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If you are suffering from headaches, neck pain, lower back pain, or shoulder pain, then you might be wondering if chiropractic adjustments and treatments will be safe and effective in alleviating your aches. Although chiropractic treatments seem intimidating or even dangerous, when done properly by a trained and experienced practitioner, chiropractic can yield positive results that lead to lifelong wellness.
However, with anything having to do with your health, the results are often based on what your ailments are and who you seek out for treatment, warns Brickell chiropractor – SnapCrack. Read on to learn more about how chiropractic care is safe, the risks of chiropractic care, and how to choose the right chiropractor.
In short, yes, chiropractic care is safe. In fact, it is much safer to seek out chiropractic treatment than it is to constantly take over-the-counter medications for back and neck pain, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
One reason why a lot of people think that chiropractic care is not safe is because many people experience muscle soreness and stiffness after treatment that resolves itself within a day or two. The reason for this soreness is that during a chiropractic adjustment, the vertebrae are moved slightly, which means that the muscles have to adapt to that movement.
After all, your body may have been used to being out of alignment for a while, and then it is moved into a new posture. Your chiropractor will base their treatment and the amount of pressure they use on your medical history and existing conditions. You should also speak up during your adjustments so that your chiropractor can adjust their approach if needed.
Unfortunately, there are some conditions that chiropractic is not suggested for since applying pressure or manipulating the spine will exacerbate those conditions. Infections that affect the joints, certain inflammatory diseases, and any condition that causes unstable joints may require a different type of medical care than chiropractic. Chiropractic care is not suggested if you are suffering from:
Before seeing a chiropractor, you should talk to your primary care physician about getting a full physical examination, including bloodwork, and then bring those results to your chiropractor. If your chiropractor cannot treat you for any of the above conditions, then they may be able to recommend a physical therapist, neurologist, or another healthcare provider who can assist you. Remember, chiropractic care is just one of many different methods that are successful in helping people, but it’s not always the right method for everyone.
You should also not rule out chiropractic care if you have any of the above conditions. Chiropractic care is not necessarily dangerous if you have any of these conditions. By working in conjunction with your physical therapist or primary care physician, your chiropractor can adjust your treatment approach to protect you and best serve your needs.
Although chiropractic therapy is good for you, who you choose to go to matters; it can be challenging to select a chiropractor who you feel comfortable with. Each chiropractor has their own philosophies and techniques, and since your chiropractor will be manipulating your spine and body, it’s important to find one you can fully trust. Here are some tips that can help you choose the best chiropractor.
First, you can start by asking for recommendations. If you know anyone who has needed a chiropractor, such as a friend, neighbor, or coworker, you can ask them to give you a recommendation. Your primary care physician may also have recommendations for chiropractors that they respect and trust.
Keep in mind that just because someone you know likes their chiropractor does not mean that you will also like them, too, so go to your first appointment with an open mind. Remember, all bodies are different and have unique needs, so what works for one person’s body may not work for you. Don’t feel pressured to like a chiropractor just because you know someone who gets great results from them.
During your initial consultation, you will get to learn more about the chiropractor, their techniques, and the clinic. It’s also a valuable opportunity for you to ask questions such as:
Then there are questions that you should answer on your own. Did you feel comfortable talking with the chiropractor? How long did you wait to speak to your chiropractor? Were there a lot of people in the waiting room that seemed to have been there for a long time? Were you provided a treatment plan or estimate in writing? Did you feel like they listened to you? Did this chiropractor have more education and training in various specialties compared to other chiropractors that you interviewed?
Although post-graduate studies are not required of chiropractors, many decide to further their education in orthopedics, neurology, nutrition, rehabilitation, and sports medicine. By the end of your initial consultation, you should have a lot of confidence in your chiropractor. If you don’t, then you should keep looking around until you find the right one. If your chiropractor isn’t willing to listen to you or can’t give you the time that you deserve, then those factors will impact your health and wellness.
There are various therapies available through chiropractic that achieve different results. Spinal manipulation, also known as manual therapy, is one of the most well-known techniques used by both chiropractors and physical therapists.
Spinal manipulation relieves pressure on the joints, improves nerve function, and reduces inflammation by increasing blood flow. Practitioners of this technique use their hands or device to apply gentle thrusting motions to the affected area.
The Thompson Drop-Table technique is another popular method used in chiropractics where a patient is “dropped” a fraction of an inch as their chiropractor applies a quick force to make the adjustment.
Chiropractors can also refer you to integrative medicine experts for guidance on holistic healing. They may recommend you to a dietitian or nutritionist so that you can change what you eat to reduce inflammation or to promote weight loss. They may also recommend you to receive massage therapy or do certain types of exercises or stretches to restore or maintain your mobility and range of motion.
Although chiropractic is typically recommended for back and neck pain, a chiropractor can treat pain anywhere in your body. Jaw pain, hip pain, pelvic pain, pain in your legs, or pain in your elbows or wrists can be treated by a skilled chiropractor.
Your chiropractor’s job is not only to ensure that your joints move properly, but that the surrounding muscles are functioning properly, too. No matter why you want to see a chiropractor, you can be sure it’s safe and effective for a variety of ailments and conditions.