When you have back pain, it can be excruciating and sometimes even debilitating. This often has people looking for many different forms of treatment to get relief, including visiting a chiropractor. If you’ve never seen a chiropractor and are considering visiting one to get pain relief, read on for some of the chiropractic benefits as well as what to expect.
What Can I Expect from My Chiropractic Visit?
During your first visit to the chiropractor, you will typically undergo a physical exam and be asked a series of questions about your health history. There may also be lab tests or diagnostic tests. This will help determine what type of chiropractic care is best suit your issue.
Chiropractors can use different techniques such as spinal manipulation to restore mobility in the joints as well as other treatments. There may be one or more manual adjustments needed. Some chiropractors also use nutritional counseling and exercise as part of their treatment plan.
What does a Chiropractic Adjustment Do?
During a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation, the chiropractor will use their hands to apply a controlled, but sudden force to a joint in your spine. Sometimes a small instrument is used in place of their hands. The goal is to improve the movement in the spine and to improve the body’s physical function.
During the procedure, you’ll be placed in a specific position to treat the areas that are bothering you. Usually, you’ll be lying on a chiropractic table that’s comfortable for patients when these adjustments are taking place. Then, the chiropractor will use their hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a joint. This will usually push it beyond its typical range of motion. You may hear some popping or cracking sounds, but this is completely normal.
Chiropractic adjustments are usually done on patients with low back pain, neck pain, and even headaches.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Good for You?
Only you and your doctors can determine whether you will benefit from chiropractic adjustments. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that spinal manipulation is among several holistic therapies that have been proven to provide relief for mild to moderate lower back pain.
Some people may experience minor side effects after having an adjustment. This can include a headache or fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your chiropractor.
What are Chiropractic Benefits?
There are many benefits to chiropractic care. These can include improving joint mobility, function, and health. After treatments with a chiropractor, you may also experience the following:
- Loosen mobility in joints
- Improve muscle strength
- Decrease risk of arthritis
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improved organ function
- Stress relief
- Increases energy level
Chiropractic care can also help to improve athletic performance. Since it is known to reduce inflammation and pain, many sports teams and athletes seek the help of a chiropractor. A chiropractic adjustment can help boost the immune system which, in turn, can boost an athlete’s performance.
If you have high blood pressure, you may also want to consider having a chiropractic adjustment. A study found that certain chiropractic adjustments may help to lower blood pressure.
Many people opt for chiropractic care because it is a drug-free way to treat pain. For people who don’t want to take medications or can’t take certain medications, a visit to the chiropractor may be able to help.
If you suffer from vertigo, you may also benefit from chiropractic care. Dizziness and vertigo can make it hard to do everyday tasks. Some people can’t even get out of bed because they feel disoriented and nauseous. Sometimes, a chiropractic adjustment can help with joints and vertebrae that aren’t moving correctly. An adjustment can help to restore the body’s balance.
It’s important to note that any chiropractic care, including any spinal adjustments, should be done by a chiropractor who is trained and licensed.
Contact Us!
If you want more information on chiropractic care, contact Epic Healthcare and Physical Medicine. We offer safe and effective chiropractic care for several issues. You can see us for a consultation so we can assess the problem and develop a treatment plan that’s best for your pain.
Our chiropractors are licensed and trained, so you can feel confident that you are getting the most professional care possible. We have treated countless patients and helped them deal with their pain.
In our offices, we offer consultations, exams, and diagnostics to our patients. We know that each patient’s pain is different. That’s why we develop a tailored treatment pain for all of our patients.