A lot of people benefit from chiropractic care. If you are dealing with a problem affecting your musculoskeletal system, you may consider visiting a chiropractor. However, if this is your first time doing so, you may have questions and doubts. Here are some of the most common questions people have about chiropractic care.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care focuses on issues that affect the spine. It can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by specific ailments that affect the nervous system and the muscles surrounding the spine.
Is a Chiropractor a Doctor?
Yes. However, doctors of chiropractic care, commonly referred to as chiropractors, are not medical doctors. They go through an education process similar to that of medical doctors and must receive a license in chiropractic care. The educational requirements to become a chiropractor rank among the most stringent in healthcare.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors primarily help individuals dealing with headaches, back pain, and neck pain. However, patients battling sports injuries and disorders affecting their joints, muscles, and ligaments can benefit from chiropractic care. Chiropractors take a holistic view of medicine. This means that the care they provide includes general health. This is because your musculoskeletal structure affects every aspect of your body.
What Should I Expect from a Chiropractic Adjustment?
During a chiropractic adjustment, your chiropractor will use controlled, specific force applied to a precise spinal joint in a predetermined direction. The goal is to free up the joint so that it moves correctly. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and natural. They can correct structural misalignment, thereby freeing up interference that affects your nervous system. The result is reduced pain, improved spinal function, better health, and a greater sense of wellness.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Painful?
When you get a chiropractic manipulation, you are receiving a controlled procedure. Chiropractic care rarely causes discomfort because your chiropractor uses the minimal amount of force and pressure required to produce the maximum results. Most patients feel relief immediately after treatment. If there is any discomfort, it is compared to the discomfort a person feels when starting a new exercise program. Drinking a lot of water before treatment, using an ice pack following treatment, and doing light stretches after the adjustment can ease discomfort and lead to improved healing.
Is a Chiropractic Adjustment Dangerous?
No. Chiropractic care is seen as a drug-free, non-invasive, and safe therapy throughout the medical community. It is effective at addressing neck and back problems. As long as a licensed chiropractor performs the adjustments, they are safe.
Why Are Chiropractic Adjustments so Noisy?
You may hear your body making loud popping sounds during your chiropractic adjustment. This does not indicate injury. Instead, this is a result of your joints releasing small air pockets. A chiropractic adjustment doesn’t affect your bones. It affects the connective tissues holding your joints together.
Is Chiropractic Care One-Size-Fits-All?
No. Your pain and body are unique. For this reason, your chiropractic care must be customized to meet your conditions and needs. Your chiropractor will consider your health condition, age, and weight and then craft a unique treatment designed to meet your particular needs.
Will Chiropractic Care Make My Back Pain Go Away?
If you don’t treat your back pain, it can become a chronic condition. Chiropractic care can minimize and possibly eliminate back pain for many people.
Can a Pregnant Woman Visit a Chiropractor?
Absolutely. Many pregnant women have commented that chiropractic care can make the pregnancy and delivery process easier. Adjustments can accommodate different stages of the pregnancy and the specialized needs of the patient.
Do a Lot of People Have Back Pain?
Yes. Back pain is the primary reason people miss work and one of the main reasons people visit their doctor. Eight out of 10 people will deal with back pain at one point in their life.
Can I Keep My Clothes on during Chiropractic Appointments?
Some treatments might require you to move or adjust an article of clothing. However, the vast majority of treatments do not require this. It is good to discuss this with your chiropractor before care. They can adjust your treatment to meet your comfort level. Living with back, neck, shoulder, and hip pain can be debilitating. It can rob your life of joy and purpose. Are you ready to start living pain-free? If so, our chiropractors may be able to help. Call us at 205-637-1363. We look forward to hearing from you.
