A number of chronic pain conditions can benefit from chiropractic treatments. These include arthritis, neck and back pain, headaches and whiplash injuries. Rather than treating the symptoms of these conditions with drugs, such as painkillers and anti-inflammatories, chiropractors address the root causes of pain with spinal manipulation and soft tissue therapy. This holistic approach to pain management has some advantages over medical treatments, including a lower risk of addiction and side effects.
Chiropractors have a deep understanding of the way nerves and the body work together. They understand how the nervous system relates to the spine and other parts of the body, such as the arms and legs. This helps them to decompress areas that put stress on the spinal nerves and reduce or eliminate misalignments, which in turn, can help alleviate pain.
During a treatment session, the patient lies on a table while the chiropractor applies manual pressure to the affected area, such as the spine. A sudden, controlled force applied to a specific joint, such as the spine or shoulder, results in a popping sound, which is caused by a change in pressure within the joint and is a normal part of the treatment. These procedures are called spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustment. Various other treatments, such as instrument-assisted manipulation, drop table techniques and flexion-distraction therapy may also be used during a session. Soft tissue treatments like trigger point therapy, myofascial release and therapeutic massage are also commonly used to treat musculoskeletal issues.
Painful tendons and ligaments can be treated by a chiropractor with massage, which can increase circulation to the tissues and reduce inflammation. This can then allow the injured tissue to heal more quickly. Chiropractors can also teach patients exercises and stretches that they can do on their own to strengthen the surrounding muscles, which can help prevent future injuries.
Chiropractic is also helpful in managing a number of headaches, including cervicogenic headache (headaches that stem from the neck or spine). Spinal manipulation can help relieve these headaches by helping to decompress the nerves that run from the spinal cord through the head and into the shoulders. It can also help to alleviate migraine headaches by treating the underlying cause, which is often a combination of stress, improper posture and tight muscles.
Chiropractors do not treat cancer, autoimmune disorders or heart disease, and they should be informed of any ongoing medical conditions or traumatic/surgical history before beginning treatment. They can also advise patients about diet, exercise and lifestyle changes to help manage their pain. To learn more about how chiropractic can help alleviate pain and improve your overall well-being, contact a reputable chiropractor in Atlanta today.