Author name: James Williams

Chiropractic care has gained popularity as a treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions in recent times, more so with neck and spine pains. Understandably, many who seek these remedies come out with some level of satisfaction, so it is vital to look into what might go wrong and how to mitigate those risks. Just like any other procedure one undergoes, chiropractic manipulation has its disadvantages. Recognizing the strictures and barriers in place should serve to enhance the well-being of the patient as well as the effectiveness of the treatment protocol used. The purpose of this blog is to address common misconceptions regarding chiropractic care and other common concerns including side effects, safety measures, and the best practices regarding the procedure. What are the most common side effects of chiropractic care? In most cases, the patients are likely to experience mild soreness or discomfort or fatigue after an adjustment. The effect hovers about 24 hours and 48 hours as the body adjusts to the new configuration which is rather normal, however. Treatment typically includes spinal manipulation in order to restore normal physiological function and structure, but the connective tissues of muscles and joints may still ache as they adapt to the new positioning. It should be noted that this kind of discomfort usually lasts for a day or two. Most chronic pain sufferers notice some pain relief after this initial period. Some rest, drinking enough fluids, and applying hot/cold application powders may help ease this discomfort. Can chiropractic adjustments cause serious injuries? Serious injuries when undergoing chiropractor treatments is ‘very rare’. However, the factors or cases that lead to serious injuries such as cervical manipulation do exist. Risks of stroke or nerve damage are some risks, but these have as much as been mitigated through training of licensed chiropractors. To deter such occurrences, those who have been trained as chiropractors tend to have many hours of practical training so that adjustments don’t just appear to be guesswork. It is important to note that, patients with some conditions known in advance or structural defects in their spinal cord or other may experience more adverse complications.  A thorough examination is very important on issues and therefore no further difficulties are encountered. Patients are advised to share their medical history and other relevant information with their chiropractor in order to prevent any complications. Are chiropractic adjustments safe for everyone? Most people are safe and can be subjected to chiropractic adjustments as a lot of it is practice oriented to relieve the pain. There are groups of people that need to stay clear from it like those people with osteoporosis or spinal instability. A doctor and chiropractor appointment is necessary before the performance of the activity so as to ascertain it is safe for you. People who have inflammatory diseases like severe arthritis or bone diseases, or have performed a recent surgery cannot be sufficient in chiropractic care. Since chiropractors recognize that patients have different health conditions, they modify the treatment to suit those conditions and some may not use the semi-active treatment approaches. The reason is that your care is integrated with that of your healthcare provider and this will eliminate any risks that the patient may be exposed to. Can chiropractic care worsen an existing condition? Chiropractic treatment may realistically worsen this existing condition in the odd case where all underlying factors are not put into consideration, especially those that are more crucial. However, a thorough evaluation reduces this risk significantly. Chiropractors will carry out tests on their patients using such procedures as X-rays on patients before embarking on treatment for the patients’ own good because no treatment will be carried out if every detail of the condition is not known. There may be adverse reactions to aggressive adjustments when some tissues are inflamed or some joints are grossly mal-aligned. Any skilled chiropractor will make sure that these treatments are well devised so as to prevent exacerbation of the disease as well as ensure that progress is made in treating the disease and modifying the treatment plan accordingly. What precautions should be taken before chiropractic treatment? For effective chiropractic treatment, communication of any prior medical attention is very important. This helps your chiropractor to avoid making mistakes and helps you receive treatment that is best suited for you. There are other conditions like pregnancy, herniated discs, or joint problems that might necessitate other approaches or require extra assistance. A thorough history will guarantee that your chiropractor has all the information necessary to assist him/her in determining fairly accurate levels of care needed. It is very critical to follow up with your chiropractor after receiving treatment because of pain and normal activities done when or after you come to treatment for soreness that is not usual. Can chiropractic care cause headaches? Yes, other headaches can appear every now and again, especially after neck manipulation, which warms the lymph nodes. This is usually a temporary adverse effect of muscle contraction and adjustment. Hearing a pop or cracking sound in your neck can also lead to muscle spasms after the procedure