Hi Willpower!
Before I begin, I do want to remind you that, as a Google Researchers,
I cannot give you medical advice. I can however review some of the
data available on the web and present you a condensed version of that
information, along with links so that you can review the information
first-hand.
I must also urge you to consult with your doctor and a chiropractor
for advice specific to your particular case.
Now let's take a look at what chiropractors do:
According to the American Chiropractic Association, Chiropractors use:
"procedures specifically include the adjustment and manipulation of
the articulations and adjacent tissues of the human body, particularly
of the spinal column. Included is the treatment of intersegmental
aberrations for alleviation of related functional disorders."
http://www.amerchiro.org/media/whatis/
Chiropractic employs manipulation and adjustment of body structures,
such as the spinal column, so that pressure on nerves coming from the
spinal cord due to displacement (subluxation) of a vertebral body may
be relieved.
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/Art.asp?li=MNI&ArticleKey=2706
These "intersegmental aberrations" are also known as "subluxations" or
a "misaligned" spine. So yes, adjusting a misaligned spine is exactly
what chiropractors do.
Subluxation is defined as a motion segment, in which alignment,
movement integrity, and/or physiological function of the spine are
altered although contact between joint surfaces remains intact.
However, some subluxations can be relieved, while others cannot. Only
your doctor or chiropractor can give you a prognosis for your cas.
Acute subluxation: A patient's condition is considered acute when the
patient is being treated for a new injury, identified by x-ray or
physical exam as specified above. The result of chiropractic
manipulation is expected to be an improvement in, arrest or
retardation of the patient's condition.
Chronic subluxation: A patient's condition is considered chronic when
it is not expected to completely resolve (as is the case with an acute
condition), but where the continued therapy can be expected to result
in some functional improvement.
http://www.hgsa.com/professionals/letters/l-123099.shtml
"...information from the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA),
... defines the utilization guidelines for chiropractic services and
itemizes documentation requirements to determine medical necessity of
chiropractic treatment.:
http://www.gamedicare.com/newspubs/SpecBull/9915.htm
The use and success of chiropractic treatment however is highly
controversial. Arguments over the effectiveness of chiropractic
treatment, the qualifications of chiropractors as medical
practitioners, the safety of spinal manipulation and the definition
and necessity to treat "subluxations" have raged for 30 years in
courts, the halls of congress, the American Medical Association,
insurance companies, and in the media.
Overviews of the ongoing argument --
http://skepdic.com/chiro.html
http://archinte.ama-assn.org/issues/v158n20/abs/ira80461.html
I'll present you with a couple of Fors and Againsts and leave it for
you and your health-care professionals to weigh -
FOR:
Here the American Chiropractic Association
http://www.amerchiro.org/media/record/
The American College of Surgeons.
http://www.facs.org/fellows_info/statements/st-2.html
AGAINST:
http://www.quackwatch.com/index.html (scroll down to "C")
http://www.chirobase.org/
Further reading:
http://www.jvsr.com/index.htm
I hope I've given you enough information and enough additional links
to explore your options more fully –
K~
search terms:
Chiropractic associations
Chiropractic Subluxation
Chiropractic Misalignment
Chiropractic treatment subluxation L1 V12 |
