Chiropractic spinal manipulation is a common treatment for back and neck pain. Some people believe that it is an effective way to treat these conditions, while others are not convinced. Let’s explore the evidence on chiropractic manipulation and its effectiveness in treating back and neck pain.
What is chiropractic manipulation, and what does it involve?
Chiropractic manipulation is a treatment method that chiropractors use to realign the bones in the spine and other joints. The goal of this treatment is to reduce pain and improve function. Manipulation involves using the hands or a special device to apply force to the affected joint. Passive therapies for chiropractic manipulation include ice, heat, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound. These modalities are often used before or after manipulative therapy to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Active therapeutic exercises are designed to increase a person’s range of motion and muscle strength. People with limited mobility or deconditioned muscles may find active therapeutic exercises difficult at first. However, these exercises become easier over time as the muscles get stronger.
How effective is chiropractic manipulation in treating various conditions?
Chiropractic manipulation is highly effective in treating a wide variety of conditions. In fact, chiropractic care is the largest natural, drugless healing profession in the world. According to a study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, chiropractic manipulation was found to be effective in treating headaches, neck pain, low back pain, and migraines. Other studies have shown that chiropractic manipulation can also help relieve disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, asthma, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) syndrome. If you are suffering from any type of condition that is causing you pain or discomfort, please consult with a licensed chiropractor near you to see if chiropractic manipulation can help.
Chiropractic manipulation: What To Expect
Chiropractic manipulation is a hands-on treatment that is performed by a licensed chiropractor. The goal of this treatment is to relieve pain and improve functionality. During the procedure, the chiropractor will use their hands to apply pressure to the joints in your back and neck. There may be cracking or popping sounds as the joints are manipulated. You may feel relief from pain immediately following the procedure, but it is not uncommon for some soreness to develop over the next day or two. If you have any questions or concerns about chiropractic manipulation, be sure to ask your licensed chiropractor.
After you have had a chiropractic manipulation, it is important to take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous activities and instead focus on gentle stretching and relaxation. Ice can also help to reduce any inflammation or soreness. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and help your muscles heal. The next day, you should feel back to normal and be able to resume your usual activities.
What are the potential risks associated with chiropractic manipulation?
There are a few potential risks associated with chiropractic manipulation, particularly when it comes to neck adjustments. These risks include:
Neck injuries: When chiropractors manipulate the spine, they may cause the neck to move abruptly and suddenly. This puts a lot of stress on the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck and can lead to other serious injuries.
Stroke: A stroke can occur when the delicate blood vessels in your brain are injured by a sudden movement of your head or neck. This can happen when the chiropractor adjusts your spine or if you move your head or neck suddenly yourself.
Vertebral artery injury: Vertebral artery injury can occur when the neck is manipulated forcefully or without proper technique. This can cause the arteries that supply blood to the brain to become stretched, torn, or even rupture. While this is a rare complication, it can lead to serious neurological problems or even death.
Discomfort in parts of the body that were treated: This can usually be resolved by drinking plenty of fluids and resting. However, if the pain persists, you should consult your chiropractor or doctor.
Who should not undergo chiropractic manipulation
Typically, chiropractic spinal manipulation is used to treat musculoskeletal pain and joint dysfunction. It can also be used to reduce inflammation, improve range of motion, and relieve muscle tension. Indications that chiropractic spinal manipulation may be appropriate include: Pain or discomfort in the back, neck, or joints, muscle spasms, limited range of motion in the back, neck, or joints, headaches originating from the neck, and chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
However, chiropractic manipulation is not appropriate for everyone. Certain groups of people should avoid this type of treatment or at least consult with their doctor before receiving it. These groups include pregnant women, children, people with severe osteoporosis, cancer in the spine, and those who have recently had surgery. Chiropractic manipulation can also aggravate some medical conditions, so it is important to be aware of this before agreeing to treatment.
How often should you see a chiropractor for the best results?
Everyone’s individual situation will be different. However, as a general rule of thumb, it is often recommended that you see a chiropractor once per week for the first four to six weeks. After that, you can slowly reduce the frequency of your visits as your condition improves. Some people find that they only need to visit their chiropractor every few months or so in order to maintain their good health. Ultimately, it is up to you and your licensed chiropractor to determine how often you should schedule visits.
Licensed chiropractors have undergone extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, including spinal manipulation. They are also required to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license, so they are kept up-to-date on the latest research and treatment methods. When you choose a licensed chiropractor for spinal manipulation, you can be confident that you are receiving a safe and effective treatment.
At Peak Potential Family Chiropractic – Houston Heights, our chiropractors are experienced in delivering quality chiropractic care. We perform chiropractic spinal manipulation to help our patients find relief from various conditions, including back and neck pain. If you are interested in learning more about chiropractic care or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you reach your peak potential!
