Subluxations, Essay Example

Subluxations can occur by physical, chemical, and mental/emotional means. Physical subluxations can occur as a consequence of any physical impact on the spine, including trauma through accidents and the birthing process. Chemical subluxations can impact the tone of the muscle and chemical imbalances due to disease, diet, and other lifestyle choices can cause an impact on the musculoskeletal system. Last, subluxations can occur though mental and emotional means that primarily manifest as a consequence of stress or stress-related depression. All three of these impacts alter the chemical transmissions that are sent to the brain and create a sensation of pain.

A chiropractic adjustment is also known as a manipulation. Mobilization is the goal of this process, which allows parts of the musculoskeletal system to move. High Velocity Low Amplitude force is used by the chiropractor to feel which joints are not moving as well or as symmetrically as other joints. The critical questions that should be asked in a case history include when the pain began, if there was any trauma, where the pain is felt, and what makes the pain better or worse. This helps because it allows the chiropractor to determine which intervention they should use on a particular patient.

It is important take notes and documentation to track the progress of a patient over time. SOAP stands for subjective, objective, assessment, and plan, and allows the chiropractor to determine objective and subjective symptoms that will allow for the development of a treatment plan. Diagnostics are valuable because they confirm observations. Instrumentation is valuable because it helps determine the status of the spine and the level of imbalance in the body. Muscle testing helps determine whether the problem is primarily due to the muscles or spine which contributes to the ability to determine which treatments should be used. Lab testing indicates if the problem is more complex than suspected, such as disk problems or cancer of the spine. X-rays help determine the curvature of the spine and the severity of a potential deformation.