Each year, more than 22 million Americans choose chiropractic care for a variety of conditions, from chronic neck and back pain, to rehabilitation following and accident or injury. Chiropractic works by restoring the inherent recuperative powers of the body.
Chiropractors perform spinal adjustments to correct misaligned or subluxated vertebrae. Correcting these misalignments can have a beneficial effect on the nervous system and help to relieve pain and restore proper function within the body. The chiropractic approach to healthcare is holistic, stressing the patient’s overall health and wellness.
It is a total, preventative approach to health that deals with addressing the cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms. Chiropractic considers all aspects of the patient’s life including diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, environmental influences, heredity and physical and emotional stress. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments trigger the release of natural painkillers in the body known as endorphins which help to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is a fairly common condition. Sources of neck pain can be as simple as falling asleep with your neck at a bad angle. Other causes include bad posture while using a computer, watching TV or even reading a book. You may also experience neck pain as a result of accidents, chronic conditions, and even aging, when the effects of osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, can manifest in neck pain. In many cases, neck pain is minor and goes away on its own. When neck pain lasts for more than a day or two, however, it may be time to seek chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment for neck pain offers a safe, non-invasive and drug-free therapy.
Chiropractic Treatment of Neck Pain
Chiropractic adjustments are an important part of the treatment program for neck pain. This drug-free therapy simply involves the chiropractor using his or her hands to treat subluxations. A subluxation occurs when one or more vertebrae move out of position, thus creating pressure and irritation near the spinal nerves. Spinal adjustments can fix the subluxation, relieve pain in the soft tissues, increase circulation, and stimulate the body’s nervous system.
Contrary to popular belief, spinal manipulation and spinal adjustments are not painful. When you seek chiropractic treatment for neck pain, the treatment is precise and gentle. Chiropractors are trained as experts in the spine and how to manually return motion to restricted spinal joints. They do not merely “pop” or “crack” bones until something “snaps” back into place.
Ultrasound is another popular non-invasive therapy that chiropractors use to treat neck pain. Ultrasound works by helping to increase blood circulation, which in turn reduces swelling, stiffness, and painful muscle spasms. When the sound waves from the ultrasound machine are released deep into your muscle tissues, they create a gentle therapeutic heat.
After spinal manipulation, spinal adjustments, or ultrasound, your chiropractor may recommend that you use an ice pack on your neck to further control inflammation. This cold therapy can be completed at home and is an excellent supplement to traditional chiropractic treatment for neck pain.
Once your chiropractor has helped to get your neck pain under control, he or she may suggest exercise, diet, or lifestyle changes to improve your range of motion, strengthen muscles, and prevent a painful relapse. If your condition does not seem to be improving within a reasonable time frame, however, you may be referred to a another specialist for further treatment.
Chiropractic offers a unique and valuable mechanical approach to a wide range of neck problems.
Low Back Pain
Among people seeking back pain relief alternatives, most choose chiropractic treatment. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of these, about 8 million are seeking relief from back pain from a variety of causes, including automobile accidents, work-related injuries, sports injuries, and muscle strains.
Clinical trials indicate that chiropractic care is as safe and effective as conventional treatments which may include pain medication, rest or exercise. The best part of back pain after chiropractor visits is the lack of medication used in treatment. Many people are reluctant to take medication for pain and this is a good solution for those who believe pain medication is only a temporary solution. It must be noted that back pain after chiropractor sessions does not magically go away. Most people do however note an immediate improvement in their condition as a result of the treatment they received.
How Does Chiropractic Care Help Low Back Pain?
Chiropractic treatment is based on the concept that restricted movement in the spine may lead to pain and reduced function. Spinal adjustment (manipulation) is one form of therapy chiropractors use to treat restricted spinal mobility. The goal is to restore spinal movement and, as a result, improve function and decrease back pain. During an adjustment, chiropractors use their hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a joint — pushing it beyond its normal range of motion. The joint’s movement may be accompanied by a popping or cracking sound.
Some chiropractors offer additional treatments as well as spinal manipulation. These include electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, traction and exercises. A chiropractor may also give advice on ergonomics, exercise, and proper body mechanics to prevent back pain. Chiropractors often give their patients stretching and strengthening exercises to do, as lengthening and strengthening various muscle groups help keep the spine in proper alignment.
Chiropractic treatment, alone or in conjunction with other therapies, has been shown to effectively relieve back pain and help restore normal range of motion. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person.