Chiropractic care is a natural approach to pain management that can complement traditional medical treatment. Chiropractors use many therapies to help patients manage pain and improve their quality of life.
Chiropractic techniques include spinal manipulation to alleviate pain and restore proper nerve function. Other methods, like soft tissue therapy and low-load craniocervical mobilization, reduce inflammation and increase the range of motion.
Relieves Pain
Pain is the body’s way of sending an SOS signal that something is wrong. And that’s why it is important to see a chiropractor immediately when experiencing neck pain.
Chiropractors undergo training to perform spinal manipulation to alleviate pain and enhance posture. They may use different techniques, including:
The type of chiropractic manipulation used will depend on the cause of your neck pain. For example, if you spend long hours sitting at your desk or driving, you may develop tight muscles and inflammation of soft tissue in the neck that triggers arm symptoms. This is often called postural stress syndrome. A chiropractor can use a technique known as low-velocity thrust to release these tight muscles and restore the joints’ normal range of motion.
Reduces Stress
Chiropractors are known for their work with back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sports injuries. They also specialize in treating symptoms of mental conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The spine is an important component of the nervous system that controls all functions in your body. When the spinal joints are misaligned, they compress, putting pressure on nerves and tissue. This can lead to various symptoms such as stress, pain and fatigue.
Chiropractic care can reduce stress by restoring alignment and removing nerve obstruction. You can feel relaxed and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. It can be an alternative to medication. This can be a great alternative to taking medication for these issues. However, discussing your medication options with your doctor if you are using any prescription or over-the-counter medications is important.
Improves Sleep
Chiropractic care improves sleep by reducing musculoskeletal pain, which can contribute to insomnia and sleep disorders. Chiropractors also address underlying issues that can cause these sleep disorders.
If you have pain in your back, neck or hips, it can affect how well you sleep. A nagging backache can keep you from reaching a comfortable state in bed, interfering with your ability to fall and stay asleep. Chronic neck pain can cause you to wake up frequently, interrupting your rest.
A spinal adjustment can help to alleviate these problems, improve nervous system function, relax tight muscles and reduce snoring and sleep apnea. Your chiropractor may also advise you on sleeping positions and routines to boost the quality of your sleep. In addition, they can use adjunctive therapies such as ultrasound and low-level laser to soothe muscles and joints and stimulate circulation.
Increases Flexibility
Flexibility is crucial to a healthy body. It helps to stretch out muscles and prevents injuries. A chiropractor can help to increase flexibility and improve range of motion, which is good for overall health.
Chiropractors use hands-on techniques, such as spinal manipulation and massage therapy, to increase flexibility. They may also utilize therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound and cold laser therapy. These treatments reduce pain, swelling and inflammation while improving blood flow to the affected area.
Chiropractors also have a holistic approach to treatment and often recommend nutritional changes and lifestyle adjustments. This can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life and decrease their time in the hospital. Ultimately, catching and healing issues early can save money and lives.
Strengthens Muscles
In addition to manipulating joints and releasing the “pop” sounds (cavitation) often associated with chiropractic care, chiropractors are also known for strengthening muscles. This is because they help restore balanced muscle development and remove pinched nerves, which can hinder proper nerve signaling.
This is good news for older patients prone to falls and with weaker muscles. Studies have shown that regular chiropractic treatments (in conjunction with a healthy diet and stretching exercises) can help slow the loss of muscle mass that occurs with aging.
Researchers believe that chiropractic helps strengthen muscles by reducing the central inhibition of the muscles, allowing the brain to control the movement of the muscle better and ultimately increase strength. This may explain why previous studies have shown that individuals receiving chiropractic care have greater power than those who do not receive adjustments.
