1. What is Chiropractic?

2. The Chiropractic Adjustment

3. Common Conditions Treated by Chiropractors

4. Does Your Child Need Chiropractic Care?

5. Frequently Asked Questions

6. Ask a Chiro

7.

1. What is Chiropractic?

The word Chiropractic originates from the Greek translation meaning "done by hand". It goes without saying that chiropractic is a natural healing method using hands-only techniques and other non-invasive methods in assisting the human body to regain health.

Chiropractors affect health primarily through the treatment of the human body frame, namely the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Special emphasis is put on the structure and function of the spinal column, the bony protective housing of the central nervous system as well as the central axis of all vertebrate animals. Proper functioning of the spine requires the synchronized movement of some 30 vertebral bones and close to 100 inter-connecting joints. The central nervous system branches out at each spinal segment into spinal nerves, which carry neural messages to different body parts. The movement of individual segments may be restricted by muscle imbalance, injury to the area, degenerative changes, etc. In such cases, the function of the nerves emerging from that segment may be compromised, hence affecting the function of the respective body part(s).

2. The Chiropractic Adjustment

Chiropractors are trained to identify the site of faulty joint movement and to correct it by applying a high-velocity, low-amplitude force through a bony contact (the Chiropractic Adjustment). Coupled with advice on proper exercises, diet, and ergonomics, chiropractors assist patients in attaining optimal health without the use of invasive methods such as drugs or surgery.

3. Common Conditions Treated by Chiropractors

• Low Back Pain
  
• Sciatica
  
• Neck Pain and Headache
  
• Knee and Ankle Pain
• Foot Pain
  
• Shoulder Pain
  
• Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow
  
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  

4. Does Your Child Need Chiropractic Care?

How many falls have your child gone through in learning to walk? And how many times have your child rolled off from the change table or the bed by accident? These are mini-traumas to the spine and the nervous system. Therefore, the growing spine needs chiropractic care more than any other age! As we see below, certain pediatric conditions are related to improper functioning of the spine and can be treated effectively with chiropractic. Many poor posture habits are also formed at an early age. It is recommended that your child have regular spinal check-ups with a chiropractor so early signs of problems can be identified and corrected. It is also important to educate them about spinal health so they can enjoy lifelong health and well-being.

Common Pediatric Conditions Treated by Chiropractors:

• Scoliosis
  
• Asthma
  
• Enuresis (Bed-Wetting)
  
• Infantile Colic

5. FAQ

What are the credentials of chiropractors?
All practicing chiropractors in Hong Kong are graduates of accredited chiropractic colleges overseas and are registered to practice in their respective countries. The curriculum in the USA and Canada is a post-graduate programme leading to a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, while the curriculum in the UK and Australia leads to a Bachelor degree of Applied Science (Chiropractic). All chiropractors have undergone 6-8 years of post-secondary training. Registration of chiropractors in Hong Kong is to commence in April 2001.

Are there any risks in the chiropractic adjustment?
As with any medical procedures, there is a risk associated with the chiropractic adjustment. The risk of concern is the remote possibility of stroke after a cervical adjustment, with about one in one million chance. In a lot of cases, the person performing the adjustment was not a chiropractor. Individuals with a high risk of stroke should also be screened out from cervical adjustments.

What is the difference between chiropractic and physical therapy?
Although chiropractors may incorporate physical therapy in their treatment regime, the chiropractic adjustment (a high-velocity, low-amplitude force directed to specific joints) is unique to chiropractors. It requires the integration of anatomical knowledge, biomechanical understanding, and a high degree of skill in administering an adjustment.

What is the difference between chiropractic and traditional bone-setting?
Traditional bone-setting is a very popular treatment method among the local Chinese community. However, reports of injury are not uncommon. Some bone-setters lack formal training in human anatomy and pathology and may use excessive force in their treatments. The first and foremost motto of chiropractic is "Do No Harm". Therefore, chiropractors take great care in providing treatments such that a well-controlled force is delivered to the specific joints, adequate to effect correction yet without causing further injuries.

Provided by Claudia Ng, D.C.

6. Ask a Chiro

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