Attitudes toward chiropractic care have changed significantly over the last 20 years. In the past, chiropractic care was often viewed as an alternative or complementary form of medicine, and some people were sceptical of its effectiveness and safety. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the benefits of chiropractic care, and attitudes toward the practice have become more positive.
One of the biggest changes in attitudes toward chiropractic care has been the increasing acceptance of the practice by traditional medical doctors and other healthcare professionals. Today, many doctors recognize the value of chiropractic care and refer patients to chiropractors for treatment. In addition, chiropractors are increasingly working in collaboration with medical doctors and other healthcare providers to provide patients with more comprehensive and integrated care.
Another change in attitudes toward chiropractic care has been the growing body of research supporting its effectiveness for a variety of health conditions. Numerous studies have shown that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, sciatic pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal conditions. As a result, chiropractic care is increasingly being recommended as a first-line treatment for these and other conditions.
Finally, there has been a greater recognition of the safety of chiropractic care in recent years. While there have been concerns in the past about the safety of certain chiropractic techniques, research has shown that when performed by a qualified and licensed chiropractor, chiropractic care is generally safe and well-tolerated by patients.
Overall, attitudes toward chiropractic care have become more positive in the last 20 years, with more people recognizing the value of chiropractic care as a safe and effective form of healthcare.
Why Is Chiropractic Care Considered Alternative Medicine?
Chiropractic care is considered alternative medicine because it is a non-traditional approach to healthcare that focuses on natural, non-invasive methods of treatment. Unlike conventional medicine, which often relies on drugs and surgery to treat illness and disease, chiropractic care emphasizes the body’s innate ability to heal itself and promotes a holistic approach to healthcare that addresses the root cause of health issues, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Chiropractors such as this chiropractor Poundbury also differ from traditional medical doctors in their approach to patient care. Chiropractors typically spend more time with patients, getting to know their medical history and lifestyle, and may incorporate a variety of non-invasive therapies, such as spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and exercise, to help improve the patient’s overall health and well-being.
While chiropractic care is becoming more mainstream and accepted as a legitimate form of healthcare, it is still considered an alternative form of medicine because it is not taught as part of the traditional medical curriculum, and many insurance plans do not cover chiropractic care.
What Is the Growing Body of Research Supporting Chiropractic Effectiveness?
Over the years, there has been a growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic care for a range of health conditions. Some examples of research studies on chiropractic effectiveness include-
Low back pain– Studies have shown that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option for low back pain. A 2018 study in JAMA Network Open found that among adults with acute low back pain, spinal manipulation therapy was associated with significantly greater improvement in pain and function compared to other treatment options.
Neck pain– Chiropractic care has also been found to be effective for neck pain. A 2012 study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that spinal manipulation therapy was as effective as medication in relieving neck pain.
Headaches– Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective for the treatment of headaches, particularly migraines. A 2011 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was associated with significant improvements in migraine frequency and disability.
Pregnancy-related pain– Chiropractic care has been found to be effective in reducing pain during pregnancy, particularly low back pain. A 2015 study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that pregnant women who received chiropractic care reported less pain and disability than those who did not.
Athletic performance– Chiropractic care has been shown to improve athletic performance by reducing pain and improving range of motion. A 2016 study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that athletes who received chiropractic care had improved performance on a vertical jump test compared to those who did not receive care.
These are just a few examples of the growing body of research supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic care. Other studies have looked at the effectiveness of chiropractic care for conditions such as sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis, among others.
