If you have pain in your body from either sports injuries or a car accident or something else unforeseen, you may be considering surgery or medication but this is not necessary. Seeing a chiropractor for chronic pain can be very beneficial. Almost half of American adults have back pain symptoms every year but if you see a chiropractor for chronic pain first rather than a surgeon, you are 28 times less likely to have to have surgery. Of course, there are times when surgery is the only way but if there is an alternative, why not try it out?
On average, About 22 million people see chiropractors each year because of various causes.
How does chiropractic care work?
By using hands-on manipulation and massage and stretching, chiropractors can restore mobility to joints and increase healing in the tissue. This enables the body to heal itself without needing surgery or even medication. Usually, chiropractic is used as pain relief but sometimes can be used along side of medical treatment to enhance healing.
What are the benefits of a chiropractor?
If you see a chiropractor for chronic pain the benefits are as follows:
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Pain relief
As already mentioned, chiropractors can speed up the process of pain relief with a series of adjustments. The results can be almost immediate and you can leave just one appointment noticing the difference. -
Motion restoration
It can restore motion in your joints particularly in areas that are difficult to move because of damaged nerves. An adjustment will help the muscles around the joints to relax. -
Stress reduction
As with regular massage chiropractic care can help you to feel relaxed and stress free. When you have a lot of pain you can’t live life as you would like to. That cannot only be hard on your body if your physical activity is reduced but also on your mental well being. This kind of discomfort can also interrupt your sleep patterns which can cause irritation, city and even lowered immune system issues. Leaving an appointment with significantly lower pain can help with all of the situations mentioned above. -
Works for all trauma
It doesn’t matter whether the injury is a new or old one. If you have been dealing with pain, it doesn’t matter for how long, chiropractic adjustments can really help to reduce that pain very quickly. You can reduce pain from a tweaked neck, slept on in a funny position, all the way to the carpal tunnel syndrome that you thought was going to destroy your career.
What are the risks of seeing the chiropractor?
If you are considering seeing a chiropractor for chronic pain you should not only know the benefits but also the risks. Although chiropractic adjustments are considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor, there can be risks, although they are rare. These risks include:
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Herniated disc
- Nerve compression in lower spine
- Vertebral artery dissection
It is not recommended to see a chiropractor if you suffer from severe osteoporosis, cancer in your spine, and unstable spine or have an increased risk of stroke.
However, if you are a candidate for chiropractic care there is no preparation required although a chiropractor may want to see you for a consultation before beginning treatment.
What can I expect during an appointment?
You will have to share your health history and possibly perform a physical exam and maybe tests or x-rays before getting started.
During the actual adjustment the chiropractor will place you in certain positions in order to be able to treat specific areas. For the most part you will lay as you do for a regular massage but the chiropractor will use more strength and force to push the muscles beyond their limit. It is normal to hear popping and cracking sounds during the session.
Your chiropractor may use heat or ice or suggest exercise and weight loss when necessary.
Overall, chiropractic care is an extremely effective method of payment leaf and beneficial to many areas of the body when done correctly. Talk to your doctor if you feel this may be an option for you and he or she will be able to refer you.