Chiropractor
Chiropractors, also known as doctors of chiropractic or chiropractic physicians, diagnose and treat patients with health problems of the musculoskeletal system and treat the effects of those problems on the nervous system and on general health. Many chiropractic treatments deal specifically with the spine and the manipulation of the spine. Chiropractic is based on the principle that spinal joint misalignments interfere with the nervous system and can result in lower resistance to disease and many different conditions of diminished health.
The chiropractic approach to healthcare focuses on the patient’s overall health. Chiropractors provide natural, drugless, nonsurgical health treatments, relying on the body’s inherent recuperative abilities. They also recognize that many factors affect health, including exercise, diet, rest, environment, and heredity. Chiropractors recommend changes in lifestyle that affect those factors. In some situations, chiropractors refer patients to or consult with other health practitioners.
Some chiropractors use additional procedures in their practices, including therapies using heat, water, light, massage, ultrasound, electric currents, and acupuncture. They may apply supports such as straps, tape, braces, or shoe inserts. Chiropractors often counsel patients about health concepts such as nutrition, exercise, changes in lifestyle, and stress management, but chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or perform surgery.
In addition to general chiropractic practice, some chiropractors specialize in sports injuries, neurology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, nutrition, internal disorders, or diagnostic imaging.
The main chiropractic treatment technique involves manual therapy, including manipulation of the spine, other joints and soft tissues. Treatment also includes exercises and health and lifestyle counseling. While primarily focusing on treating neuro-musculoskeletal disorders, Chiropractors are not exclusively limited to problems with the nervous system and musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors treat patients with:
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Lower back pain
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Neck pain
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Repetitive strains
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Headaches
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Sports injuries
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Car accident injuries
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Arthritic pain.
Chiropractors in South Africa are required to be registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Contact the specific Chiropractor of your choice via our easy search for session rates and details of treatment offered. Use our easy search to find the location of a chiropractor close to you.
