Back pain, arthritis, neck pain and many other uncomfortable symptoms are often treated with pain medications and surgery. Unfortunately, when medication is used, treatment can lead to further problems, like an addiction. Is medication always necessary for musculoskeletal conditions? No. Chiropractic therapy has been treating patients for centuries without the use of drugs or surgical intervention. Granted, there are times when a patient requires surgery, or when prescriptions are necessary, but why not try a less invasive and less risky process first?
Defining Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic therapy is the use of specific movements to help adjust and realign the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems — a doctor of chiropractic studies the manipulations and adjustments necessary to make such alterations in body posture. While the therapy may seem slightly barbaric to those unaccustomed to it, every movement and forced position is precise and deliberate. Despite what stereotypes might have you believe, chiropractors are well-educated and experienced practitioners. They spend nearly the same amount of time receiving their education as primary care physicians, but they often graduate with a greater knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. Doctors of chiropractic also go through a residency program, guided by other experienced chiropractors before being permitted to work exclusively with patients.
Benefits of Therapy
Chiropractic care is about the realignment of the musculoskeletal system. While it may seem strange, misalignment of the spine can lead to many issues, from back pain to chronic fatigue and headaches. However, as chiropractic medicine is a preventative approach to health, it is sometimes referred to as a compounding therapy, meaning that patients receive the most benefit from repeated treatments.
Typical Patients
Chiropractic care is beneficial to most patients. While many people are afraid of treatment because of the sounds or rumors, chiropractic therapy has been deemed safe and effective by the World Health Organization. Senior citizens, pregnant women and even children can benefit from the care of a doctor of chiropractic. If you begin therapy from a young age, then it is easier for a chiropractor to help you maintain spinal alignment, which means you can avoid many posture-related injuries as you age. However, even later in life, a doctor of chiropractic can help you maintain mobility.
If you are unfamiliar with the chiropractic process, then scheduling your first appointment can be unnerving. Know that chiropractic care is safe. Unfortunately, there is no way to overcome trepidation than to experience an appointment for yourself. Contact a chiropractor, like from Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic, for help.
