Most people have heard of chiropractic care but have very little idea what the services offered by a trained and experienced chiropractor are actually used for and how they can be extremely beneficial and effective for improving a number of physical health conditions. The majority of chiropractic care involves spinal manipulations which are shown to relieve pressure on joints, reduce inflammation and improve nerve function. However, most chiropractors can also provide other types of therapy such as advice on physical therapy exercises, the best way to move safely and guidance on diet and exercise.Equally, chiropractic care doesn’t have to be purely a response to pain and mobility problems. It can also be used as preventive care to help strengthen the spine and body and potentially avoid health complications from occurring.
Health problems that chiropractic care can treat
While the most common reason for a patient to visit a chiropractor is to address the problem of back pain, many people are surprised to learn that the unique knowledge and training received by chiropractors makes them successful in treating a variety of chronic health problems. These include:
Asthma
This respiratory problem affects more than 25.9 million Americans and over 230 million people worldwide. It is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors and occurs when the airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult for the patient to breathe. In some cases, asthma has proven fatal.
Studies have shown a link between spinal manipulations and chiropractic adjustments and a decrease in the symptoms of asthma.
GI disorders
Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders tend to have compromised structures in their thoracolumbar spine and these can affect the way in which the nervous system communicates with the glands, tissues and organs of the digestive system. However, in using manual manipulation to reduce pressure on the nerves, a chiropractor can provide significant effects from the effects of GI disorders including irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease.
Persistent headaches
Headaches are an incredibly common problem and can by caused by a huge range of problems from tiredness and stress to eye problems and even issues with the neck and back. Research shows that chiropractic adjustments may be an effective treatment for some types of headache – particularly tension headaches, cluster headaches and even migraines. With regular adjustments, chiropractic patients can even potentially avoid future headache pain.
Chronic pain conditions
Pain is the term used to describe when something causes discomfort – either physical or emotional. While some episodes of pain and short-lived and never return, other patients suffer from chronic or ongoing discomfort and rely on pain medications to help them manage day to day. Most doctors agree that if pain lasts for three months or longer, it can be classified as a chronic pain condition.
Fortunately, spinal manipulations have been shown to provide considerable relief from the symptoms of chronic pain conditions, including those for Lupus and Fibromyalgia.
In addition to the most common conditions listed above, the care provided by chiropractors, including spinal manipulations and other therapies, has been shown to be beneficial in treating:
– Ear infections
– Scoliosis
– Depression
– Stress/anxiety
– Fertility problems
– Menstruation problems
– Obesity and health conditions directly related to obesity.If you would like to learn more about chiropractic care and the treatment possibilities it offers, our knowledgeable and experienced team would be delighted to help. Please contact our offices to schedule your appointment.