So you’re having back pain and heard that chiropractor care will help, but you are unsure about what it is and what it does? Read on to learn more about this wonderful healing technique:
- Chiropractors help your body heal itself. Chiropractors believe the body is generally well-balanced and fully functioning on its own. Pain and disease occur when the body goes out of “alignment.” Misalignment impacts the nerves, blocking the messages necessary for the body to heal and protect itself. Spinal adjustments are made where necessary to restore the flow of nerve transmission.
- Spinal adjustments aren’t painful. Once the specific nerve in question is identified the doctor will apply a quick, direct thrust to the corresponding spinal bone. These thrusts are surprisingly gentle and create space for the nerve to properly work. Any popping or crackling noise is actually the sound of gases being released from the joint capsule. And, despite concerns, your joints will not wear out by being adjusted.
- Athletes use chiropractic care as part of their sports maintenance plan. Sure, they go to chiropractors with the occasional injury – but, more often than not, they seek chiropractic care out to help prevent injuries and improve coordination and balance. If an athlete is injured, adjustments can help speed up their recovery.
- Multiple visits are for your benefit, not the doctor’s. Your chiropractor works with you to help resolve your symptoms and treat the underlying problem. Once your pain has subsided, your doctor will recommend a few more treatments to make sure everything is functioning properly, and then have you return periodically for maintenance.
- Body pain is the last sign of a problem – not the first one. Our bodies take a lot of abuse over the years, from using poor posture to straining your muscles to accidents. Over time, these situations create bio-mechanical dysfunctions that cause injury to muscles, ligaments and joints. Pain is your body telling you there has been damage.
- Chiropractors work on more than just your spine. Chiropractors are trained in a wide range of subjects and time frames similar to any other medical doctor. This means they can counsel you on proper movement and exercise, ergonomics and even nutrition. They can also specialize in various medical fields such as additions, pediatrics and sports rehabilitation. As with any medical professional, a chiropractor will refer you to another provider when needed.
- Chiropractic care is cradle-to-grave medicine. From infants to senior citizens, chiropractors can help everyone. Birth can be traumatic on a baby, whose upper vertebrae can become misaligned. Chiropractors can correct this to help prevent any disease processes. Children benefit from developmental support to the brain and nervous system. Typically child maladies such as colic, bed wetting and allergies can be helped. For seniors, chiropractic care can improve ones’ balance and coordination and increase range of motion in addition to pain relief.
