If you’re tired of undergoing risky surgery or taking potentially addictive pain medications, chiropractic treatments are a natural and effective alternative. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat musculoskeletal problems such as herniated discs, stenosis, spinal degeneration and other chronic pain conditions.
Most often, chiropractors use manual manipulation of the vertebrae in your spine or other joints. This is called spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and it restores the joint’s normal movement. It also improves the function of your musculoskeletal system, which in turn can reduce or eliminate your back pain and other symptoms.
Chiropractors also use soft tissue massage to increase blood flow and support your body’s ability to heal itself. This helps to reduce muscle tension and swelling, decreases spasms and aches and speeds up healing.
Another common treatment is muscle stimulation, which uses a low-level pulsing electrical current to encourage healing at the cellular level. This technique increases blood circulation and breaks down lactic acid buildup in tight muscles. It can also help relieve pain and improve flexibility, reduce the frequency of migraines, and alleviate other headaches.
Other therapies like cold laser and therapeutic ultrasound are used to stimulate the body’s own innate healing processes. These techniques work by delivering particles of light energy into your cells and tissues to accelerate the body’s natural production of enzymes that promote healthy cell growth, repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.
While a musculoskeletal condition may cause your pain, underlying issues like psychological stress and emotional trauma can also play a role. Chiropractors understand that your physical well-being is linked to your mental and emotional state, and they strive to address the root causes of your pain, rather than masking your symptoms with prescription drugs.
In addition to addressing physical injuries, chiropractors provide wellness coaching and nutritional and lifestyle advice. This individualized approach is an essential component of pain management, as it allows the patient to take control of their own health and recovery.
The results of the treatment vary from person to person, but most experience positive outcomes with more than one session. It is important to be committed to your treatment regimen and follow the recommendations of your chiropractor. For example, your chiropractor may recommend 2-3 short sessions per week for several weeks until your condition is stabilized. After this, your chiropractor may recommend less frequent treatment to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Before beginning chiropractic treatment, it is important to consult with your medical doctor about whether this type of therapy will benefit you. There are some medical conditions, such as a herniated or slipped disk or inflammatory arthritis, that should not be treated with spinal manipulation. It’s also important to discuss your medication regimen with your doctor before receiving chiropractic care. There have been cases in which spinal manipulation has worsened a herniated disk or aggravated a spinal cord injury, so it’s best to be cautious. To learn more about how chiropractic can help alleviate pain and improve your overall well-being, contact a reputable Atlanta chiropractor today.