Although chiropractic care is not a new form of healthcare ? its established roots trace back to the late 1800s and its basic principles go as far back as Ancient Greece ? it is only now seeing its full worth recognized in the eyes of the public. In the past two decades, the number of Americans who see chiropractors(http://www.chiropractors.org/) has almost tripled. No surprise, since roughly 50 percent of all Americans will suffer some type of back pain in their lifetime.

So, what can a chiropractor do for you? The answer is simple ? a chiropractor can help find the roots of your back or joint pain and can help you treat it.

How a chiropractor does this is another story.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation(http://www.chiropractors.org/resources/chiropractic-techniques/spinal-manipulation-the-science-of-back-treatment.htm) (also known as spinal adjustment) is the most common technique used by chiropractors to treat back pain. It is an entirely manual treatment (no drugs necessary) used to restore function and flexibility to your joints.

While many patients are leery of having their spine ?cracked,? a spinal manipulation conducted by a professional chiropractor is a safe and effective method of treating many types of joint and back pain.

Flexion-Distraction

Often used to treat back pain from disc injuries with accompanying leg pain, flexion-distraction involves the use of a specially designed table that gently stretches the spine, while simultaneously pumping it to identify the source of the pain and eliminate nerve aggravation.

Although it sounds a little scary, there is no pain involved in this technique. It is performed in a series of monitored treatments combined with supplementary care and home exercise to achieve the full effect.

Applied Kinesiology

A lesser-known method practiced by chiropractors, applied kinesiology(http://www.chiropractors.org/resources/chiropractic-techniques/applied-kinesiology-a-three-part-examination.htm) is a muscle-testing treatment used to examine the body's energy and diagnose or exclude various medical conditions.

Like flexation-distraction, it is often used in conjunction with other physiotherapy or medical treatments.

While each of these treatments may sound foreign or unusual, talking with a chiropractor can help alleviate any fears you may have about receiving them. Discuss your condition and your individual needs with a chiropractor, and he or she can advise you on the best treatment plan for your unique situation.

Learn More:

Visit Chiropractors.org to find more information on Chiropractors(http://www.chiropractors.org/resources/chiropractic-care/what-a-chiropractor-can-do-for-you.htm).