you take the first step toward optimal health and full well-being.
For any queries or specialised treatments, feel free to contact us at support@headachetendon.com.au.
We go further to ensure the highest standard of care and the best possible results for our patients.
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