The Importance of Pain Relief Without Medications
Chronic pain has an impact on hundreds of individuals in Iowa, and medications may help for short periods.
Still, they are only a temporary fix, often with side effects or at least
masking the actual problems. Chiropractic care works to locate natural pathways to the cause of the issue. Be it shoulder pain, a herniated disc, or a spinal adjustment, chiropractic care aims to provide a safe and effective answer without drugs or invasive procedures.
Back & Spine Pain: Chiropractic for Disc Injuries & Herniated Discs
Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients come into my office for chiropractic care.
Disc injuries and herniated discs are prevalent causes of pain, but they can affect a person’s ability to move. In case of a disc injury, a chiropractor addresses spinal adjustments and other treatments to relieve compression on nerves, realign the spinal joints, and improve circulation to damaged tissues.
Chiropractic care for patients with herniated discs can not only relieve pain but also reduce inflammation and restore motion to patients. And while surgery is invasive and likely leads to further complications, chiropractic adjustments are non-invasive and specifically engage the unique injury of each patient. By addressing misalignment and relieving compression on the nerves, patients often tell me they can tell a difference in not only pain, but also function.
Shoulder Pain: Can Chiropractic Help?
Many people do not initially think of chiropractic care for shoulder pain; however, shoulder pain is often due to poor postural habits, spinal misalignment, or muscle imbalances. For people seeking shoulder pain relief, chiropractic adjustments, mobilizations, and soft tissue treatments can generally restore proper mechanics and improve strain on the shoulder joint.
Some conditions (e.g., rotator cuff strain or tendonitis, frozen shoulder) can also improve with chiropractic care because chiropractic treatment enhances joint and muscle mechanics, which facilitates the body’s healing process. A chiropractor treats not only shoulder pathology, but also involves the cervical and thoracic spine, which contributes to the mechanics and function of the body.
Natural Solutions for Joint Pain and Mobility Problems
Joint pain can come from many sources, such as arthritis or stress on a joint, whether it be from overuse or injury. Rather than masking pain or discomfort with medication, a chiropractor can identify the limitations in your movement that may be causing discomfort. A chiropractor may be able to restore range of motion and reduce inflammation with gentle manipulation, mobilization and therapeutic exercises. With consistent chiropractic care, patients experience a sense of independence and regain their ability to walk, exercise, or to carry out numerous activities of daily living with ease. In summary, chiropractic care always emphasises mobility restoration and prevention of further injury or degeneration; joints and tissues are meant to move!
Why Spinal Adjustments Help with Pain Relief?
Spinal adjustments are the essence of chiropractic care. They are specific techniques designed to restore alignment to the spine, to move the vertebrae back into a position of less mechanical stress and irritation to the spinal nerves, and to restore an optimal state of communication between the brain and body.
Patients receiving spinal adjustment treatment can expect to experience a multitude of benefits, such as improved posture, decreased tension, and an enhanced sense of well-being. They receive regular adjustments and immediately benefit from pain relief, but they also receive a prevention plan for their long-term musculoskeletal health.
Tips to Help You Heal at Home
Chiropractic care is most effective when integrated with healthy lifestyle activities. Consistent with some valuable recommendations, patients can recover more quickly and achieve better outcomes with the following guidelines:
Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Daily stretching will help to manage stiffness and increase flexibility.
Postural Awareness: Quality ergonomics in the workplace and at home will be preventative for nagging pains. Heat and Ice Therapy: Combining a heat pack and a cold pack can help reduce inflammation and promote circulation.
Hydration and Nutrition: Hydration is crucial for preparing your body for self-repair. Additionally, quality, healthy anti-inflammatory nutrition supports and accelerates decompression and repair.
Rest and Sleep: Quality sleep is an essential part of the healing and recovery process, it is vital to get a good amount of sleep.
When to Pick a Chiropractor over Other Care Providers
Chiropractic care is excellent for relieving back pain, shoulder pain and joint pain. However, there are times when you may need care beyond what a chiropractor can provide. If your injury includes trauma, structural fractures, or if you have an advanced disease process (advanced disease that requires surgery), then a chiropractor will refer you to an orthopedic surgeon/neurologist/physiotherapist for advanced evaluation.
However, suppose you have an issue that is of musculoskeletal care – i.e. a herniated disc, shoulder pain, or joint stiffness or restriction. In that case, chiropractic care should be the first course of care before consideration of injections, medications or other invasive procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pain Relief & Chiropractic
Q: How do I know if chiropractic is right for me?
A: Chiropractic is a natural approach to treating back, shoulder, or joint pain if you prefer to treat your issue non-invasively.
Q: How many treatments will I require?
A: Treatment plans differ vastly based on the severity of your condition. While some patients experience relief in a few visits, other patients will respond well to continuing with maintenance care.
Q: Will chiropractic help me if I have a herniated disc?
A: Yes! Many patients with herniated discs do well with gentle spinal adjustments and adjunctive therapies to remove nerve pressure and improve healing.
Q: Is chiropractic safe for older patients with arthritis?
A: Yes! Chiropractic treatment can safely accommodate older patients. Treatment can be focused on gentle mobilization and pain relief without straining muscle or joint tissue.