which can cause some patients to develop tension-type headaches. They generally come and also mostly subside in 24 to 48 hours. Relief is witnessed by a majority of patients after this period. Adequate fluid intake as well as compliance to post adjustment care conditions like resting or stretching can help relieve the chances of experiencing headaches. However, for any persisting headache, you will be needed to see the chiropractor for more adjustments or change in the treatment. Is chiropractic care safe for children? In general, chiropractic is appropriate for children when performed by a trained pediatric chiropractor. Safety measures are adhered to that require the use of noninvasive low force procedures. Special adapted approaches for dealing with children’s chiropractic patients are utilized by chiropractors. Within the growing process, adjustments are much easier and slower than what is applicable to adults. Parents are supposed to ensure that a chiropractor has competence in treating children and they

Many people that are in the health system currently would prefer a combination of both the conventional and alternative systems of treatment. Chiropractic treatment, which is more of a spinal alignment approach, is progressively getting coordinated with allopathic medicines, therapeutic treatment, massage therapies, and so on.  This article looks at how chiropractic treatment can be an integral part of the programs undertaken by patients requiring conventional therapies alongside other treatment modalities for faster recovery. Can chiropractic care be combined with physical therapy? Yes, these two modalities can be very good adjuncts for each other to facilitate better healing. While the chiropractic side of treatment will in large take care of the spinal subluxation, physical therapy or rehab components will work on the muscle and joints range of motion or strength. All these therapies combine to offer a global strategy regarding treatment of the bones and the muscles thus making recovery faster and improving functionality. Applying chiropractic treatment along with physical therapy is especially helpful with patients who are in the rehabilitation phase following an injury or surgery. The purpose of the targeted chiropractic modifications is to relieve the actual tension placed on the nerves by adjusting the vertebrae back into their natural place in the spine. This, in effect, conquers the inappropriate movement patterns.  But physical rehabilitation restores the lost strength of the previously working muscles, improves the range of motion, and elevates activity. When these methods are used simultaneously, they create a more effective way of healing the patients, such that they do resume their normal routines much more quickly, with less pain and higher efficiency in the movements. How does chiropractic care complement conventional medical treatments? Chiropractic treatment, alongside the conventional treatment regime, also has a structural focus with special emphasis placed on the spine since the performance of the body system depends on it as well. Patients receive chelation that relieves pain, diminishes swelling and improves the range of motion, making it complementary to the normal mode of treatment. Engaging in such modalities leads to improved recovery in patients populations with lesser dependence on drugs which is commendable. On the other hand, the treatment aimed at the management of pain among other ailments is more pharmacological and surgical in nature in a medical model. Although these are said to be efficient for many conditions, they may not effectively address the health problems such as musculoskeletal pain or disorders.  Spinal adjustment and restoration of neural function caused by pain and neurologic injury relieve these conditions rather than manage their symptoms. Owing to the two pronged treatment philosophy, patients do better, experience less pain, recover more rapidly, and do not have to stay on medication for a long time even when they receive active conventional treatments. Is it safe to combine chiropractic care with massage therapy? Yes, it is safe and even more advantageous to combine massage therapy with chiropractic care. Chiropractic care works by manipulating the spine which helps reduce nerve irritability and structural abnormalities, while massage therapy’s effect is to reduce muscle tightness and enhance blood flow. These therapies present a comprehensive approach to management of pain and mobility enhancement especially among chronic breakup sufferers. Massage therapy functions to reduce muscle tightness, enhance blood supply in the body, and increase the levels of relaxation in the body. These benefits are superior when coordinating massage therapy with chiropractic care aimed at restoring vertebral alignment. Following a chiropractic adjustment, massage therapy tends to be even more effective in relaxing the muscles that maintain the adjustment of the spine. Their use in chronic pain, especially neck pain with tension headaches, or poor posture, or even spinal wise postural problems, provides prolonged relief, and helps to prevent recurrent difficulties by attacking all the muscular and bony aspects of the problem. Can chiropractic care be part of a holistic health plan? Yes, chiropractic care is included in many holistic health care plans especially because it is a natural, non-invasive method. Spinal adjustments concern the bones structure improving