“Chiropractic is the method of adjustment, manipulation and rehabilitation for the neuromusculoskeletal system, the musculoskeletal system and the internal organs.” This is what Chiropractor Preston Leatherwood has to say about chiropractic. He is a graduate of Deakin University in Australia, where he studied chiropractic. After graduating, he worked first as a licensed acupuncturist in Melbourne, Australia, then as an assistant instructor at the Royal Australian College of Chiropractic in Sydney. He currently practices chiropractic as a full-time professional.
With his extensive knowledge of spinal biomechanics, Preston is qualified to help not only patients with acute injuries but also those with chronic conditions. He believes that chiropractic is best used in conjunction with other medical approaches, especially those that address the cause of the ailment, since chiropractic is designed to treat the physical aspects of a patient’s ailment, rather than just the symptoms. For example, by working on postural issues such as alignment, he can help treat upper body problems like neck pain and shoulder tension, as well as lower body problems like low back pain and arthritis. He can also evaluate patients for lung or heart problems, as well as to help manage headaches and migraines. In addition to working on postural issues, he can treat patients using mechanical devices, like chairs and tables, and manual therapies, such as ultrasound and electric stimulation.
The goal of chiropractic is to treat patients of all ages with an emphasis on wellness, rather than just symptoms. Since chiropractic is an alternative medical practice, its techniques and care methods are flexible. A chiropractor may employ a combination of postural adjustments, manual therapy, electrical stimulation and mechanical devices. He may also prescribe nutritional supplements, herbal remedies and dietary guidelines.
Chiropractors in Precinct 3 believe that the body’s structure and function are interrelated and that changes to the spine can affect the functioning of the whole body. They believe that chiropractors can use their hands for quick and safe adjustment to the spine. They do not rely on drugs or other treatments, such as muscle relaxants, which have not been scientifically proven to be effective in the treatment of back pain or neck pain.
A chiropractor may employ manual therapies, such as heat or cold therapy, pressure point manipulation or ultrasound for relief of sore muscles or joints. He may recommend stretching exercises to relieve tightness in the muscles and recommend therapeutic exercises to help patients build and strengthen their muscles. If a patient is pregnant, a chiropractor may not provide treatment. However, in most instances, if a pregnant woman begins having pains or difficulties in her pregnancy, she should see a chiropractor for further assessment and consideration of a course of treatment.
Most chiropractors begin with a history and examination of the patient, to determine the underlying cause of symptoms. They then plan an effective treatment plan for their patients, which will probably include spinal adjustments, acupuncture, herbal remedies and physical therapy. Some chiropractors conduct laboratory tests on their patients to determine which exercises and treatment may help the patient.
Some patients choose to undergo spinal manipulation by themselves at home, while others prefer to go to chiropractors who can provide them with specialized services. If a patient chooses to undergo the procedure in a chiropractic office, he/she will be monitored closely by a licensed chiropractor during the procedure. Special equipment, such as a high-tech digital video camera, is also used during some chiropractic procedures to aid the chiropractic practitioner in adjusting subluxations. Some chiropractors provide post-treatment instruction to help their patients maintain good posture after their treatments are done.
Some patients are given a referral to another chiropractic clinic or hospital if their initial treatment proves ineffective. This happens very seldom, but in rare cases it may be necessary to refer a patient elsewhere. It’s important to always contact your local chiropractic clinic before you leave the office for your treatment. That way, they can give your chiropractor an accurate history of your problem and explain what their recommended course of action may be. It may be wise to follow their advice, even if you think you’re better off without the chiropractor’s care.