You’ve probably heard about chiropractic care at some point — from a parent who’s always suffered from back pain or a friend who sees a chiropractor after recovering from surgery, but what exactly is it? Whether you have persistent pain that refuses to disappear no matter what you do or you’re just curious, here’s a basic guide to chiropractic care, from what it treats to costs. Knowing what you’re getting into before ever setting foot in a chiropractor’s office can be the best way to start with success.
Chiropractic Care Defined
The point of chiropractic care is to manipulate the spine, joints and muscles to solve physical ailments without surgery or medication. This is partly why it appeals to so many people, and why you might want to consider it before opting for something else that has more severe side effects. A chiropractor uses their hands to apply pressure to realign joints and muscles. They may use massaging techniques on taut or overly-strong muscles, or work weaker muscles with the aim of strengthening them. Electrical stimulation can be used to tone and strengthen muscles as well. The kind of treatment you receive can be determined by your chiropractor.
What It Treats
Chiropractic care is all about rejuvenating neural pathways and opening up blocked muscle pathways. It isn’t uncommon for joints to stiffen or cause pain when moved, and a chiropractor can work with that joint to improve flexibility and range of motion. Chiropractic care is especially concerned with reducing pain caused chronically or by injured muscles. The overall goal of chiropractic sessions is improving your way of life by relieving pain and increasing mobility.
Signs You Need to See a Chiropractor
Headaches and any pain that always seems to pop up, particularly in the back or neck, can be signs you might want to see a chiropractor. If you sit for a long time at a desk or in class, you could benefit from seeing a chiropractor to relieve stress on joints. Even children, who often get injured, can see improved sleep and behavior after visits to the chiropractor.
Costs
Cost varies from person to person and treatment to treatment. You can usually count on a session being anywhere between $30 to $200, but don’t let that scare you away. Many insurance companies cover some form of chiropractic care, though you may need to check your precise policy. If it fits within your budget, you may want to try out a treatment session to see what it can do for your pain. Contact a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Rockville, MD, today to schedule an appointment for a professional adjustment.
Thank you to the experts at AmeriWell Clinics for their input into chiropractic care.