the physiology of the body and the healing processes. The use of chiropractic treatment, along with these other therapies, helps to expand and individualize the treatment process. It is understood that in a holistic health plan, the aim is to address the patient as a whole, unlike in a conventional way where the focus is on the symptomatic presentation. It is apparent, therefore, that chiropractic care is consistent with this view as it seeks to enhance the functioning of the nervous system which is necessary for the self healing of the body. Other holistic practices such as acupuncture and nutrition can also be integrated into chiropractic care. In such patients, there is not only relief of pain but general well-being, energy, and further, the function of the immune system is also increased. How do chiropractors and acupuncturists work together? Chiropractors and acupuncturists work together for safe, effective treatment for the physical and subtle bodies. Chiropractors concentrate on the spine and nervous system’s ability to function while acupuncturists balance the flow of Qi and relieve any discomfort. Having these therapies in conjunction benefits towards better patient recovery and fast healing. Chiropractic and acupuncture are able to offer the most complete package for pain and its healing effects once combined. Chiropractors aim at relieving restrictions to spinal structures and misalignments that would otherwise cause pain and limitations in mobility.  Acupuncture however releases qi blocks and markers of the body in the channels to attain self-healing. When used in this manner, patients report less pain, rangers of movement improvements, and general feeling of well-being. Such benefits are highly effective in patients suffering from chronic pain of the lower back, head pains, and musculoskeletal problems. Can chiropractic care reduce the need for pain medication? Absolutely. Instead of only masking the effects of pain, chiropractic treatment is designed to eliminate it, leading to the decreased dependency on the use of painkillers. Thanks to spinal manipulations, chiropractic treatment restores the balance and reduces the swelling as well as the strain

Choosing a chiropractor is likely to have a great influence on your health and recuperation. When it comes to rehabilitation from chronic pain, recovering after an injury or injury prevention, selecting the right practitioner is critical. As you will see in this blog, there are certain factors which you will have to consider if you are to pin down a chiropractor who fits the bill and is on the same page as you with regards to your health care needs. What qualifications should a chiropractor have? A straightforward answer is that such a chiropractor must possess a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree, and must have company national board examinations. Last but not least, there are additional requirements that are necessary because the chiropractor must have a valid state license. These basic qualifications confirm that the therapist has obtained the necessary education and training relevant to the treatment of patients. Such talented and qualified professions, however, do not stop at that. Most of such chiropractors undertake additional advanced practical training by obtaining certificates on sub-specialties practice courses on sports chiropractic, orthopedics and child care etc. Such certificates indicate that the chiropractor has had thorough training regarding specific areas and is likely to provide targeted treatment. Therefore, taking note of whether or not a chiropractor is furthering their studies is important given the fact that most effective students continue learning new treatment strategies and techniques, which may be important in achieving optimal results in treatment. How can I verify a chiropractor’s license? To verify if the chiropractor’s license is still in force, it is to go through the website of the chiropractic licensing board of your state. Most states have an online tool to check the status of a chiropractor’s license by just inputting the full name or license number. Every single state has a regional regulator for accommodating all the Practice of Chiropractors and all the competency requirements. These boards keep a record on any misconduct and complaints made against the professionals, which is very useful at this point when seeking a chiropractor. By checking the status of any license, you know that the chiropractor who will be attending to you is duly registered and in good standing practice in the field which will put you at ease before you make the first appointment. What should I ask during my first consultation with a chiropractor? When you have your first meeting with a chiropractor, you need to understand their history of treating similar conditions, why they choose that particular method, and what they feel is going to happen after the sessions. These questions help you know if their methods are suitable for you. Such inquiries would include how many patients with your condition they have handled so far, what are the techniques they intend to use and what improvements you can expect in how many sessions. The patients do not only know the methods used but also how frequently the treatment is needed and the presence of possible risks which makes it easy for certain expectations to be defined and people feeling relaxed about the care they are offered. In order to develop the right