Chiropractic treatment is becoming an increasingly popular method to relieve pain and improve physical and emotional health. Because chiropractic is a fairly new method of healthcare, some might hesitate to try it out. What exactly is chiropractic? And what are some signs you may benefit from chiropractic care?
What is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic is a method of treatment where the chiropractor uses adjustments to the spine and joints in order to treat musculoskeletal issues the patient may be dealing with. Patients may see a chiropractor for a number of reasons, whether it be neck or back pain, injury due to sports or automobile accidents, or misalignments as a result of staying in one position for too long. The objective is to address the root cause of pain with the goal of permanent recovery without the use of unnecessary medication or surgery.
What are the Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment?
As stated above, chiropractic treatment is a great way to start treatment of symptoms without using harsh medication and painkillers. Benefits of chiropractic treatment are linked to decreased pain in the back and neck. These are common areas of distress for many due to the increasing use of mobile devices, long hours of sitting in one position, and poor posture. One study that analyzed the cost and effectiveness of chiropractic care for back pain noted that chiropractic manipulations are just as good, and in some cases, better than other forms of therapy. Chiropractic adjustments can ease pain by releasing tension and allowing muscles to relax. Not only does this help with neck and back pain, it can also decrease the occurrences of tension headaches.
Chiropractic care is also ideal in that it is able to improve posture and athletic performance. Since chiropractic focuses on treatment directed at the spine and joints, underlying causes of pain are directly addressed. As a result, many have found that continuous visits to their chiropractor is not necessary in the long-term. Many opt for a few months of weekly treatment until they feel that periodic maintenance visits will meet their needs. This indicates an overall healthier musculoskeletal makeup that allows you to live an active life!
Should You See a Chiropractor?
It is a good idea to start seeing a chiropractor even before you are experiencing severe neck or back pain. There are a few tell-tale signs that indicate a visit may be in order.
One of the most common reasons people go to chiropractors is headaches. Frequent headaches may hint at underlying issues originating in your neck. Joint and muscle pain also are indicators of spinal misalignments. Chiropractors are able to adjust your spine to allow better blood flow and oxygen to these areas.
Another reason you may want to see a chiropractor is if you have suffered from an automobile accident. One study found that chiropractic care was effective in treating whiplash in 93% of patients. Often, symptoms of injury do not appear until days, weeks, or even months after the initial injury. That same study observed that almost half of patients will suffer long-term symptoms related to whiplash injuries. It is better to start treatment early and nip the problem in the bud before it progresses and is harder to treat later on. In addition, chiropractic care provides a great record of treatment to present to insurance and in legal instances.
Some pain factors that you can look out for are the common chronic neck and back pain (often indicating spinal misalignments) as well as stiffness, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your knees and legs (which may point to a pinched nerve or slipped disc).
If you are noticing that you are not able to turn your neck or back or that your arms and legs do not extend as far as they used to, seeing a chiropractor may help to correct these issues.
Some lifestyle patterns that can benefit from pre-emptive chiropractic care include sitting or standing in one position for long periods of time or if you lead an active lifestyle. These are factors that often lead to problems in your joints, spine, and posture. Receiving chiropractic treatment before facing severe symptoms can prevent problems down the road and may even save you serious money from serious medical treatments!
Is Going to a Chiropractor Worth it?
Cost is a consideration many have when looking for a care provider. Do the benefits of chiropractic care outweigh its costs?
The average chiropractic visit costs about $65 and can range in price from $34 – $106 depending on different factors, according to an online source. If you have insurance, this cost is even cheaper to you! Chiropractic care is relatively cost-effective compared to other treatment methods such as regular doctor’s visits or expensive pain reliever prescription refills.
Chiropractic care is also likely to give you prolonged pain relief, which means you will not need to pay for medical care long into the future.
How to Find a Good Chiropractor
There are several ways to determine whether a chiropractor is a good fit for you. One place to start is by checking if your insurance is in network with them. You can ask friends and family, or receive a referral from a doctor for a recommended chiropractor in your area. You can also visit their website to see whether their methods of treatment and approach will align with the kind of healthcare you want to receive.
Verifying their accreditation with your state’s board is also a great step to see their qualifications and any possible disciplinary action taken against them. When visiting their office, take notice of whether they are friendly and enthusiastic about your care, whether they give adequate time for your visit, and how comfortable you feel with their treatment.