What do you think of when you think of a chiropractor? You might think of someone who cracks your back or neck. Chiropractic is more than this. It is considered a form of CAM and can greatly help in some circumstances.
Chiropractic focuses on the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. The "back cracking" may be part of adjustments that are made to the musculoskeletal system but there are multiple interventions that chiropractors use. The following are some included interventions that chiropractors might incorporate:
- manipulation of joints and spine
- muscle tension assessment
- massage
- physical therapy
- heat and ice
- electrical stimulation
- exercise
- relaxation techniques
- posture advice
- nutritional and self-care
Typical chiropractic practice includes a combination of the above interventions. There is however, a small subset of chiropractors who adhere to a strictly vertebral subluxation approach. This is an assessment and adjustment of the spinal cord where this group believes that many disorders originate from (Freeman, 2009).
The research on how effective chiropractic is said to be poor by some. See http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/top-10-chiropractic-studies-of-2013/ for information on one person's assessment on the top 10 studies on chiropractic in 2013. Based upon the factors of a solid study design, these do not look promising.
So the question remains-- is chiropractic a valid intervention? The research and the opinions are vast. From personal experience, I have had both positive and negative experiences from chiropractic intervention specific for back pain. Doing some research and talking with multiple physicians regarding your condition is the best path to follow. It may lead to hearing and reading various views but an informed decision is better than taking a chance.
References
Freeman, L.W. (2009) Mosby's complementary & alternative medicine: A research-based approach. (3rd ed). Mosby.
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