way of healing one’s health problems, it is preferable to ask as many questions as possible, if a chiropractor takes the time to explain clearly why each component is important. How do I choose a chiropractor based on specialization? When someone seeks medical attention for a condition, there are cases like those that need special support for instance if it is a sports injury, a pediatric or chronic pain condition, it is prudent to opt for a chiropractor who practices in that area. This is because they have specialized training and therefore tend to be more effective and efficient in that area. Chiropractic specialties involve additional education and certificates than that of general chiropractic practice. The sports chiropractor will be extensively knowledgeable on how to treat and rehab sports injuries while the pediatric chiropractors know how to treat the musculoskeletal complications in children. Selecting the spine specialist with the right specialization boosts your chances of getting the right and the latest treatment for your problem, thus enhances your chances of recovery. Why are patient reviews important when choosing a chiropractor? Patient reviews are quite useful for evaluating the quality of treatment, communication, and general level of satisfaction that can be expected with the chiropractor in question. Reviews hold a merit with the good ones suggesting treatment history and patient relations and the negative ones bring out likely problems. Feedback should be analyzed as a broader outlook rather than individual feedback. For instance, it is reasonable to assume that if a few patients mention a chiropractor’s punctuality, professionalism, or degree of efficiency for treatment of a particular condition, then one can expect a similar outcome. On the other hand, if the same reviewers report on poor communication or lack of time for appointments and mismanagement by clinic staff, this may be problematic too. Looking up many reviews gives an overall idea of how the treatment is expected to pan out. Should chiropractors belong to professional organizations? Yes, as membership of the American Chiropractic Association or the International Chiropractors Association helps any chiropractor to be responsible with ethical conduct and education. Serious level of commitment on the part of a chiropractor implies the willingness to join these institutions. Professional organizations enable the chiropractic practitioner with educational materials, supportive studies, and other methods that are aimed at improving care. It is highly likely that Chiropractors who are members of these organizations are more concerned with the overall safety of their patients and efficiency. When selecting a chiropractor, by virtue of them being a member of reputable professional bodies, you can be rest assured that they keep up to date with the changes in the field of practice. How do I know if a chiropractor’s techniques are evidence-based? One of the ways to check if the techniques of a Chiropractor are evidence based is checking if there are clinical

People have misconceptions and misconceptions about chiropractic care which adds to the general misunderstanding of the practice. These misconceptions can hinder a person’s retrieving the help they need for a relief from pains and for well-being purposes. In this guide, we shall tackle the frequently asked questions about the chiropractic practitioners and provide logical reasoning that will help dispel the myths. Such myths need to be addressed so that you don’t have to make uninformed choices in regard to chiropractic treatment. Is a chiropractor really a physician? Chiropractors are primary healthcare practitioners and they are qualified and trained for such a position; they also take study about the muscles and the spine, which is non-invasive practice thoroughly in their education. Yes, there are chiropractors, and they are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of muscular and skeletal pathology. These clinicians hold a professional degree in chiropractic (D.C) through adequately prepared training that includes anatomy, human physiology and other related fields. In summary, chiropractors graduate with doctor of chiropractic degrees, take clinical national board examinations and practice in their respective states after obtaining licensure. Chiropractors are not hospital doctors and do not carry out prescription or surgical operations but offer treatment exceptionally in manipulations and exercises of spines. Though chiropractors are not medical doctors (MD), they provide care to the patients with a different mode of delivery with the aim of improving their health status. Is chiropractic treatment effective only in the case of backache? Contrary to common opinion, chiropractic is not solely for back pain. They have additional specialties including neck pain, headache, joint problems as well as the overall functioning of musculoskeletal system of the body. Although chiropractic care is infamously recognized for the cessation of back pain specialization, it does a lot more. A good number of its patients not only seek physician-approved services for back pain albeit with its center but also for neck pain, headaches as well as knee and shoulder pain. In the same light, chiropractic adjustments can be administered to improve one’s posture, relieve tension headaches and increase joint range of motion. The alleviation of vertebral subluxations and other joint