From easing headaches to relieving chronic back pain, chiropractic care is an essential element of many pain management plans. Chiropractic medicine is a centuries-old practice that came into its own in the very late-1900s, when Daniel David Palmer used an “adjustment” to realign misplaced vertebrae in a patient’s back. As a result, Dr. Palmer helped his patient regain hearing that had fallen by the wayside – an unfortunate residual effect of a past musculoskeletal injury. Today, patients flock to chiropractors, with good reason; unlike medications which merely mask the problem, chiropractic care has the miraculous power to heal.
For many people, a visit to a chiropractor is like heading to the day spa. They feel great after a treatment but don’t go back. They need to remember – chiropractics are a form of medicine, and often time, the only way long-term benefits will take place is through repeated visits. Here’s why.
Holistic Care
Neck and lower back pain are some of the most common reasons people seek medical help. In fact, 80% of all Americans have had some sort of lower back discomfort. Rather than relying on pain medications that don’t fix the problem and can become addictive; or surgeries, which can be both expensive and invasive, many are turning to non-invasive holistic care that includes regular chiropractic visits. They have been shown to significantly reduce both mild and persistent pain.2
Addressing Inflammation
In recent years, we’ve been hearing a lot about the toll inflammation can take on the body. From adopting anti-inflammatory diets (rich in turmeric), to taking anti-inflammatory meds, people are becoming more aware of the consequences of ignoring inflammation. When inflammation occurs in a healthy body, it protects our cells from outside stressors such as infection and toxic chemicals; however, when immune cells “overreact,” it can lead to heart disease, chronic pain, and even cancer. Chiropractic adjustments are clinically proven to reduce harmful inflammation, while also mitigating muscle tension and joint pain. Along these same lines, those who receive regular chiropractic manipulation have fewer colds, and are more able to fight off bacteria and germs.
Lessen Indigestion
The link between spine and stomach cannot be ignored, as it is these spinal nerves in the thoracic and abdominal region that control our digestive functions. When vertebrae in this area are misaligned, gas, heartburn, acid reflux, and constipation can occur. In fact, approximately two-thirds of patients with herniated discs had previously been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, proving that an orthopedic injury can affect proper digestion. Keeping the thoracic spine free of nerve interference through the use of chiropractic manipulation can be a catalyst for digestive healing.
Off with the Headaches
If you’re one of the 38 million chronic migraine sufferers in the United States, chances are you’ve tried everything from Botox to pain medication to quell the unpleasant symptoms. What you may not realize is that a chiropractor could put an end to your search for relief. Regular visits for neck and upper back massage can be just the thing to loosen up muscles and deter headaches.
Under High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can put you on the path toward heart attack and stroke. For this reason, millions of Americans (7 in 10 adults according to the Centers for Disease Control) turn to blood pressure medications as a precaution. Unfortunately, these pills often come with a laundry list of side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Fortunately, there’s a better solution for getting blood pressure in check: regular visits to a chiropractor. One recent study showed that this form of massage is as beneficial as taking meds.
With the capacity to treat a variety of conditions, a trip to the chiropractor is a medical visit worth making and committing to. If you’re experiencing any of the ailments listed above, it’s worth taking the time to learn how the many benefits consistent chiropractic care can help you. The Chiropractic staff at Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers treat a wide range of conditions and will personalize a treatment plan to suit your individual needs. For more information, or to see a list of locations, visit our
