Chiropractic in general

From a long ago , since the ancient greek and Iran and from Hyppocratis to AveSina , both oriental and occidental medicine believe in the vital role of the spine , central nerve system , and all the sensory-motor nerves in human being’s health. And manipulation of such organs , displacement of spine and regulation of the pressure on the sensory-motor nerves could deeply affect the process of recovery and treatment.

Chiropractic by definition:

This branch is defined as the modification of the ribs and joints positions by the application of pressure and strain exerted by the therapist’s hand and by use of various modem machines (manipulation). For better understanding of the goals and content of this branch of medicine a short review of the anatomiy of the spine seems necessary first.

Human being’s spine is comprised of an arrangement of ribs, discs, ligaments and tendons supported and held by a number of muscles round. The spine is divided into four regions:

1. 1. 1. Cervical vertebra (consists of 7 ribs)
      2. Thoracic vertebra (consists of 12 ribs)
      3. Lumbar vertebra (consists of 5 ribs)
      4. Sacral vertebra (consists of 7 ribs)

Notice that the three first sections (neck , Chest and Waist) include separate ribs between which there is a jelly and cartilage-like material called disc and facilitates movements and eases up the tensions and pressures. But the fourth section (Exterior) there is a combination of ribs attached without any discs.

On the whole the human spine performs two major roles in the body:

1. Retention of stability in the body (as the main frame of the body).
2. Protection of the spine cord that carries electric signals of sensory-motor and central and peripheral nerves.

There are 31 couples of spinal nerves along the spine path and are extended outward on the two sides and from inter-vertebral spaces. Each of these nerves has its own function in controlling the activities of internal organs like liver, gall bladder , spleen , lungs, heart and so on and, in short , all the sensory-motor organs . Hence, any stress or physical pressure and strike or impact directly or indirectly on the spine could result in the stimulation of these 31 nerves that in turn could affect the relevant organs. In other words, as well as inter-vertebrate disc hernia, there might happen some irritation to the nerves round the discs and some disorder in the function of the relevant organs. Study of the human body has acquainted us with the fact that if any part of the spine is not in the right condition regarding physiological and biochemical functions, however slight , it could do a lot of damages to the body , that in turn as a disorder could affect the society in a rather general outlook . Because pain can not only damage the individual’s patience and self-confidence but also can affect his environment and people around by causing anxiety and depression.

We do believe that all human beings belong to the same body and are deeply affected once one of them becomes ill.

What is the main role of chiropractic therapist?

Experts of this field by examination and observation of biomechanical and physical condition of the spine and the ribs on the neck and joints and changing and modification of rib positions and shapes through manipulation could help the patient regain health and have his/her pains declined. This in turn brings out a deep change in the mental, physical, psychological and biochemical condition of the patient. On the other hand , the chiropractic physician teaches his patients how to deal with their refractory physical problems so as to be able to continue living successfully . Thus , such physicians are both a doctor and a teacher at the same time.

Chiropractic teaches us how to discover the unknown and obscure powers of ours and use them in control and treatment of physical problems and pains.

To clarify we can look at the ordinary routine of the therapy on the patients with neck and lumbar disc herniation coming to a chiropractor.

At start , a complete history of the disease and the patient’s current condition is taken and all the intensifying and weakening factors are considered . then , on the basis of clinical observation just fulfilled the first diagnosis is reached and the paraclinical tests (blood test , radiology , MRI and nerve tests) are also be performed while necessary . Respecting the results of these tests the final diagnosis is obtained and the patient’s protocol is made.

It should be noted that inter-vertebral disc hernia is a physiological problem and direct pressure of discs on the sensory-motor nerves could cause numbness , creeping sensation and a smarting pain on the hands and legs. It may also cause asthma and anemia on account of the reflexes of the nerves that have stimulated organs like heart , lungs and etc . By use of the state of the art systems of modern physical medicine like Ultrasound-therapy , muscle-stimulation systems , neck and lumbar stretching system and several methods of therapy by the help of infrared , ultraviolet lights and application of practical experience of the hands and fingers the therapist can greatly change the physiological and anatomic systems . Here , by the manipulation of the ribs the inflammated disc area is depressed and the pressure on the relevant nerve is removed that itself solves the patient’s physical and biochemical problems related to the internal organs .

Which diseases and problems are addressed by chiropractic?

Chiropractic can affect all the joints problems caused by physiological and pathological factors to a large degree.

All the problems of the discs of neck , waist , chest spine , hips and pelvis , and protrusions of the joints at spine , acute and mild steneosis (channel Tightness) on the neck and lumbar rib paths , and all the problems resulting form mild arthritis on the neck , waist , nervous channels pressure , carpal tunnel syndrome , soumess , creeping sensation , smarting pain , and coldness of the hands , legs and fingers , various headaches caused by a problem of the spinal ribs , arthritis on the knees and elbows and sciatic stimulation on the legs are dealt with.

Moreover , chiropractic can indirectly affect the disorders and problems of the intemal organism such as digestive and respiratory difficulties and allergies .

Further , chiropractic helps balance the body energies and raise its defensive powers (like other branches of medicine).

Finally , this branch of medicine also includes physical medicine and all the activities performed by physiotherapy , so many problems as spasms , muscular contractions particularly on the neck , shoulder , waist , and legs are properly addressed too .

Dr. Mohammad Reza Salamat Nia