For many patients seeking treatment for chronic pain, chiropractic adjustments are a good option. This non-invasive, non-addictive approach to pain relief is safe and effective and can be just as effective as prescription drugs or surgeries. However, some people are unsure what chiropractic care is, or how it can benefit them. This article will answer some frequently asked questions about chiropractic adjustment and how it can help with pain relief.
Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to correct misalignments in the spine or extremity joints, called subluxations. When a joint becomes restricted or moves out of place, it can cause a variety of problems including muscle spasms, nerve irritation, poor function and pain. The goal of a chiropractic adjustment is to reduce or eliminate this subluxation, allowing the body to heal itself. A typical chiropractic adjustment involves a chiropractor applying a quick thrust to a specific vertebra for the purpose of moving it back into position or restoring movement, and is often accompanied by an audible release of gas known as a “cracking” sound. This release is caused by changing pressure within the joint capsule, and allows for improved spinal motion as well as reduced pain and muscle spasm.
There are many different chiropractic adjusting approaches or techniques, although most will have the same outcome or goal. These include Gonstead – uses specific hand movements to identify and locate spinal misalignments, then delivers a low-force precise manipulation to restore proper motion in the affected vertebrae. Thompson – involves the patient lying on a treatment table with sections that drop down and allows the chiropractor to perform a manipulation without twisting the spine. Activator – utilizes an instrument to provide mechanical low-force, high-speed impulses for a fast and efficient response.
Besides the benefits of reducing pain, chiropractic adjustment has also been shown to improve circulation and blood flow, which can lead to lower blood pressure. Additionally, chiropractic has been known to help decrease the amount of medication a person takes or might need, which can save time and money for both the patient and their insurance company.
Regardless of the type of treatment you choose, it is important to know that any chiropractic treatment should be supervised by a medical doctor and that anyone receiving manipulations should be evaluated for contraindications. Certain conditions, such as osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, and some types of herniated discs, can worsen with chiropractic manipulation, so it is important to consult your physician before receiving any treatment. It is also important to remember that only a trained and licensed chiropractor should perform chiropractic adjustments. This will ensure that you are receiving treatment for the underlying cause of your pain, not just masking the symptoms with medications. Medications can also have dangerous side effects and can actually make your pain worse in the long run. This is why it’s always better to get to the root of the problem with a natural treatment like chiropractic adjustment.
Each Pain Relief Program provides patients with home care instructions and specific treatment plans. The Pain Management Doctor ensures that the patient is provided with the required relief to improve his quality of life.