Understanding Chiropractic Care – What to Expect from a Chiropractor

Chiropractic care is a natural healthcare practice that focuses on the health of the spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system. It works in three ways: improving the range of motion, decreasing pain, and correcting the spine’s misalignment. Chiropractic care is ideal for adults with low back pain, back pain with sciatica, chronic headaches and migraines, neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain and arm numbness, hip pain, and mid or low back pain. 

A chiropractor is there to help you feel better both physically and mentally. He may use different techniques to achieve this goal. You must understand what to expect from a chiropractor if you experience back or shoulder pain.

Chiropractic Care, what is it? 

The word “chiropractic” is derived from two Greek words, cheir (hand) and praxis (practice), which mean “hands-on care”. Chiropractic care is a form of treatment that focuses on how your muscles, bones, and joints impact your overall health. It is a form of complementary medicine based on the idea that your body heals itself with the help of specific manual manipulative techniques performed by a trained practitioner. These adjustments help to reorient your joints and may result in pain relief. Chiropractors do not prescribe medications. They do not operate. They use controlled force – usually with their hands – to restore motion to your joints. Exercise and lifestyle advice may also be part of chiropractic care.

Chiropractors treat people with muscle, ligament (tendon), and joint problems. Back and neck pain is the most common reason most people see a chiropractor. Chiropractors also treat referred pain, which is when a problem in one part of the body causes pain in another body part. Studies show that chiropractors work best for people with back pain, neck pain, headaches, whiplash, and arm and leg joint problems.

Chiropractors often focus on your spine or other parts of your body, depending on the pain you’re facing. This type of care has similarities to physical therapy, and certain conditions may benefit from both. Chiropractors use hands-on manipulation to relieve your symptoms, while physical therapists give greater relevance to stretches and exercises.

How Chiropractic Care can help you with back pain or shoulder pain

Chiropractic care can be an alternative to more invasive treatments, such as surgery or injections for short-term or chronic back or neck pain.

Based on the premise that your spine supports your body and is the foundation for excellent health, personal injury chiropractors look for what’s wrong with your spinal alignment after an accident and correct it.

The primary function of your spinal cord is communication between your brain and body. For movement and sensation, each spinal nerve has a specific function. These nerves send messages to your muscles, telling them how and when to move. They also carry messages back to the brain about what you are feeling, including pain.

When we talk about the nervous system, we refer to the central and peripheral systems. Both are important, but the central nervous system carries everything from moving to feeling to thinking from the brain to your body and back again. The vertebrae of the spine enclose and protect this entire system. There are 24 vertebrae in an adult spine. They extend from the skull to the pelvis: 

  • At the base of the head, the seven cervical vertebrae (C1 – C7) form a gentle curve inward.
  • The 12 thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12) curve out at the shoulders and back toward the lumbar spine.
  • The gentle curve of your back is created by the five lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5).

What to Expect from a Chiropractor 

There are many methods of chiropractic analysis and intervention, some done manually, others using tools and instruments. No matter your condition, chiropractors are uniquely qualified to help you find relief.

When you visit your chiropractor, he will examine your spine for abnormalities to correct or adjust.

Tell your chiropractor about any medical conditions you have, medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and dietary supplements you use, and alert your primary care physician that you’re seeing a chiropractor. 

During your initial visit, a chiropractor will

– Collect health history

– Conduct a spinal physical examination

– May use x-rays, visual analysis, palpation, or physical tests to assess your condition

– May develop an individualized plan in case chiropractic care is appropriate

Adjustment helps restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force to joints that are limited by tissue damage. As the body heals, an adjustment can restore mobility and relieve pain and other discomfort.

Back or neck pain can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as lifting a heavy object incorrectly, or by repetitive stress, such as sitting in an improper position for an extended period. Physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and decreased function occur with both types of stressors.

Your chiropractor will likely help you make better lifestyle choices after your adjustment. Individual exercises and postural techniques-some using equipment and others just using your body weight can help maintain the changes from the adjustment.

What Happens After your Primer Chiropractic Visit

The adjustment you receive during your first visit will most likely be repeated during your subsequent visits. The frequency of treatment will be discussed with you by your chiropractor. It is important to your recovery that you follow the plan set for you.

Skipping appointments will only hinder your ability to heal properly and in the time frame that was discussed. Before you begin your treatment, be sure to discuss any concerns you may have. Your chiropractor will work with you to determine what is best, but without communicating your feelings, you risk not getting the most out of your treatment.

You may feel slight soreness or very mild pain in shoulder and your chiropractor for shoulder pain Florida worked on after a chiropractic adjustment. This feeling usually goes away within 24 hours.

Your chiropractor may recommend some follow-up care after your appointment:

  • Exercising and stretching.
  • Improve your posture with proper ergonomics.
  • Ice/heat therapy or topical pain relievers.
  • Nutrition, diet, weight, or general health counseling.
  • Stress management and muscle relaxation.

If you are looking for a chiropractor in Florida, we hope this article was helpful. Contact Injury Assistance Network with any questions you may have about the benefits of chiropractic care, how to find a chiropractor, or how to improve your overall health and wellness.

Related

All You Must Learn about Occupational Inpatient/Outpatient Therapy Post-Accident
Understanding the Benefits of Chiro Care vs. Physical Therapy in Florida
Reasons Why Chiropractic Care is Essential for Personal Injury Recovery
10 Common Orthopedic Injuries and How to Treat Them

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    Understanding Chiropractic Care – What to Expect from a Chiropractor