You might need a chiropractor if you find yourself dealing with chronic pain. Chiropractic care involves using non-surgical, non-invasive treatments like joint manipulation to alleviate chronic pain, muscle tension, and inflammation. Chiropractic care is unique for each patient, and treatments are selected to address their injuries. Pain management is classified into two main categories: intractable and chronic pain.
The term “intractable pain” was first used to classify injured World War II soldiers who had sustained injuries that necessitated giving them opioids like morphine to help manage pain. The term refers to constant, severe pain that takes over the person’s life. This type of pain typically requires surgical treatments and powerful medications to treat.
Chronic pain refers to ongoing pain that lasts longer than expected and does not respond to traditional pain management treatments. A chiropractor can help address chronic pain using various non-surgical treatments like massages, chiropractic manipulation, and spinal decompression.
Chiropractic care for chronic pain starts with a physical examination and tests that help diagnose the cause of the patient’s pain. Diagnostics like X-rays can be used to assess if the patient is a good candidate for chiropractic care.
Once the source of the patient’s pain has been determined, a custom treatment plan is created for the patient. It might include procedures like therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and spinal manipulation. Examples of chronic-pain-causing health issues that a chiropractor can help treat include:
Treatments that a chiropractor can use to manage a person’s chronic pain include the following.
This involves precisely moving affected joints to reduce tension and pain. It improves the patient’s range of motion, and it can be combined with other treatments, like therapy, exercises, and massages. Joint manipulation has been proven to be an effective way to treat acute and chronic pain. This technique can be used to treat pain in the spine and neck. Addressing chronic pain with joint manipulation often negates the need for addictive painkillers like morphine.
Some types of pain can be corrected by improving the patient’s posture. Chiropractic care can restore optimal function of a patient’s body, and it addresses issues like slouching and forward head translation. Improved posture can lead to a significant reduction in shoulder, neck, pelvis, and back pain.
A chiropractor often teaches patients exercises that can help reduce chronic pain, like stretches and exercises that help restore mobility. These exercises often provide additional benefits, like improved cardiovascular health.
This involves using sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues, muscles, and joints. The heat generated by the shockwaves heats the affected area, increasing blood and oxygen flow. This can speed up the healing process, reduce pain, and alleviate inflammation.
Here are answers to questions you might have regarding chiropractic care for chronic pain:
Chiropractic care is an alternative treatment that focuses on the identification and treatment of musculoskeletal ailments, with an emphasis on the spine. Chiropractors use various methods to adjust the spine and other joints in the body, including manual manipulation, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and rehabilitative exercises.
Chiropractic care works based on the theory that misalignments in the spine can cause problems in other parts of the body. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors hope to improve overall health and well-being. Some research has shown that chiropractic care may effectively treat certain types of pain, but more research is needed.
Chiropractic care is usually considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. However, as with any medical treatment, there are some risks involved. These risks are usually minor and temporary, such as pain or soreness at the site of the adjustment.
During a typical chiropractic session, you will lie on a padded table while the practitioner evaluates your spine and makes adjustments. The adjustments are usually quick and painless. You may feel some minor tenderness or soreness afterward, but this should go away within a day or so.
The number of appointments you need will depend on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment. Some people notice an improvement after just a few sessions, while others may need ten or more before seeing any results.
Our chiropractor can help address injuries or health issues that are causing you chronic pain. Call or stop by our Ooltewah clinic to set up an appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://sjrm-tn.com or call Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine at (423) 424-1529 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.
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