Chiropractic Care As a Comprehensive Approach to Pain Management
Chiropractic care focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and nervous system and their effects on general health. It is a hands-on treatment that utilizes spinal adjustments, manual manipulation of the extremities, massage, rehabilitation and exercise techniques to manage pain and discomfort in patients of all ages.
Through a comprehensive evaluation of the patient, chiropractors are able to identify underlying issues that cause nerve pain and develop targeted treatment strategies to provide relief. By combining the structural health of the spine with overall well-being, chiropractic treatment can support self-healing and long-term wellness.
Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic and rehabilitative exercises, including stretches, joint mobilization, soft-tissue therapy, and kinesio taping. In addition, they are skilled at applying nutritional and lifestyle advice to support healing and pain management.
A key component of chiropractic treatment is the application of spinal manipulations to correct misalignments in the vertebrae that can restrict movement and lead to pain. These spinal adjustments, called spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), involve the application of controlled force to joints and soft tissues in the body to restore motion and alleviate pain. Some patients may experience a slight level of discomfort during treatment, but the feeling usually subsides quickly.
Spinal manipulations are a safe form of pain relief and can be used to treat neck, back or limb injuries. Studies have shown that these treatments can improve a variety of conditions, such as fibromyalgia, low back pain and shoulder pain. Moreover, these treatments can decrease pain and improve function in people who have chronic neck and back problems that don’t respond to other treatment methods, such as medications or surgery.
A large part of chiropractic treatment is educating patients on self-care and how to prevent future pain and injury. This includes teaching the fundamentals of good posture while sitting, sleeping or standing at work, as well as recommending stretching and exercises to relieve stress on the body’s muscles and joints. Chiropractors can also help reduce pain by referring patients to other health care providers for referrals such as physiotherapists, registered massage therapists and physicians.
A recent study found that spinal manipulation, when performed by a licensed Atlanta chiropractor, can reduce the use of opioid pain relievers among individuals suffering from neck or lower back pain. This finding is significant because it supports the idea that chiropractic care is a safe and effective alternative to opiate pain relievers, especially in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Additionally, a 2020 study suggests that spinal manipulation can help patients manage their symptoms without the need for invasive surgeries or reliance on prescription medication. However, patients should always consult a physician before beginning chiropractic treatment to ensure it’s safe for them. They should also contact their primary care doctor if the pain doesn’t subside or gets worse after receiving chiropractic care. This can help avoid serious complications, such as slipped discs and stroke.