Have you ever wondered if a chiropractor in your area could help your back pain or stiffness? Or, do you wonder how to get the most out of your current chiropractic visits? If you answered “yes”, you’re not alone.
Many people wonder what the benefits of seeing a chiropractor are versus other healthcare professionals. And many who already see a chiropractor just want to maximize their results. Read on to find out more about how to get the most from your chiropractor visits, as well as the benefits of seeing a chiropractor.
What is Chiropractic?
A chiropractic adjustment is a treatment that uses the hands or special instruments to manipulate the joints and muscles of your back. This therapeutic treatment helps reduce pain, fix your posture, increase your mobility and allow you to function better physically. Chiropractic adjustments go hand-in-hand with any traditional medical care that you receive.
Which Benefits Do You Want?
Once you know a bit about the benefits of chiropractic care, it’s time to think about what specific benefits you want from your chiropractor visits. This is a crucial question to discuss with your chiropractor as you develop a treatment plan together.
Chiropractic adjustments have many benefits, including:
- You will have less neck and back pain;
- You’ll experience fewer migraines;
- Your posture will improve;
- You’ll enjoy great flexibility and a greater range of motion;
- Stiffness in your back and neck may disappear;
- Recovery from neck or spine injuries may be faster than with traditional methods; and
- Minor injuries related to whiplash can be treated, preventing more serious problems down the road.
How Does A Chiropractic Adjustment Work?
When you’re feeling stiff, tense or in pain, a chiropractor will offer treatment that’s personalized to your unique condition. You’ll lie face down on a customized table that allows certain parts of your body to lift slightly higher than the rest, which helps the chiropractor apply pressure to specific areas. Your chiropractor will use their hands or adjusting tools to apply quick but controlled forces (amounts of pressure), move joints beyond their normal range during an adjustment session, and release gasses trapped within these joints as well.
How to Get the Most From Your Chiropractic Care?
In addition to thinking about and discussing the specific benefits you’re seeking through chiropractic treatment, getting the most from your care also includes a few steps outside the office:
- Keep track of your appointments. Chiropractic care is a process of gradual adjustments and re-alignments. Missed or forgotten appointments slow down your progress and postpone your recovery. You may even experience a worsening of symptoms if several appointments are missed in a row.
- Write down any instructions your chiropractor gives you. Especially important are stretching or range-of-motion exercises he or she may recommend to speed up your recovery.
- Stay hydrated. Your body may lack adequate lubrication in your joints if you become dehydrated, and chronic dehydration has been associated with joint damage and back pain. Make sure your drink plenty of water throughout your treatments.
- Stay active. Regular exercise and physical activity will help your body recover from chiropractic adjustments faster, so you’re back to your normal self sooner. Exercise may actually enhance your chiropractic care results, as it keeps your muscles toned and your bones strong. Low-impact activities like walking, dancing or swimming are best, as they prevent strain on your back and joints.
- Stretch! Stretching before and after your appointment, as well as before and after exercise, will help relieve pressure on your back and help speed up your recovery time.
Types of Chiropractic Care
There are over 100 chiropractic spinal adjustment methods. Some involve gentle moves while others use a controlled, sudden force to realign the spine. Each type is suited for different conditions, so it’s important to talk with your chiropractor if you have any concerns about the type of chiropractic technique used in your treatment plan. However some of the common techniques used may include:
- Direct Thrust Technique, is one of the most common techniques in chiropractic wherein a high-velocity force is applied to align your spine. This type of manipulation increases range of motion caused by misaligned joints or bones.
- Gonstead adjustment is a technique where the spine region is thoroughly analyzed, and realigned for the reduction of pain in affected areas.
- The Activator Technique involves a chiropractor using a device that delivers a small electrical shock to the spine. This technique effectively changes the tone of your nervous system and is used to treat everything from back pain and headaches to pain in the neck and migraines.
- Flexion-distraction includes adjusting the cranium and stretching the spine gently in order to get it back into its natural position. The adjustment is commonly used for treating facet joint pain and neck or back pain caused by problems with parts of your spine, like discs or joints.
- Drop technique utilizes specialized tables built to facilitate movement in the joints. It is sometimes switched for, or used in conjunction with a traditional technique such as the direct thrust technique.
- McKenzie therapy is a type of manipulation therapy that focuses on your connective tissue. In this type of care, your chiropractor will focus on stretching and moving your connective tissue to help give your joints more room. This type of care is usually used when other treatments have not been able to help your connective tissue, like with very tight muscles.
Which Chiropractic Care Should You Take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all type of care that works for every patient or every condition. That’s why it’s so important to consult with your chiropractor and discuss your symptoms as part of the process of developing your treatment plan.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care can provide many benefits, and is a great option if you’re looking for a more natural way to heal your body. Keep in mind, though, that not every chiropractic clinic is the same. At Body Works Physiotherapy, you’ll always be met with a friendly welcome. Our approach to treatment is professional and gentle and our care extends to every patient we see. Call Body Works Physiotherapy today to talk with an experienced chiropractor or schedule a free consultation.
