Chiropractic care is a drug-free and surgery-free treatment approach to pain relief. It also improves the nervous system function of the entire body. Chiropractors use X-rays to diagnose disorders such as spinal degeneration, bone spurs, abnormal development or curvature of the spine (such as scoliosis), and the internal structure and alignment of the spine. Just like going to your dentist or optician for a checkup, visiting a chiropractor can catch health issues before they develop into major pain episodes.
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What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic is a manual therapy method used to treat musculoskeletal issues, which are diseases of the bones, muscles, and joints. Like acupuncture and osteopathy, it’s sometimes called “alternative medicine,” but it complements conventional medical treatments. Spinal manipulation corrects misalignments in the spine, improving spinal alignment and mobility and reducing pain and stiffness. It also boosts immunity and improves overall bodily function, including mental health. Neck pain and headaches are common reasons to see a chiropractor. Research has shown that spinal manipulation eases these symptoms and is as effective as medication. A properly aligned spine increases blood flow to the brain, reducing headaches and even debilitating vertigo. It has also decreased high blood pressure, which a misaligned spine can cause.
How Do Chiropractors Treat Pain?
Chiropractors treat pain with hands-on manipulations of muscles, fascia, tendons and ligaments similar to massage techniques. They also offer soft tissue therapies, including stretching and exercise to reduce muscle tightness and improve range of motion and flexibility. Chiropractors often treat back and neck pain. They also assist with fibromyalgia, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues and sports injuries. A healthy spine is the foundation for a strong body, allowing your bones and muscles to move easily and supporting your nervous system, which controls all cell functions. Suppose even a single vertebrae is out of alignment. In that case, it can disrupt the flow of nerve signals and indirectly affect your immune system, which keeps bacterial and viral infections at bay. Brad Kern ensures that your spine works properly to boost your immunity and keep your body running as it should.
How Can Chiropractors Help Me?
Aside from easing back and neck pain, chiropractors can also help with problems in other body areas. For example, neck pain caused by sitting for hours at work or poor posture can be eased with manipulations in the cervical spine (the neck). In a recent study, this type of treatment was more effective than taking painkillers.
In addition to spinal manipulations, chiropractors often use soft tissue therapy and exercises to ease muscle strains and joint stiffness. They may also advise you on posture, diet and exercise. Chiropractic professionals are trained to know when you will and won’t benefit from their services. They can refer you to a doctor or hospital for additional care. You can look up a chiropractor online or ask your friends and family for referrals. Many health insurance companies cover chiropractic services. You can also request a recommendation from your primary care physician. Many GPs can recommend a chiropractor.
What is a Chiropractor’s Role in Health Care?
While chiropractors are best known for treating musculoskeletal injuries like back and neck pain, they also treat many health conditions. They have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises and lifestyle and dietary counseling. The primary treatment technique used by chiropractors is spinal manipulation. It involves applying manual pressure to a misaligned joint, or “locked up,” to restore its natural movement and improve function. Chiropractors also use soft-tissue therapy to relax tight muscles and relieve spasms, joint bracing/taping (Kinesio taping) and exercises that help with stability and mobility. Chiropractors are also trained to recognize when their patients need a referral to another specialist. They are often involved in collaborative care with medical physicians, physical therapists, massage therapists and acupuncturists.