Pressure upon the spine can cause considerable discomfort as well as other symptoms such as limited range of motion. In many cases, medications and other general medical treatments do not work to relieve discomfort related to the spine, and chiropratic therapy is often a much more effective solution.

Chiropractic therapy for pain relief and increased mobility

The following is a detailed overview of chiropractic therapy, including insights into the various types of chiropractic therapy, conditions treatment may be able to help, the safety of treatment, and how you can get started.

Chiropractic therapy explained

Chiropractic therapy encompasses a range of treatments a chiropractor may offer to alleviate pain associated with the musculoskeletal system and nervous system. Chiropractic care is non-surgical and safe for patients, offering the benefits of pain relief and increased range of motion.

The types of chiropractic therapy

There are different types of chiropractic therapy (manipulation). A chiropractor may recommend one type over another based upon the type and severity of the patient’s condition. Commonly used chiropractic adjustment types are:

• Flexion distraction
• Activator method
• Gonstead technique
• Spinal manipulation/mobilization
• Extremity manipulation

Additionally, many chiropractors offer services aside from chiropractic adjustments. In fact, it is not uncommon for chiropractors to offer heat and ice therapy, massage therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, acupuncture, and ultrasound therapy, among other possible services.

Conditions that chiropractic therapy may help

Chiropractors can treat a wide range of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal or nervous system (or both). In general, chiropractors can treat pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion related to the spine. The conditions they can treat include (but are not limited to):

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Headaches/migraines
• Whiplash
• Shoulder pain
• Disc herniation

Any patient that has discomfort that does not improve on its own should consider how chiropractic care can benefit them, especially if other forms of treatment such as medication and rest do not resolve the concern.

The safety and efficacy of chiropractic therapy

Chiropractic therapy is both safe and effective for most patients when performed by a licensed clinician. Additionally, chiropractic care is relatively non-invasive, and for many, it is an alternative to surgical solutions for treatment. The results vary for each patient, but more than 70 percent of patients report quality results that they did not receive from general medical treatments.

How to get started with chiropractic therapy

You can get started with chiropractic therapy with a consultation visit, during which you can discuss your symptoms, previous treatments, and your goals for chiropractic treatment with a licensed chiropractor. From there, you can put together a treatment plan on the same day and may be able to begin chiropractic therapy on the same visit.