subluxations within the body aids restoration of good health. Further to this, it works well in cases of patients looking for relief from chronic pain, improving a patient’s range of motion, restoring function and prevention of injuries among other benefits that back pain relief options provide. Is chiropractic unsafe? Generally, chiropractic is considered to be a safe practice in the hands of licensed practitioners. Serious complications are very rare while most patients develop minor or temporary side effects that may include soreness. Chiropractic care is considered to have a very good record of safety when provided by trained and licensed chiropractors. The most common side effects are rather minimal, which include temporary soreness or stiffness that resolves within a few days. Serious complications, such as nerve damage or stroke, are extremely rare. A chiropractor would, of course, carefully assess a patient for suitability and safety with regard to their specific condition. Chiropractic care is an exceptionally low-risk intervention and, as such, can be considered one of the safest, non-invasive treatments for pain and to improve general function. Do chiropractic adjustments hurt? Generally speaking, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt for most patients. Essentially, one will experience a controlled amount of pressure applied to certain joints, usually producing a popping or cracking sound; however, this is often just gas being released from the joint. Generally speaking, for most patients, chiropractic adjustments do not hurt. A controlled amount of pressure is applied to specific joints, usually producing a popping or cracking sound; however, this is often just gas being released from the joint. This can be in the form of minor discomfort or soreness that usually clears up in a day or two. Actually, after an adjustment, many patients immediately feel relief from some pain or stiffness. Chiropractors are trained to adjust the force of adjustment according to the comfort of the individual. In such a way, it will not inflict injury on anyone. Are chiropractic treatments long-term commitments? Chiropractic care does not call for long-term commitment. Treatment plans are made in regards to the needs of the patient, and for the majority, relief can be seen after a few sessions. Chiropractic treatment differs with respect to any particular patient’s complaint and health goals, so it is not necessary that everyone has to go through long treatments; some of them feel considerable relief after just a few sessions, especially in the case of acute ailments, such as back pain or strain on the neck. Conditions that are chronic may require more frequent adjustments initially, with maintenance care thereafter-if it’s needed. Most chiropractic treatment plans are designed around the patient’s progress, and long-term commitments are not necessary except in those patients who choose to continue care preventatively or for wellness. The goal is always to effect relief as efficiently as possible while supporting the general musculoskeletal health of the patient. Are there alternatives to surgery and drugs and still achieve the same result through chiropractic treatment? Chiropractic care is an effective, non-invasive treatment. Studies show that spinal adjustments help to relieve pain and improve functions without surgical procedures or medications. Chiropractic care constitutes the methods of relieving pain by enhancing body function without the use of surgical procedures or pain relief management regimens. In terms of research, such treatment is effective in conditions like back pain, neck pain, headache etc. Specific attention is paid to spinal impact adjusting as the method for treatment, it means restoration of normal position and functions of the skeletal system to decrease pain and enhance movement. Such treatment methods noticeably reduce intake of pain relief drugs that have side effects or have been associated with addiction.  Conclusion: These professionals are also considered safe facilitators of numerous effective interventions, not limited to treatment of back pain. In separating the common myths about chiropractic care, one appreciates the areas in which chiropractic

Chiropractic as a practice is well known for its contribution largely in the treatment of problems related to musculoskeletal regions, more on spinal problems. There is an ongoing scientific inquiry on the benefits and the drawbacks of such alternative therapy. In this guide, you will find some of the latest updates on chiropractic care. We will address the important questions that often arise in the minds of the patients regarding efficacy, safety, and usage of chiropractic care, and convince each of them with valid research backing. Due to the foresight of conducting this research, the users of such treatment will be well informed and make wise choices about spinal manipulations. What do studies say about the effectiveness of chiropractic care? Most of the studies carried out have shown that given the conventional care rendered pain to its patients back pain, neck pain and even headaches efficiently citing improvement of pain relief, spinal mobility as well as patient satisfaction. Chiropractic back pain treatment, effective against upper and lower back pains, includes neck pain and many tension headaches. Gains have been achieved with regards to pain management, motion range and functional prevention