Chiropractor
Chiropractic care from an experienced chiropractor, like from Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, can benefit a number of people for a variety of problems. From back and neck pain to poor posture, chiropractic focuses on creating uninterrupted pathways between joints. It can help build up the immune system and improve everyday functioning, including mood and attitude, but there are many things it cannot do. Here is how chiropractic care works and what it is specifically for.
Types of Chiropractic Care
Most patients will encounter chiropractic adjustments when they see a chiropractor. Adjustments are movements and pressure applied to joints that are misaligned or causing pain. Spinal manipulation is the most common form of adjustment, which involves thrusting movements to pop vertebrae back into proper alignment. Other types of care include heat and cold applications, massages, diet changes and exercises.
Problems Treated by Chiropractic Care
While chiropractors generally work with the spine and back to relieve pain, other areas of the body can benefit from treatments, such as:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Hip pain
- Joint stiffness
- Whiplash, or other problems following an accident
- Joint immobility
These are all pain-related issues that can be targeted by a chiropractor and gradually worked out over time. Many patients continue seeing a chiropractor after their first visit since results improve over multiple appointments.
Other Problems
In addition to direct pain, chiropractic care has been proven to improve overall health by boosting the immune and nervous systems. Children who see a chiropractor often experience improved moods and attitudes and get a better night’s sleep.
Safety Concerns
Many people wonder whether chiropractic care is safe, and multiple studies have been carried out to see how it compares to other medical treatments. The good news is that chiropractic is one of the lowest-risk treatments available for severe pain. This may appeal to patients who are not yet ready to go onto medications or undergo major surgeries to correct an issue. Best of all, chiropractic care is not something you must continue to receive for the rest of your life once you’ve started. If you see excellent results after a certain time, chiropractic care may no longer be needed; but you can return to it if old pain arises again.
If you think a chiropractor might be able to help with your pain, make a consultation appointment to discuss your situation, or ask your doctor. Getting a better understanding of chiropractic can help you make an informed decision on how to best address your pain.