You've probably seen videos on YouTube showing people getting chiropractic adjustments. They are initially in pain. They've been through pain many times over the years. It's not surprising that the relief they feel when it's done feels too good to be true. Although chiropractors don't claim to be miracle workers, patients often find the results quite miraculous.
Chiropractic care can be used to relieve pain, stiffness, or mobility problems. It is gentle and non-invasive. It's not as addictive as opioid pain relief medication, but you might find it hard to live without your first adjustment at the upper or lower back.
What Exactly Is Chiropractic Care All About Anyway?
This form of treatment dates back as far as the 1890s. It's true! Because of its longevity, chiropractic has been widely accepted as a safe and effective alternative to traditional medical care. However, this only applies to certain issues.
Chiropractic is based upon the idea that physical problems can be traced back at a dysfunctional musculoskeletal system. It is a practice that focuses on the spine. It makes sense, given the importance of the spine in supporting the body and allowing it move properly.
The technique chiropractors use is known as manipulation or an adjustment. This helps to align the spine and other parts of the body. Although manipulation is gentle, it can sound alarming to those who are not familiar with the process.
Chiropractic advocates are unanimous in their belief that chiropractic doesn't cause pain. Most patients feel that an adjustment is a pleasant experience. It can be used to alleviate both acute and persistent pain.
Chiropractic Care Actually Addresses The Entire Body
What is the prevalence of chiropractic care? Each year, approximately 22 million Americans visit the chiropractor. About 35% of those who visit the chiropractor each year do so to find relief from their back pain.
Chiropractic adjustments are effective for many other issues. These include:
Headaches and migraines
Whiplash
Upper back, shoulder, and neck pain
Arm and leg pain
Osteoporosis
Fibromyalgia
Chiropractic care can also help with stress and tension. The immune system has been proven to be boosted by chiropractic care. Many people don't suffer from chronic pain and visit the chiropractor frequently. They want their body to be in alignment so that their energy can flow freely.
Although it may not seem like cracking your spine or moving your legs around could help with problems elsewhere in your body, it can. Chiropractic care affects all aspects of the body. It might surprise you to see the positive impact chiropractic care can have on your overall health and well-being.
Acute Pain versus Chronic Pain
What is the difference between these types of pain? Chronic back pain is often caused by autoimmune diseases, arthritis, neuropathy, or cancer. It's usually defined as being more than six months in duration. Acute back pain is when you lift heavy objects and strain your muscles, fall on icy sidewalks, or have another type of accident.
Although acute pain is usually gone within a few days, it can resolve faster if treated properly. A few of the options for treating acute pain are chiropractic care, massage, electro stimulation, heat or cold therapy, and physical therapy.
Many people believe they should be mobile and take a break when in pain. However, this is not the best strategy. Although it may be tempting to just lay down on the couch or in bed, waiting for others to take care of you can cause more harm than good. Move around to bring nutrients and blood to the area. This helps to keep inflammation at a minimum, and prevents muscle tension.
It is important to understand that over-the-counter painkillers, muscle relaxants, or narcotic painkillers will not solve a patient's chronic pain. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation, they will not solve the problem.
Treatment of Pain and Stiffness by an Adjustment
A patient may experience lumbar or lower back pain in many ways. A patient may experience sharp or stabbing pains, dull, persistent ache, burning sensations, or spasms. It all depends on the extent of the injury to muscles, nerves or joints.
Reduced mobility and stiffness are another common side effect of lumbar strain or injury. You may feel restricted movement in some areas of your body, such as the ability to bend, reach for objects, or roll in bed.
Acute pain can be treated with chiropractic care. It relieves the pain and stiffness but also corrects the root cause. It's a win/win situation.
During The Actual Chiropractic Lower Back Adjustment
What happens during an adjustment? The chiropractor will ask you to lie down on a table. Your limbs will be manipulated by the chiropractor to stretch and stimulate joint release. This is known as the popping or crackling sound. This is similar to cracking your knuckles but on a bigger scale. It's normal and completely harmless.
They might also position you in a particular way or bend your joints. Relax, don't tighten your muscles and allow the practitioner to do the work. While the practitioner might focus on your lower back, the adjustment could also affect the whole body.
To complement spinal manipulation, a chiropractor may also offer manual therapy, therapeutic massage, and myofascial releases. They might also refer you to a specialist in these types of treatments.
Are You Curious To Know If Chiropractic Is Right For You?
Millions of people have reported relief from mobility and pain by receiving a lower back adjustment from their chiropractor. This treatment is covered by most American insurance plans. You might even end up in one of those YouTube videos!
Are you ready to give chiropractic a shot? To schedule an appointment, contact us at Elmsford Chiropractic Health & Wellness in Elmsford, New York.