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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Achieving optimal spinal health can help to relieve many sources of pain. Chiropractic care can increase health in turn improving the quality of life. This knowledge, along with much more are on the list of what you need to know about chiropractic care with Anodyne Pain and Wellness!
CHIROPRACTIC CARE DEFINED
Chiropractic care is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the functions and structure of the body, typically the spine. A chiropractor will manipulate the body’s alignment with their hands or a small instrument, providing pain relief and better function over a period of treatment time.
Chiropractic care is covered by most major insurance companies and is certainly a valid form of pain management for those suffering with joint pain.
Most commonly, chiropractic care is used to treat pain in the neck, back, or head. It is also used as a form of treatment following injury, such as a motor accident or sports injury.
Chiropractors are also used in conjunction with primary care physicians, surgeons, and pain medication to assist in treating a patient. However, for some people, chiropractic care can be used on its own as a more holistic approach to pain management.
Many patients opt to see a chiropractor for their pain as opposed to taking strong pain medications.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR FIRST VISIT
When going to see a chiropractor for the first time, you should expect it to be very similar to any other doctor’s appointment.
The chiropractor will ask you about your medical history, perform a physical examination, ask about any particular pain areas, and then form a working diagnosis.
From then, your chiropractor will perform physical manipulation, either stretching or applying pressure with gentle force, to different trigger points in the spine.
Slight soreness in the pressure areas may occur in some patients, but this is fairly common and should not be a cause for concern.
FINDING RELIEF
Many patients will feel physical relief after a single appointment, but your chiropractor will follow a treatment plan over an extended period of time to monitor pain relief and provide the patient with better function long term.
Typically, this kind of permanent change can be noticeable within six to ten visits to a chiropractor.
If your symptoms don’t approve within a decent amount of time, it could be a sign that there is a more severe underlying issue.
Chiropractic care is not a suitable treatment for those with cancer in the spine, severe osteoporosis, or other more severe conditions that require more intensive medical treatment.
Some of the conditions commonly aided by chiropractic treatments are as follows:
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Upper and lower back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Constipation
- Hip pain
- Sciatica
- Vertigo
- Knee and ankle pain
- General chiropractic adjustment
- Plus many more
Following an accident related injury (whether it be auto, sports, or other), chiropractors also work in conjunction with attorneys to provide relief and build a case for the injured party.
WHAT IS SUBLUXATION?
Chiropractic research suggests that subluxation is typically the cause of the symptoms listed above.
This is a detriment to the body because it can cut off signals from the nervous system and lead to a number of uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Essentially, when the nervous system is impacted in this way, the body will not be able to receive the proper messages and will consequently not be functioning to the best of its capabilities. Subluxation will determine the spot in the spine that is in need of physical manipulation, giving the chiropractor somewhat of a roadmap to help rehabilitate the patient.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Among pain management following injury, there are other reasons one may pursue chiropractic treatment.
For one, chiropractic adjustment has been proven to increase the natural secretion of melatonin in the body, meaning that a patient’s sleep may improve following treatment.
Spinal manipulation is also proven to assist in lowering blood pressure and improving blood circulation.
Additionally, because of the spine’s relationship with the nervous system, chiropractic treatment can aid in alleviating stress and anxiety.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Chiropractic care is suitable for most people, regardless of age. Chiropractic research suggests that infants can even receive treatment, though it is done with a significantly more gentle touch, to treat things such as colic or difficulty breastfeeding.
Parents can even take their older children to chiropractic treatment to aid in better sleep and to approve spinal posture prior to adulthood.
Additionally, senior patients can also experience great benefits through chiropractic care. Since repairing subluxations in the spine will improve flexibility and balance, an elderly patient’s risk of fall or injury may be significantly decreased through chiropractic treatment.
As well as this, frequent adjustments can aid in managing pain from chronic illnesses.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
As well as providing physical relief in the office, a chiropractor can suggest lifestyle changes to implement during and after treatment to aid in overall health.
Chiropractors can suggest things like stretches to do at home that will help in a patient’s range of motion, or even changes to the diet that can improve a patient’s joint health.
Chiropractors also may suggest getting a healthy amount of sleep, maintaining an exercise schedule, and keeping an eye on weight, seeing as people at a healthy weight have less pressure on their joints, leading to less wear and tear again.
IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE SAFE?
Chiropractic care is a safe form of treatment when done by a professional.
In order to practice legally in the United States, a chiropractor must have at least three years of undergraduate education, earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (which typically takes an additional four years), obtain a state license, and pass a national board exam.
In order to safely practice, chiropractors must have extensive knowledge about body anatomy and physiology.
Chiropractors can also follow up their education with postgraduate degrees, such as orthopedics, to expand their knowledge and provide their patients with the best care possible.
Chiropractors use decades of scientific research, years of experience, and an understanding of the patient’s history and preferences to provide great care.
TRUST US WITH YOUR CHIROPRACTIC CARE
In conclusion, chiropractic care is a form of treatment that aids the body’s ability to heal itself, as opposed to masking pain with medications.
When used in conjunction with primary care doctors, surgeons, or a pain management doctor, it can significantly increase a patient’s quality of life following an injury.
However, a person doesn’t have to be injured in order to visit a chiropractor, because there are countless benefits regardless of age, status of health, or background.
A chiropractor’s job is to help their patient’s body function to its fullest extent, done only through physical touch.
For those who may have tried the medicinal route to deal with pain with no avail, or to those who just don’t feel that their body is functioning at peak performance, chiropractic treatment may be the right answer.
With over a century of practice and research, chiropractic care may be the cause for a wide variety of negative symptoms one may be experiencing, all with a natural and holistic approach.
CHIRO IN NEWARK
If you are looking for a trustworthy chiropractor in the Newark area, Anodyne Pain and Wellness is a great practice. Per everything mentioned above, you don’t need to be injured or in pain to visit chiropractic, because as we said, chiropractic care can help you improve many aspects of your life as sleeping and stress if you feel that your body is not functioning at a 100%, a visit to the chiropractor will certainly be the best decision for you.
Visit our website if you would like more information regarding Anodyne Pain and Wellness, where you could read a handful of testimonials from patients or learn more about their team.