Chiropractic: Know the advantages and disadvantages of therapy

Have you heard about chiropractic? It is an increasingly sought treatment in Brazil. It is considered the third largest health profession in the world, recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization) as a complementary medicine with a focus on the spine and the effect that dysfunction in this structure can have on health in general.

Chiropractor Jason Gilbert of the Jason Gilbert Clinic explains that the relationship of spinal dysfunction to overall health is due to the spinal cord’s connection to the nervous system. “Chiropractic works on the root cause of the problem and not just the symptoms (unlike allopathic medicine),” he says.

Chiropractic (practice – healing by the hands) is an ancient technique, already known by the Chinese, Hindus and ancient Egyptians. However, points out Priscila Kiguchi, physiotherapist at Clínica Aspin, it was only in the 19th century that David Palmer developed this knowledge and created the modern chiropractic that works on the relationship between musculoskeletal structure (spine/joints) and function (flow of information), commanded mainly by the nervous system.

“Applying chiropractic means releasing these inputs and outputs from the internal flow of information in the body, reducing entropy and thus maintaining an organic and healthy balance for any individual”, adds physical therapist Priscila.

How is the treatment done?

Gilbert explains that chiropractic mainly uses adjustment – ​​which are quick and painless maneuvers, which can generate a click, performed in a specific segment. “It aims to reduce pain, return the normal movement of the spine joint and relax the muscles. In addition, it returns the integrity of the nerve impulse that leaves the brain and goes to the whole body through the spine,” he says.

Chiropractic benefits and indications

Chiropractor Gilbert cites as advantages of chiropractic: eliminating pain quickly and leaving the nervous system free of blockages, allowing the flow of nerve impulses to reach the brain and all organs, tissues and cells of the body, maintaining health in its proper function.

The chiropractor also highlights the main problems that can be solved or alleviated with chiropractic:

• bruxism
• bursitis
• menstrual cramps
• sciatica pain
• Headache
• joint pain
• Stress
• herniated disc
• Labyrinthitis
• Backache
• Torticollis
• TPM
• Ringing in the ear, among others.

Physiotherapist Priscila recalls that chiropractic seeks balance through manipulation through the joints. “Imagine the hinges on the door… There is a quick release action in that place when the adjustment is made, sometimes we hear a click and, consequently, there is an immediate relief of pain, an increase in joint mobility and, little by little, the musculature decreases its tone, allowing freedom of movement and thus improving posture”, he says.

Are there any contraindications?

According to chiropractor Gilbert, there are no contraindications. “The spine needs to be cared for throughout life,” he says.

Disadvantages of Chiropractic

Priscila emphasizes that, as it is a highly specific work on each joint, when unsuccessful, the maneuvers can have an opposite effect on the musculature, causing greater tension around these muscles.

Physiotherapist Leonardo Machado highlights that chiropractic is recognized as a profession in some countries, but in Brazil, there are people who use resources of this knowledge in a layman’s way or without preparation.

Machado adds that there are/were technical courses for lay audiences on vertebral and joint manipulations without the proper foundations. “It is just unfortunate that many professionals who use this resource do not do so safely through specific assessments and individual clinics without the minimum standard of care. To take an example, there is scientific evidence in the literature that suggests and discusses the risk of vertebral manipulations causing/promoting cerebrovascular accident (CVA/stroke). It is not the form about the science itself, but the way it is applied”, comments the physical therapist.

How much does each treatment session cost?

Gilbert explains that a chiropractic session costs between 60 and 120 reais, depending on the region.

Chiropractic scenario in Brazil and in the world

Priscila explains that hands-on healing (which includes chiropractic care) has always been one of the best-known and most widely used methods in therapeutic practices of all times. “Despite the great technology that we find today within musculoskeletal rehabilitation and prevention, touch and manual contact is undoubtedly a primordial tool. Chiropractic has grown a lot in recent years, mainly with advances in science (neuroscience) and quantum physics, within the scope of the flow of information organized and expected by the human body (negantropy),” he says.

In Brazil, adds Priscila, she has been standing out more and more. “As an example, we can mention the 11th Biennial Congress of the WFC (World Federation of Chiropractic), one of the main events in this segment, which was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2011, which shows the importance of Brazil on the world stage. Also, since 2004, chiropractic has been considered an undergraduate degree,” she explains.

Gilbert points out that chiropractic is considered as important worldwide as conventional medicine and is used by practically the entire population in several countries. “In the US, for example, chiropractic is part of the healthcare system,” he says.

In Brazil, according to the chiropractor, there are only two faculties, one in Rio Grande do Sul, Feevale, and another in São Paulo, Anhembi Morumbi. “The number of graduates is still small, which justifies the fact that chiropractic is not so widespread here. However, it is important to emphasize that our professionals are as well trained as those trained abroad”, concludes Gilbert.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.