How Safe Is Chiropractic Treatment?
By Brandi Goodman
The question of safety related to chiropractic treatment and whether spinal manipulation can lead to side effects has long been debated. So you may be wondering, “Can I benefit from chiropractic care and are there any risks for me to see a chiropractor?” Although some people are too scared to even have an adjustment, the practice can positively impact the health of the average population and should not be feared. We at The Joint Chiropractic want to share how chiropractic may be right for you and some tips on reducing any risks that you may have with care.
Are There Any Dangers Associated With Chiropractic Treatment?
Overall, chiropractic manipulation is an effective method for addressing a number of health issues ranging from headaches or injuries to preventing injury and improving your overall health and wellness.However, there may be unintended effects with any medical care or treatment, whether it’s performed by medical doctors or doctors of chiropractic, who are called DCs. The most common side effect of manipulation tends to be soreness or pain over the treated area. Additionally, if you have a certain medical condition, for example, then chiropractic may not be ideal for you.
You may not be a good candidate for chiropractic if you have:
- A severely herniated disc
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Certain cancers
If you have concerns about care, it is always advisable to speak with your chiropractor before beginning care or after experiencing any major changes to your health, such as a recent car accident, for example. Through their training and many years of medical education, chiropractors are experts at identifying when patients may benefit from chiropractic care or if a referral to another provider is necessary. Many potential chiropractic patients also do not know that there are different treatment techniques that a chiropractor may use. Understanding each patient’s unique medical history and utilizing the most appropriate technique for treatment can also improve the effectiveness of chiropractic care.
Chiropractic remains a viable option for care for many patients and is not something you should fear.
What Is the Science Behind Chiropractic Treatment?
The effectiveness of chiropractic is rooted in science. Spinal manipulation helps to align the spine when vertebrae are in a restricted state, limiting its range of motion. Many people refer to the spine being “misaligned,” but this is not technically correct though it’s a commonly accepted description. It was Daniel David Palmer in 1895 who discovered that a spine and other joints being “out of alignment” (restricted) could lead to other ailments in unrelated parts of the body. He created the first chiropractic school in Davenport, Iowa, and worked to refine the best manual adjusting techniques.
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There are now more than a dozen chiropractic colleges in the U.S. that hold an accreditation from the Council on Chiropractic Education. Proper methods of spinal manipulation have been studied and altered to ensure their safety and efficacy in the world today. There is not just one technique, but many. Gentle manipulation is used at different times rather than more aggressive manipulation, for example, and adjustments to children and babies differ from those of adults and seniors.
Millions of dollars have gone into scientific research to aid in improving chiropractic techniques and our knowledge about how and why it works. Whether you’re experiencing chronic low back pain, acute neck pain, or any other joint dysfunctions, chiropractic treatment is an evidence-based solution that can help.
Are Any Precautions Necessary?
As with anything, there are always precautions you should take to ensure that you are a good candidate for chiropractic care and that undergoing treatment will be worthwhile. First, it’s necessary to disclose your medical history. Because certain medical conditions may make the joints or surrounding tissues too fragile to work on, it is critical that you always be honest and forthcoming with your chiropractor about things already in your file and any concerns you may have.
You should also disclose whether you are taking certain medications, as some may be causing the symptoms you’re experiencing. Having the full picture can help doctors at The Joint Chiropractic provide the best healthcare and create the best treatment plan for your needs, or point you in the right direction to find relief.
As another precaution, you and your chiropractor may team up with other medical providers to ensure you benefit from treatment. They may offer additional medical advice that can support and add to the benefits from the chiropractic adjustment. It is also important to note that some mild discomfort may be felt after your session, though that is not always the case. This is completely normal, and not any indication of a problem. It is similar to the cramping or soreness you may feel after a workout. It should dissipate within 24 hours.
Can Pregnant Women Benefit From Care?
The majority of pregnant women can positively benefit from chiropractic care that will help to alleviate their hip, back, and joint pain. As long as you work with a chiropractor skilled in pregnancy care and gentle manipulation techniques, you can experience effective care without risk.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is not solely intended for pain relief. It may also reduce the amount of time spent in labor, and may help avoid a cesarean section. By keeping your body flexible and your nervous system operating optimally, many expectant mothers experience an easier birth through chiropractic compared to those without it.
Can Children Benefit From Care?
Children can be treated and receive benefits from chiropractic care just like adults. With a chiropractor skilled in pediatric chiropractic techniques, the adjustment can be effective for improving a number of ailments. Whether your child is experiencing chronic ear infections, back pain, asthma, headaches, or something else, chiropractic may be a worthwhile and affordable solution to assist them.
Even teenagers can benefit from chiropractic. Sports injuries, pain from heavy backpacks and gear, and poor posture can all be helped with chiropractic care. It’s a wholesome method for helping your teen through an important time in their development.
Can Babies Benefit From Care?
Chiropractic care for infants and babies can also provide a natural alternative to prescriptions or other medical procedures. Newborns dealing with colic, for example, may experience relief from an adjustment. It can also correct subluxations brought on by the birth process and ensure the spine and all joints are properly aligned and well. After all, it’s a pretty traumatic journey for a little body. Just as with children, babies suffering from chronic ear infections or other ailments may also find relief through a chiropractic adjustment.
Receive Quality and Effective Treatment From The Joint Chiropractic
Overall, chiropractic can be a safe and effective treatment option for many people across all ages. When you’re ready to give chiropractic a try and want to understand how chiropractic can help you achieve your health goals, visit The Joint Chiropractic for an affordable solution that can put you on the path to better well-being.
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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.