optimization due to recovery from spinal adjustments. They are all relative due, given that satisfaction is the most sought outcome of many treatments provided. Many states confirm that the American College of Physicians also included chiropractic treatment among the recommendations provided within the context of interdisciplinary treatment for children with a constructive musculoskeletal system. Do the studies show that chiropractic care is safe? As far as the studies and other literature indicate, chiropractic care is recognized to be safe and does not have any devastating effects in the hands of qualified chiropractors. The risks do not exceed the limits and most complaints are mild. The chiropractors are more practiced in that it is very safe and has been documented by most studies due to care offered by qualified professionals. Spinal injuries and strokes associated with chiropractic manipulation are comparatively very rare and the majority of side effects mostly associated with soreness for some few days shall decline. Glancing at studies done, most of the risks applied to chiropractic care are minimal risks in comparison to surgery or long-term availability of drugs over patients. But the chiropractors also review the patients to some extent, especially with regard to potential spinal manipulations thus risks of such procedures are also reduced. How does chiropractic care relate to other forms of medical treatments? With some evidence that chiropractic treatments are at least as effective as conventional treatments for certain conditions, especially pain-related ones, the care offers a non-invasive alternative treatment with fewer side effects. Studies that compare chiropractic with conventional medical treatments suggest that chiropractic manipulation has similar or sometimes better results than conventional methods for conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, and some headache variants. One of the most obvious advantages of chiropractic care is that it does not involve surgery or longtime medications, both of which carry a higher risk and more side effects. Studies also report that chiropractic care decreases the use of pain medication, which is a safer approach for those people who worry about the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs in the future. Is there anything else other than back pain, chiropractic can help with? Yes, studies say chiropractic care is effective for joints, headaches, and even posture issues. It can also alleviate patients with chronic pain problems or limited mobility. While chiropractic care is most associated with spinal problems, such as back pain, research proves that it can be quite effective for treating a variety of other conditions. Chiropractic manipulations have been known to reduce headaches from tension, pain in the joints, including shoulders and knees, and even postures. Moreover, the chiropractic treatments have turned out to be relieving for such chronic pain conditions as fibromyalgia, provided they are combined with other treatments, including physical therapy or massage. The chiropractors take a holistic approach and often work to treat the musculoskeletal system in general, aiming at enhancing mobility and minimizing all discomforts. Is chiropractic care for sports injury evidence-based? It is also evidence-based for sporting injuries; it helps reduce pain, improves recovery time, and gives an athlete better mobility. Most athletes, whether professional or amateur, sustain injuries at one time or another that make them seek chiropractic care either to alleviate or recover from said injury. Evidence supports the application in soft tissue injuries, joint dysfunction, and even muscle strains. Such procedures of chiropractic adjustment would help to enhance mobility and reduce inflammation, allowing an athlete to hasten up his or her process of recovery. Other studies also indicate that the best measure for injury prevention in sports may be through chiropractic care by optimizing musculoskeletal function. In this way, athletes having regular chiropractic treatments claim a speedy recovery from overuse or acute injuries bringing improvement in performances. What does research say about chiropractic care and chronic pain? Chiropractic Management of chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis has had positive outcomes. Relevant studies show its ability to help decrease the pain and restore mobility. Chronic pain disorders including Fibromyalgia, arthritis, or persistent pain in the lower back tend to be difficult to treat. Research has shown that people who have been suffering from these types of ailments can be well treated through chiropractic care. Spinal manipulation then, routine exercises, and stretching routines reduce inflammation, pain, and mobility impairment. It has been noted in studies, particularly among patients with arthritis, that chiropractic reduction of joint pain is helpful in promoting joint movements and reducing joint pain. Chiropractic care, as a tool to restore the comfort, impressively excludes the need to take medication, or undergo surgery. What are the wellness effects of chiropractic care according to the research? Chiropractic intervention improves general health wellness as evident from research through improvement of spinal health, decrease in stress, and improvement in mobility. Patient conditions were associated with low fatigue and less complaint on sleep. It is well known