Does Chiropractic Care Work?

Does Chiropractic Care Work?

For those who spend a large portion of the day at a sedentary job, the chances are high that they will experience back or neck pain. Even those who are particularly active, such as athletes, push their bodies to the point that they can cause a misalignment of the spine, resulting in the same type of pain.

While this type of pain is often a minor discomfort, fading away over time, sometimes it hangs around, becoming a nagging nuisance that makes it difficult to do the things you love. You may need to start searching for a full-service chiropractor or even look into sciatic nerve treatment.

In some cases, the pain becomes a life-altering circumstance, severe enough to derail a person’s quality of life altogether.

Any time a person experiences joint soreness, limited range of motion, or consistent pain (no matter the severity), the services of a chiropractor can prove invaluable. Yet, many people have reservations about engaging the benefits of these professionals.

Does chiropractic care work?

How do Chiropractic Procedures Work?

What sets a chiropractor apart from other licensed professionals is that their work is entirely holistic; they do not perform surgeries or other invasive procedures, choosing instead to work on the body’s properties, generally using their hands to re-establish a body’s alignment, particularly the spine.

The body is a complex machine, and when a part gets out of alignment, it has a domino effect that can result in several symptoms, some more serious than others and not always localized in that area.

For instance, some people experience chronic headaches, while others experience numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. In addition to these issues, spinal misalignment may result in illness, fatigue, and pain in various locations, such as the lower back, neck, or hip. Other times, the spine can compress and cause injury to its discs, causing them to bulge or pinch nerves.

By using their hands to perform spinal adjustment sessions, chiropractors can correct many issues and alleviate much or all of the pain. In some instances, chiropractors perform what is known as spinal decompression, which is a series of procedures designed to stretch the spine. This alleviates tension on the discs and nerves, which can cause significant relief from suffering.

While the name sounds like a frightening surgery, the process is relatively simple. Many chiropractors use a segmented table with upper and lower portions that operate independently. This works the spine gradually, and most tables include a monitor that gauges effectiveness and makes adjustments as necessary. This type of procedure is called non-surgical spinal decompression.

Of course, that means that there is a surgical version as well, although a chiropractor will not be the person who performs any surgery. If they determine a severe case requires more invasive procedures, the chiropractor will refer you to a professional in that field.

Is Chiropractic Care Effective?

The short answer to this question is: yes. While chiropractic care does not always resolve the problem entirely, it makes an impact. As many as 9 out of 10 people who undergo massage therapy experience a significant reduction of pain, improvement in target areas, or complete resolution of the issue.

Those are pretty great odds, especially considering that the odd person out likely has a condition that has degenerated beyond the capabilities of a licensed chiropractor, necessitating surgical procedures or other more invasive methods to help with their problems.

Does It Hurt?

One of the primary reasons people decide not to visit a chiropractor to get help for their pain is because they fear it will hurt. In nearly every case, the opposite is true. Chiropractic care is a form of massage therapy, which means that when the professional works on your body, it feels good.

Even if the issue is not severe, many people visit chiropractors because it is suitable for achieving a relaxed state, which helps with mental health. Of course, keeping the spine in alignment has benefits down the line for prevention, so it is a great idea to visit a chiropractor regularly.

In most cases where there is pain, it usually involves stiff joints that suffer a limited range of movement or is temporary, the result of the initial alignment necessary to stretch the spine. Generally, this is the good kind of pain that demonstrates that your problem is getting better. In most cases, this preliminary pain fades, often replaced by pleasurable pain alleviation.

Are There Any Risks?

There are always risks when undergoing a procedure, although, in chiropractic care, they are exceedingly rare. Most incidents occur because a patient does not fully disclose medical history, worsening pre-existing conditions.

For example, people with severe osteoporosis, cancer in the spine, or an increased risk of stroke should not participate in chiropractic care or at least consult with a chiropractor or a physician before doing so. In other cases, unusual bone formations in the upper neck have caused problems, so it is vital to provide your medical history to your chiropractor before a procedure.

What is a Chiropractic Procedure Like?

Once the medical information disclosure is complete, the chiropractor will gently explore the spine and any target areas you specify to evaluate the best way to proceed.

During most chiropractic adjustments, the chiropractor will have you lie on a padded table in a position suitable for them to work their magic on the designated areas. You can expect a typical session to last up to 30 minutes.

When they begin, they will apply sudden force with their hands to specific locations, which may result in a cracking sound. This is normal and generally feels good as it alleviates pain and pressure in painful areas. Remember that resolving the issues may take several sessions, although you will likely feel immediate improvement.

The Bottom Line

In nearly every outcome, chiropractic care results in a positive outcome for the patient, although it may take time to produce the best results. The process does not generally hurt beyond minor pain, demonstrating that the procedure is working and, in most cases, is a relaxing, pleasurable experience.

Even if you are not suffering from extreme pain, visiting a chiropractor can help realign your spine to treat minor aches and pains and serve as a preventative measure against problems down the line. Scheduling an occasional chiropractic visit can prove a relaxing and enjoyable experience, helping keep your body in a natural alignment conducive to positive body health.

Does Chiropractic Care Work?

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