The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Seeing a chiropractor is an excellent way to manage pain. It is less invasive and a great alternative to taking pharmaceutical painkillers that can have dangerous side effects and cause addiction. Whether you are suffering from back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome or headaches, chiropractic care can help you get your life back on track. It is important to note that you should always follow up with your physician and contact them if your pain persists or gets worse.

Chiropractors are licensed health chiropractic care care professionals who focus on disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine and the nervous system. These professionals have broad diagnostic skills and are trained to recommend therapeutic exercise, dietary and lifestyle changes and other non-invasive treatments.

Most of the time, patients see a chiropractor for neck and back pain, but chiropractors also treat a wide range of other health conditions, including asthma, sports injuries and chronic headaches. Chiropractors often work collaboratively as part of a patient’s circle of care, with other health professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, registered massage therapists and physiotherapists.

When you visit a chiropractor, you may be asked to fill out a patient history form and undergo a thorough examination by the practitioner. The doctor will then develop a diagnosis and start treatment. The chiropractic profession is based on a scientific principle that the body has an inbuilt ability to heal itself. Chiropractors use manual therapy and spinal manipulation to ease pain, stiffness and muscle tension in the body.

A study published in 2019 found that spinal manipulation reduces neck pain and associated symptoms in the short term by modifying levels of neuropeptides, which are proteins made in your nervous system that function as neurotransmitters or hormones. This decrease in inflammation and sensitivity can significantly lower your need for opioid pain relievers to manage your discomfort.

Depending on the condition, your chiropractor may recommend soft tissue manipulation such as massage or joint mobilization to loosen and relax muscles and joints. Other techniques may include high velocity thrust, low amplitude thrust or interferential therapy. Your chiropractor may apply a varying amount of pressure to your muscles and joints, which can produce a cracking sound.

In most cases, chiropractic services are covered by health insurance policies. However, it is important to check with your healthcare provider because they may require a referral from a medical professional or be able to bill Medicare directly. If you are not sure about how much your chiropractor will charge, it is a good idea to ask them or your GP for an estimate of the costs.

It is important to note that while physical therapy and chiropractic are similar, they have different training approaches. Unlike chiropractic, physiotherapy is based on an entire body approach and involves exercises and stretches that target the whole body’s movement, strength and mobility. Physiotherapy is a treatment that can be used to recover from surgery, limb amputations or even recuperate from strokes.