If you are like millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain, you may be looking for an alternative to traditional pain medications or surgery. For ongoing relief, you might consider seeing a chiropractor to experience a better quality of life.
What is a chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a licensed health care professional that is trained to diagnose and treat neuromuscular disorders as they relate to spinal health. Through manual or mechanical manipulation of spinal vertebrae, the delicate nerves along the spinal column are allowed to regain proper form and function, allowing all systems of the body to regain balance and harmony with one another.
Does chiropractic care cause pain?
During a course of treatment involving chiropractic care, there may be some minor discomfort and muscle soreness caused by bringing the spine back into alignment, but very few lasting consequences of care have been reported by patients. A common misconception about the popping/cracking sound one hears during an adjustment is that bones are being negatively impacted; in reality, the sound is actually trapped gases and air escaping the joint as it is brought back into proper alignment. Most people note a sense of immediate relief from pain after a visit, and they notice benefits right away that reduce pain and inflammation.
Many benefits of chiropractic care
Thanks to several pioneers in the field of chiropractic care, we have several benefits that we can claim from regular visits to our spine specialists. Some of these benefits include:
1. Reduced pain
As joints are adjusted, endorphins are released into the bloodstream, helping to calm over-excited brain receptors that sense pain. This circulation of endorphins helps to block pain and reduce inflammation that can cause discomfort.
2. Shorter recovery time
For those with acute or chronic injuries, chiropractic care can help speed up the process of recovery and healing time. As the body reaches more efficient states of balance, all systems are able to work more efficiently, promoting the body’s own ability to heal.
3. Increased muscle flexibility and range of motion
As we age, our joints lose some of their capacity for range of motion; injuries, stresses, and daily living all put pressure on the spine and make moving more difficult. Regular chiropractic adjustments help to keep muscles and joints in balance, so your body moves easily and freely.
4. Reduced muscle tension
Muscle tension impedes effective circulation; a chronic cycle of poor circulation and tense muscles will inevitably lead to pain. A chiropractor can help you to reduce muscle tension and stiffness that can pull your vertebrae out of alignment, causing nervous system dysfunction.
5. Better sleep
Believe it or not, your chiropractor can help you to sleep better at night! This is a natural consequence of having less tension and stress in your body; you can thank your chiropractor as you nod off at night.
6. Improved immunity
Your nervous system is intimately connected to your immune system, and the health of one affects the health of the other. Regular chiropractic adjustments help to protect your digestive system and delicate microbiome, which in turn strengthens your immunity and protects you from all sorts of illnesses.
7. Better mental health and improved cognition
When you feel better physically, you are in a better mood—nerves along your spinal column can send and receive messages effectively, helping you to feel better and to think more clearly. All aspects of life are positively impacted when you improve your physical health and well-being.
What does a typical visit look like?
If this is your initial visit, your chiropractor will likely obtain information from you regarding your medical and personal history. He will then perform a physical examination, then move on to a thorough evaluation of your spine. He may require a series of x rays to get a more detailed look at your unique physiology. The two of you will then work to target areas of concern and craft an ongoing treatment plan to relieve you of your pain.
Any additional methods or procedures involving relief will be suggested to promote your ongoing health and wellness. You’re likely to experience almost immediate relief upon adding chiropractic care into your wellness regime. Get started today…call us at 205-637-1363 for more information and to set up an appointment. Here’s to your best health!
