A discipline little known in France
In the United States, there are more chiropractors than dentists. In France, there are some 700 “against” 17,000 osteopaths. Legalized in 2002, chiropractic (or chiropractic) was regulated in 2011. Now, by law, chiropractors are the only non-medical health professionals authorized to perform spinal manipulations without medical advice.
Why this special status? “No doubt because of the scientific evidence which supports the use of this practice, the very low number of accidents and the demanding training followed by therapists,” considers Philippe Fleuriau. At least 5,500 hours of full-time lessons spread over six years, with instruction in anatomy, dissection, radiological diagnosis, neurology, sports trauma, etc. If the doubt sometimes remains, it is because chiropractors are confused with therapists practicing unconventional techniques: reiki, kinesiology, shiatsu, foot reflexology… Professionals who have only followed a few weeks of training before installing their plate.
What is its principle?
Chiropractic is essentially based on acts of spinal manipulation and joint mobilization. Indeed, it is at the level of the spine that most blockages occur. It is therefore above all there that the therapist intervenes, by making adjustments or joint corrections. The idea: the spine and the nervous system are intimately linked. It is therefore sufficient to intervene on the small imbalances of the column to act on the nervous system and, thus, to influence the whole body. In particular the endocrine systems (glands), healing, various physical or emotional stresses …
Is it really effective against back pain?
It relieves classic back pain, lumbago, sciatica and other “whiplash”. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Department of Health, and published in 2012, demonstrates the superiority of chiropractic in the treatment of neck pain over exercise or medication (anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxants …). After three months, 57% of participants followed by a chiropractor and 48% of those who performed the exercises reported a reduction in pain of 75%. An improvement observed by only 33% of patients who took medication.
Similar results have recently been obtained in the cases of low back pain. After one month, 73% of people followed by a chiropractor noted an overall improvement in their condition, compared to 17% of patients receiving routine medical care. “This technique is beneficial for many patients with painful vertebral lesions who are resistant to conventional treatments,” explains Prof. Allain, orthopedic surgeon. In addition, in the event of spinal damage spread over multiple stages, surgery involves significant risks and should be reserved for the most serious cases. The manipulations often make it possible to maintain a certain quality of life. “
What are the other possible applications?
Chiropractic can also be helpful with a hunched back or scoliosis (S-column). In just a few sessions, it treats tendonitis, synovitis, sprains, knee pain and sore muscles that have sometimes been causing pain for months. “On a tendinopathy (tendonitis), the manipulations can be painful, recognizes Philippe Fleuriau, but the technique of manipulation of“ soft ”tissues is effective. If it is too unpleasant, it is possible to adapt to what the patient can withstand, either by changing the technique or by modulating it. After the session, the majority of patients feel immediate relief. Sometimes there is aches and in 10% of cases a headache. Improvements have also been observed in more distant areas, but without supporting scientific studies: difficult transit, disrupted menstrual cycle, child colic…
When to consult ?
It depends. “If you’ve just had the operation, there’s no question of being manipulated even if you are in pain. The tissues must first heal, says Professor Jérôme Allain. A bone needs three months; a ligament, six weeks old. “Apart from any operation, it’s different. Studies have shown that on a sprain, for example, the faster you acted, the faster the recovery. The same goes for sciatica or lumbago. However, if you are unable to put one foot in front of the other, it is better to wait two or three days, the time to be calmed by the anti-inflammatory drugs.
How many sessions are needed?
It is very variable. Most often, the first session allows the practitioner to know if he can handle the patient’s problem. He has an idea of the diagnosis and the strategy to adopt; he also knows if additional examinations are necessary. Sharp back pain or muscle pain often resolves in one or two sessions. A tendonitis or a herniated disc sciatica they require five to eight sessions. A more complex and chronic pathology (osteoarthritis…), around twenty. One or two annual consultations are recommended to stabilize the results and avoid recurrence. “The duration of the session is not, in itself, a guarantee of seriousness. In five minutes, we can do a good job, specifies Philippe Fleuriau. Sometimes we need three quarters of an hour. It all depends on the nature of the pain. “
