Chiropractic care is a type of alternative medicine to treat ailments of the muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and bones. It does not rely on medications or invasive procedures such as surgery. The effectiveness of chiropractic care is evident in several clinical studies. It can help people who suffer from neck pain, back pain, arthritis, headaches, leg pain, sprain, strains, and several other conditions. Continue reading to learn what types of pain can be treated by a chiropractor.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people get chiropractic treatment. Several studies have found chiropractic techniques effective in treating pain in the lower and upper back. This includes acute or chronic pain in the back. In most cases, the chiropractor does spinal manipulation or adjustments to help alleviate back pain, which can be caused by different conditions or injuries.
Although back pain is extremely common, some cases are severe and tend to interfere with daily life. One of the reasons people choose to seek chiropractic care for the back is the non-invasive nature of the treatment. Surgery on the spine can be risky, so back pain patients often seek chiropractic care as a first choice.
Sciatica is a common cause of pain in the lower back and legs. It is caused by irritation, compression, or inflammation of a nerve in the lower back. About 40% of Americans have experienced sciatica at some point in their life. It can be caused by injuries, posture, obesity, illness, inactive lifestyle, and other reasons. A chiropractor can help treat sciatica through chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, cold and hot therapy, and other techniques.
Not all back conditions can be treated with chiropractic care. For example, chiropractic care may not be suitable if there is a fracture or broken bone in the back. However, It can be used for subluxation caused by fractures or broken bones.
Neck Pain
Neck pain can be caused by various reasons, including sports injuries, car accidents, illness, bad posture, and more. A chiropractor can examine the neck to determine if chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms. In some cases, the chiropractor may recommend a combination of regular chiropractic treatment, stretching, and resistance exercises to help reduce neck pain.
Whiplash, a common neck injury in car accidents, can be treated with chiropractic care. Patients who suffer from whiplash often feel stiffness and pain in the neck. A chiropractor may use manual therapy and other methods to alleviate neck pain. They can also perform instrument-assisted soft-tissue therapy to treat muscle tension in the neck. Along with treatment, chiropractors often guide patients on how to apply heat and cold therapy at home to reduce pain and swelling of the neck.
Arthritis Pain
Arthritis can affect anyone, including children, adults, and seniors. A common symptom of arthritis is pain in the joints and bones. While arthritis is commonly caused by infection or disease, it can also be triggered by injuries, accidents, or the gradual wear and tear of the joints.
One of the primary goals of treating arthritis through chiropractic care is to improve the relationship between the joint’s structure and function. For example, a chiropractor may manipulate the soft tissue around the joints to reduce muscle spasms, pain, and swelling. They can also recommend active exercises to help increase the range of motion of the joints. Arthritis patients might also be prescribed adjunctive therapies such as ultrasound, infrared sauna, cold laser, or electrotherapy to reduce pain.
Headaches
Most people experience headaches, which can range from mild to severe. However, some headaches, such as tension headaches, are persistent or tend to occur frequently, which means they must be treated. According to the American Chiropractic Association, headaches can be treated with chiropractic techniques such as spinal manipulation.
Often, headaches result from muscle tension or pinched nerves in the neck or back. Using targeted techniques, chiropractors can help ease muscle tension, alleviate pinched nerves, and reduce stress on the nervous system.
In some cases, chiropractors can also guide patients on lifestyle modification to prevent or reduce headaches. Lifestyle modifications can include changes to posture, nutrition, and exercise routines. Reducing stress can also help with headaches. Lifestyle changes can have a significant positive impact on the patient’s overall health and, more specifically, help relieve headaches.
Leg Pain
There are many causes of leg pain, including musculoskeletal, vascular, and neurological issues. Some of these issues can be treated with chiropractic care. As a first step, the chiropractor can help determine the cause of leg pain. In some cases, the leg pain is rooted in issues with the spine. The chiropractic treatment for leg pain originating from the spine can include adjustment of the spine. Manual manipulation of the leg muscles or joints can help relax the muscles, increase circulation, and improve the range of motion.
Sprains and Strains
Chiropractors can help their patients overcome pain resulting from sprains or strains. A sprain occurs when the ligament is overstretched. Although sprains can happen in any joint, they are most common at the ankle joint. While a strain is an injury to the soft tissues surrounding a joint, a strain can occur in a muscle, such as a hamstring.
A chiropractor can examine the sprain or strain to determine the best type of treatment. In most cases, the chiropractor will perform adjustments to ensure the ligament, tendons, and joints are correctly aligned. This can help reduce inflammation around the injured area and help boost recovery.