It is a health profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders of the function of the nervous system and general health. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal manipulation or adjustment. (World Federation of Chiropractic 1999).
It seeks to eliminate the cause, not just treat symptoms, and through gentle and subtle adjustments, McTimoney chiropractic care can relieve pain and discomfort, increase mobility and provide a route to better health.
McTimoney Chiropractors use their hands to detect and adjust the misaligned and restricted joints of the spine and limbs without the use of X-Rays, improving mobility, relieving pain and re-establishing nervous and related body functions.
HOW DOES IT WORK
Our nervous system controls every part and function of our body: for example our muscles, organs and hormonal production. There is a fine inter-relation between musculoskeltal structure and nervous system. In fact most of the nerves branch off our spinal cord from between each spinal joint. Incorrect function in the spine can cause interference of the nerves and muscles that control our posture and movement.
A Medical Research Council clinical trial, reported in the British Medical Journal in
1990 and 1995, found that chiropractic treatment of back pain was more effective than hospital outpatient treatment.