Chiropractic Treatment for Pain Management Chiropractic care is a non-invasive way of treating various musculoskeletal ailments and spine-related health issues. The basis of chiropractic care is the theory that the body can heal itself when the skeletal system is properly aligned and the nervous system is functioning well. The basis of chiropractic is spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustment, a procedure in which chiropractors use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled sudden force to the affected spinal joint. The application of this gentle and controlled pressure can correct vertebrae misalignment or vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. By correcting structural alignment and reducing nerve irritability and pain, the treatment can improve or restore the body’s functional abilities. What Spinal Manipulation Involves In spinal manipulation, chiropractors apply a controlled, sudden force to a specific joint using their hands. The application of the strong pressure on a joint between two vertebrae of the spine often causes popping noises. These sounds are believed to be the result of the release of pressure created by gases within the joint. Spinal manipulation can be done either directly by pushing on the vertebrae or indirectly by twisting the neck or upper part of the body. Most spinal manipulation treatments take around 10 and 20 minutes and are initially recommended two or three times a week. Patients can usually expect to see changes after about two weeks.
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Conditions That Can Be Treated Chiropractic could be helpful for the following conditions:
Whiplash injury
Sports injuries
Shoulder pain
Sciatica
Repetitive strain injuries
Neck pain
Musculoskeletal disorders
Knee pain
Jaw pain
Herniated disc
Headaches
Fibromyalgia
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Back pain
Arthritis
Accidents, falls and other work-related injuries
Treatment Methods In leading multispecialty healthcare centers, qualified and licensed chiropractors work along with primary care physicians, pain management experts, and surgeons to treat patients with pain. The first step in the treatment would be a thorough evaluation of the patient using the imaging tests like MRI or X-rays to find the root cause of the pain. The patient’s medical history will be analyzed and a physical examination (with particular attention to spine) will be conducted. In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors may also adopt a variety of treatment techniques:
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – The TENS machine delivers low electrical simulation to the affected area. These electrical impulses block the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain, which can help reduce or relieve pain.
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Ice or heat application - Ice packs help reduce muscle spasm and joint inflammation, whereas heat application relaxes the muscles.
Exercise – Physical therapy and exercises improve a patient’s strength, mobility and range of motion, and generally include a combination of strengthening, stretching, and aerobic programs designed to improve posture and flexibility.
Nutrition counseling – Nutrition counseling is a critical part of chiropractic care wherein physicians provide advice on nutrition, diet and other lifestyle habits. Proper nutrition provides a wealth of physical and emotional benefits. A proper mix of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients is important for smooth functioning of skeletal, muscular, nervous, and circulatory systems.
Chiropractic care can benefit people of all ages, from young people to the elderly. It is a holistic approach to patient care that focuses on ongoing preventive and wellness care.
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