How Does Chiropractic Treatment Work?

Chiropractic adjustment can help people achieve relief from back pain by manipulating the position and alignment of the spinal column. A chiropractor can also make adjustments to other areas in the back such as the sacroiliac joint. People seek help from a chiropractor when they have acute or chronic pain in their neck, upper back, or lower back. After adjustment, patients may feel less stiff and sore.

During Treatment

A chiropractor is trained to examine and evaluate back problems in order to make physiological adjustments. Chiropractors will have patients sit or lay down in a specific position to begin a treatment session. Usually, patients will lay face down or on their side. If a patient is experiencing neck or upper back pain, a chiropractor may have a patient stay seated.

Chiropractors use their hands or an instrument to move parts of the spinal column. The instruments that chiropractors use may be operated manually or mechanically. A chiropractor such as one you can see at AmeriWell Clinics may also need to help patients reduce muscle tension to make effective adjustments and help patients get some relief from pain.

How Treatment Helps

When part of someone’s spine or sacroiliac joint is misaligned, it can interfere with his or her quality of life significantly. Relatively small movements may feel too difficult or may exacerbate pain levels. Chiropractic treatment and osteopathic manipulative therapy alleviates pain by making patients by addressing the sensation of feeling locked up. 

When part of the spinal column impinges on a nerve, the pain may radiate throughout other parts of the body. For example, an impinged nerve in a person’s cervical spine may cause shooting pain down his or her arms. Likewise, an impinged nerve in a person’s lumbar spine may cause shooting pain down one or both of his or her legs. The adjustments that a chiropractor makes may ease pressure off of the nerves attached to the spinal column. As a result, shooting pains will calm down. In addition, muscles that have spasmed as a reaction to the pain will relax.

Why Is Chiropractic a Good Choice

Chiropractic treatment is noninvasive to manage their pain. It is always preferable to explore noninvasive treatment options before resorting to surgical intervention. Combined with physical therapy exercises, chiropractic adjustment may offer more pain relief than prescription painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications.

Ultimately, chiropractic treatment may help to improve pain and mobility significantly. Anyone suffering from back or neck pain should consider seeking help from an experienced chiropractor.