How Chiropractic Manipulations Work
Chiropractors tend to focus on a set of common manipulations out of the hundreds of possible adjustments. It works by targeting soft tissues with hand manipulations or therapeutic tools like an activator adjusting instrument. Varying degrees of pressure are applied to muscle groups and joints to ease tension and increase circulation. Chiropractic care often includes:
- Determining possible sources of existing pain
- Suggesting appropriate dietary adjustments
- Recommending therapeutic exercises
Reasons to Consider Chiropractic Care
Approximately 30 percent of the more than 20 million Americans seeking chiropractic care each year do so to relieve back pain. Chronic pain sufferers with conditions such as non-specific low back pain and arthritis may find relief they're not getting from medications and other types of physical therapy alone. Chiropractic care can also be rehabilitative for people recovering from common sports-related injuries, including muscle strains and sprains and overuse injuries. It's also worth considering if you want to improve your posture and restore your spine's natural alignment, which may be thrown out of whack from sitting in the same position too long or sleeping in uncomfortable positions.
Getting the Most Out of Chiropractic Sessions
Whether you're going to a chiropractor for relief from tension headaches or the management of neck or back pain, you'll get more out of your sessions by actively participating. Let the chiropractor know if the pressure is too light or too strong as manipulations are being performed. Discuss your short-term and long-term goals to ensure you're on the same page with expectations of results. Provide details of what issues you specifically want to improve since areas targeted for neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis are different from where the focus would be for someone with radiating nerve pain from sciatica.
There are many studies on the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments, including some detailing how manipulations may ease a patient's dependence on certain medications. While not intended to replace other treatments for underlying conditions, chiropractic care is considered safe for most people when treatments are based on a patient's condition, capabilities, and goals.