Chiropractic care is found worldwide

Chiropractic therapy is globally popular. China is the country that pioneered spinal manipulation a long time before the therapy was popularized in the US in 1895. In the 1960s, chiropractic therapy was expanded to Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and further across Asia, Europe, Latin America and Australia.

Chiropractic care can relieve pain

Chiropractic treatment is often considered to be a pain relief therapy alternative for muscles, joints, bones and connective tissue. It is also a method to restore mobility to joints affected by tissue injury after a traumatic event, such as falling, or monotonous stress, such as sitting without movement.

Chiropractic treatment is for all ages

Many people associate chiropractic therapy with elderly patients, but the truth is, chiropractic can be an ideal treatment for people of all ages. Elderly people usually choose chiropractic care for pain relief, whereas younger people can choose the therapy to improve a range of things, such as motion, balance and coordination, and prevent joint degeneration. In children, chiropractic care is a good way to stimulate healthy brain and nervous system development in the early years.

Chiropractic care is not for everyone

Although chiropractic care can help the body heal naturally, it is not an ideal method in some cases. Manual manipulation is not suitable for those who have osteoporosis, spinal cord compression or inflammatory arthritis, or for those who take blood-thinning medication or have history of cancer.

Chiropractic care may help you avoid sickness

Research reveals that being treated persistently with chiropractic care can help limit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, which cause damage and pain. Moreover, chiropractic care can boost the immune system by increasing the production of immune regulatory cells.

(Read also: Benefits, dangers of chiropractic care)

Chiropractors uses other diagnostic tests

Before deciding to use chiropractic care, chiropractors make patients undergo physical examinations or even lab tests. There they will utilize a “triage” concept to check if lower back injuries are potentially serious, or if there is any nerve problem. They will use this diagnosis to determine if the method is appropriate.

Exercise combined with chiropractic care can help

It is evident that combining chiropractic care with exercise actually helps promote digestion and better blood circulation. It also keeps the muscles in proper tone and helps to restore and maintain mobility and a range of motion. Therefore, it is easier for patients in pain management. 

Side effects after treatment

Patients in the course of being treated may experience side effects. The most common side effect is pain or soreness in the spinal joints or muscles, but it should just pass within a few hours after treatment and last no longer than 24 hours after the chiropractic adjustment. The most common way to alleviate such pain is to use an ice pack to reduce the symptoms.

Chiropractic care has other benefits

Chiropractic care is not used only to treat back and neck problems but also pain anywhere in the body: in the head and jaw, the shoulders, the elbows and wrists, the hips and pelvis, and the knees and ankles. The theory is that each part of your spine can heal a certain area when manipulated.

Chiropractic care has risks

Despite the fact that chiropractic treatment is generally considered safe and effective, in rare cases there have been patients who experienced a worsened herniated or slipped disc, or neck manipulation, which can cause a spinal cord injury. Strong evidence shows that chiropractic therapy is effective for pain relief. However, always check with your doctor to be safe. Ask if chiropractic care or other pain relief alternatives are appropriate for you. (asw)