Chiropractic care offers a range of benefits for anyone with back, neck, or general joint pain. A chiropractor usually assists clients with adjustments, a form of care that reduces pain and minimizes the impacts of any recent injuries. However, the best chiropractor in your local area likely offers significantly more care options than standard adjustments and spinal manipulations. A full-service chiropractor can help you recover from a sports collision, recent car accident, or general injury with services such as acupuncture, a therapeutic massage, or physical therapy. The right chiropractor for you will also run a complete diagnosis of your current health conditions, so you’ll have reliable advice regarding your care options.
A common misconception surrounding chiropractors is that they only offer care for your back and spine. While this is undoubtedly one of the primary treatment areas these professionals can assist you with, it’s only the start of your potential care options. In this article, we’ll cover some of the key benefits of visiting a chiropractor, discuss the forms of treatment on offer, and look at some of the situations in which you may want to seek specialized chiropractic care.
When Should I See a Chiropractor?
Chiropractic care is available for almost all joint and muscle injuries and can help to reduce pain and inflammation through non-surgical means for any region of your musculoskeletal system. In the event that you’re injured, you should first look for a standard medical evaluation before seeking a chiropractor. However, if the lingering effects of an injury are continuing to bother you after you’ve received medical attention, a chiropractor might be a good option for reducing pain a decreasing the time required for recovery.
Car Accidents
The impact of a vehicle collision can generate a number of injuries, but the adrenaline that your body receives in such an event can prevent you from immediately noticing them. If you have lingering pain resulting from a car accident, a chiropractor may be the right option for you. Whiplash, which often occurs when your neck is jerked back as a result of the collision, is one of the most injuries that a chiropractor can assist you in managing.
Sports Injuries
Injuries, aches, and joint pain are a given part of almost all contact sports, particularly football, hockey, and rugby. A full-service chiropractor will employ a number of treatment methods to ensure you can quickly recover from these injuries so that you can get back to the field as soon as possible. Everything from backache to chronic knee pain is eligible for various forms of chiropractic care, including adjustments, therapeutic massage, or physical therapy. Many chiropractors specialize in managing sports injuries, offering unique treatment practices for minimizing the effects of these concerns.
Chiropractic Care for Pregnant Women
Chiropractic care can assist pregnant women in managing normal lower back pain or hip pain. However, before seeking the assistance of a chiropractor, you should check in with your doctor to rule out any other serious issues and discuss the care options that will best suit how you’re feeling. Many doctors can recommend a chiropractor for managing the usual pain symptoms associated with pregnancy. In addition, a prenatal or pregnancy chiropractor can offer you specialized attention and care using the Webster method.
Comprehensive Chiropractic Care Solutions
A full-service chiropractor offers several care options that go above and beyond adjustments and spinal manipulations to reduce pain and decrease recovery times. Here are a few alternative treatment methods that chiropractors can administer to help you return to feeling happy and healthy.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture treatments have ancient origins and have been a part of pain reduction strategies for many centuries. This form of care involves inserting small needles into the affected region to stimulate the nerves and release tension in your muscles. Acupuncture can help you manage everything from lower back pain to headaches and cramping. Chiropractic acupuncture is non-surgical and non-invasive, which means there is little to no risk associated with this care practice. Contrary to popular belief, acupuncture is not a painful procedure.
Dry Needling
Dry needling treatments offer similar benefits to acupuncture and use many of the same tools, but utilize different treatment methods. Dry needle treatments interact with trigger points in the muscles and ligaments surrounding an injury-affected area to minimize tension and increase muscular mobility. Dry needling is usually a component of chiropractic care rather than a single treatment solution.
Therapeutic Massage
Massage treatments from a chiropractor are a fantastic care option for lowering muscle tension and reducing your overall stress levels. Massage therapy is a common form of treatment for upper back and neck pain situations. You might be surprised how effective this care option can be, particularly when paired with other forms of chiropractic care.
Physical Therapy
Many chiropractors offer physical therapy solutions to accompany standard chiropractic care. Physical therapy is typically a long-term treatment option, requiring several appointments. At each appointment, you’ll receive a complete re-evaluation of your symptoms to measure your progress towards making a full recovery. Physical therapy can be particularly effective for re-occurring sports injuries and can be particularly assistive in retraining your movement patterns and restoring general mobility so that the injury doesn’t become an issue again.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care helps patients manage chronic pain, reduce the effects of an injury, and speed up recovery times, all without surgical or invasive treatment methods. Any concerns related to your bones, muscle or muscle tissue, or joints are eligible for chiropractic evaluation and care. If you’re looking for a chiropractor, make sure the treatment options they offer include acupuncture, dry needling, and therapeutic massage to ensure that you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.