Genetic testing, also known as DNA testing, is becoming the leading way for the chiropractic industry to bring its modes of health care to the next level. Understanding genes offers an accurate blueprint to provide efficient and personalized patient care. Not only can it help determine the predisposition for different health issues, but they help chiropractors create tailored exercises and nutrition plans that are ideal for you.

When a patient decides to get genetic testing, a chiropractor can order the test. It's a part of a genetic consultation, where professionals perform them using a sample of blood, skin, hair, or amniotic fluid. For instance, a buccal smear procedure uses a tiny brush or cotton swab to collect samples of cells from inside the surface of a person's cheeks. The collected sample is then sent to a laboratory where technicians look for any DNA, chromosomes, and protein changes, depending on the suspected disorder. The lab sends a written report of the test results to the chiropractor or the patient.

Newborn screening tests are a unique form of genetic testing and are usually done with small blood samples taken by pricking a baby's heel with a sterile lancet and collecting the blood using a small tube. Unlike other types of genetic testing, parents will usually only receive a result if it's positive, where additional testing is required to confirm if a baby has a genetic disorder or not. Before a person gets a genetic test, they must understand the testing procedure, its benefits, limitations, and possible consequences regardless of the type to help them know what to do after getting the results.

So, what do chiropractors look out for in genetic testing? The process can help chiropractors identify genes linked to the degeneration of intervertebral discs, which is the most common cause of lower back pain, specifically in aging individuals. As the discs experience general wear and tear, the vertebrae can rub together, resulting in intense pain, leading to bone spur development—all these affect nerves that cause referral pain, causing general havoc on your nervous system. Chiropractors aim to provide efficient healthcare by discovering as much as possible about the patient, understanding their current status, and genetic testing helps our team identify numerous risk factors in your genetic history.

With this crucial information, chiropractors can recommend lifestyle changes to mitigate the potential effects of pain and disease. But how will it improve your chiropractic care? Don't think that chiropractors are only useful in manipulating the neck and back to provide temporary relief. After all, pain is just a symptom, and though treating it is valuable, it doesn't address the core issue. That's why most chiropractors aim to mitigate pain while strengthening the affected areas, which they can find out the best way to incorporate in a patient by finding out their genetic testing results.

Never pursue medical care without having a blueprint to guide it, and the best way to get that is through genetic testing. At Prince Health and Wellness, we use genetic testing to expand the scope of our practice, helping us create a more detailed plan that can help mold you into a healthier and happier human being. To pursue genetic testing and premium chiropractic care with us, book an appointment today!

https://www.prwell.com/genetic-testing-for-chiropractic-care/#:~:text=What%20Do%20Chiropractors%20Look%20for,pain%2C%20particularly%20in%20aging%20adults.
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/testing/procedure/
https://thechiropracticlife.com/genetic-testing-instructions/

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