What is chiropractic?
Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments, the theory being that proper alignment of the body’s musculoskeletal structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself without surgery or medication. Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support.
Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical treatment.
3 Facts About Chiropractic
Safe For All Ages
Chiropractic care is safe for all ages, that includes newborns, children, adults, and seniors.
Painless
Chiropractors are skilled in performing safe, gentle, and effective adjustments for patients.
Takes Time
The process does not help individuals instantly yet it takes time to show results.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Care?
Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care is generally considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from moving furniture or getting tackled. Acute back pain, which is more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better on its own.
Research has also shown chiropractic to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. In addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to the moderate pressure used both by chiropractors and practitioners of deep tissue massage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer is yes. Chiropractic care is non-invasive and does not require the use of drugs. Complications that may result from chiropractic care are very rare. There is overwhelming scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic care in treating a wide range of conditions. Numerous controlled and independent research studies over the past 20 years have consistently shown that chiropractic care can be used safely and effectively to treat low back pain, neck discomfort, and other conditions related to musculoskeletal systems.
Chiropractic adjustments often involve a quick thrust to add motion to the spinal joints that aren’t moving properly. Manual adjustments are used by some chiropractors, while others use instruments, special tables, or the force of gravitation. There are many ways to adjust your spine.
Each spinal joint is covered with lubricating fluid. Adjusting methods may produce a sound when the fluid and gas in the joint shift. It’s like opening a bottle or cup of champagne. Although the sound is fascinating, it’s not necessary to achieve the therapeutic benefits of the adjustment.
Yes. Your chiropractor will not perform surgery on any areas of your spine affected by the surgery. Undergoing surgeries often cause instabilities above and below the affected level. These areas will be the center of chiropractic care.
Every patient is unique. You may need to see a chiropractor more often if you suffer from chronic back pain. It all depends on the type of treatment that your chiropractor recommends. To be prepared, ask your chiropractor how many sessions you will need to attend.
Regular chiropractic care may be more beneficial for people with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), recurrent neck pain, backache, or headaches. Repetitive physical and postural strains from daily activities, stress, and other life circumstances can all increase tension in the muscles and joints. Chiropractic care can help manage this condition. Further research is needed to determine if ongoing chiropractic care can prevent back pain from ever happening or if it can help prevent an existing condition from returning. However, one study found that on average chiropractic patients who continued with chiropractic maintenance care had 12 fewer days of severe pain on average in a year than people who stopped chiropractic care.