Chiropractic Care for Chronic Pain and a Better Life

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Genevieve Cunningham

Chronic pain is a serious issue that affects millions of people across the world. It brings discomfort and can make it difficult to enjoy time with loved ones or even the simple pleasures of daily life. The pain can get so intense that even basic movements become daunting, and staying active feels like a distant memory. And while it's easy to think of chronic pain as an invisible enemy, for many people, it's all too real.

For far too many people, chronic pain becomes a way of life—their "new normal." It lingers in the background when they wake up, sticks with them throughout the day, and settles in during bedtime, never giving them a break. It's a constant companion, a shadow that refuses to let go.

But here's the thing: you may not have to live with chronic pain. Many options are available today that can give you your life back. Solutions exist whether you're looking for relief from neck pain, spinal cord injury, or even the wear and tear of life itself.

Let's dive into what you should know about chronic pain and how chiropractic care could help you manage it effectively.

What is chronic pain?

In technical terms, chronic pain is any pain that lasts for more than three months. It lingers well past the normal healing process of an injury, turning discomfort into a long-term problem. Acute pain, by contrast, is short-term pain that comes and goes with a specific cause. For example, a broken bone is acute pain as it heals over time. Chronic pain is more elusive. It can become persistent, affecting your quality of life without an apparent end.

One of the hardest things about chronic pain is its unpredictability. For some people, it flares up with weather changes. For others, it's always there, a dull ache that never leaves. It can be stabbing, throbbing, or even burning, depending on the cause and area affected.

Common causes of chronic pain

Chronic pain has many possible causes, but most often, it's due to wear and tear or previous injuries that never fully heal. It can also result from ongoing medical conditions or problems that worsen over time. Here are some of the most common causes:

Overuse injury

Many people experience chronic pain because of repetitive stress disorder, which happens when you repeatedly use the same muscles or joints in your body. Think of carpal tunnel syndrome in office workers or tennis elbow in athletes. These overuse injuries can lead to long-term damage if not addressed early.

Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the leading causes of chronic pain worldwide. It's a condition that causes inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. With over 100 types of arthritis, this condition affects millions of people and often worsens with age, making it a common source of chronic discomfort.

Degenerative discs

As you age, the discs in your spine naturally wear down, a condition known as degenerative disc disease. These discs act as cushions between the bones in your spine, and when they start to degenerate, it can lead to chronic back pain, mobility issues, and even nerve problems. It's prevalent for people over 50.

Spinal cord injury

A spinal cord injury can lead to life-altering pain. The spinal cord is crucial to the function of your entire nervous system, and when it's damaged, it can affect your whole body. Chronic pain often follows a spinal cord injury, leaving people to search for effective, long-term solutions.

Posture-related neck pain

In today's digital world, many spend hours each day glued to their smartphones, laptops, and other devices for work, socializing, and entertainment. While technology provides incredible convenience and connectivity, it has also led to a modern health epidemic known as tech neck. This condition, often referred to as text neck or forward head posture, arises from the strain and discomfort caused by the prolonged forward positioning of the head while looking down at screens. Over time, this poor posture can lead to chronic neck and upper back pain, along with a variety of other issues that negatively impact overall well-being.

Tech neck occurs when the natural alignment of the neck and spine is disrupted due to consistently angling the head downward to view devices. This unnatural posture places significant pressure on the cervical spine, which is not designed to support the head's weight in this position for extended periods. When standing upright with proper posture, the average head weighs about 10 to 12 pounds, but for every inch the head tilts forward, the effective weight on the neck increases dramatically. A 45-degree forward tilt can result in the neck bearing around 49 pounds. This scenario can be likened to holding a heavy bowling ball at arm's length for hours, placing immense strain on the neck and upper back, ultimately leading to discomfort and pain that can become chronic if not addressed.

Pain from an accident or injury

In some cases, chronic pain can stem from an accident, like a car crash or a fall, or even from a broken bone. Even after the acute injury has healed, lingering pain can stick around due to the damage caused by the original event. For example, a traumatic injury to the back could leave you dealing with discomfort for years, especially if the underlying problem wasn't appropriately addressed at the time.

While these aren't the only causes of chronic pain, they're some of the most common. But no matter where your pain originates, focusing on treatment and long-term solutions is key.

How is chronic pain usually treated?

Chronic pain is most commonly treated with medication. Whether it's over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or stronger prescription medications, many doctors turn to drugs to help reduce pain. While these medications can temporarily dull the pain, they're not a long-term solution. The pain relief they offer is superficial; the moment the drug wears off, the discomfort comes back.

Additionally, many medications come with side effects, especially if used for extended periods. Prescription painkillers, in particular, pose a significant risk of addiction and misuse, which can cause a whole new set of health issues.

Are there better ways to treat chronic pain?

Fortunately, there are several ways to treat chronic pain beyond medication. Depending on the underlying cause, a holistic approach often provides the most effective long-term relief. Here are some ways to address chronic pain:

Movement

One of the most critical elements of managing chronic pain is movement. Regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, yoga, or even light aerobics, can help strengthen muscles, improve range of motion, and decrease tension. By keeping your body active, you allow your muscles and joints to work as they were designed, preventing stiffness and immobility.

Stretching is also vital. Simple, gentle stretching can help release tension in tight areas and improve your flexibility over time. Not sure where to start? A healthcare professional or physical therapist can help guide you through exercises tailored to your needs.

Chiropractic care

One way to treat chronic pain is through chiropractic care. Visiting a chiropractor offers relief by targeting the root cause of the problem rather than masking the symptoms. Regular chiropractic adjustments may improve mobility, reduce pain, and address musculoskeletal issues like neck pain, back pain, and pain stemming from degenerative discs.

A chiropractor can identify areas where your body is out of alignment and make adjustments that could help reduce pressure on the spine, relieve nerve pain, and improve overall function. This is particularly important if your chronic pain is tied to spinal cord injury, neck pain, or degenerative discs.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy can play a significant role in recovery for certain types of chronic pain. Physical therapists create custom exercise and treatment plans to restore function and alleviate pain. Whether you're recovering from surgery, injury, or a long-term condition like arthritis, physical therapy helps build strength, improve mobility, and speed up recovery.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle habits can sometimes be the root of your chronic pain. If your pain stems from poor posture, lack of movement, or repetitive stress disorder, making simple changes can make a world of difference. For example, adjusting your work environment by setting up an ergonomic workspace, taking regular breaks to stretch, or simply getting more active can have lasting positive effects on your pain levels.

Why chiropractic care could be part of your routine

Chiropractic care may be an effective way to manage chronic pain while also serving as a fantastic tool for helping prevent discomfort before it begins. Embracing regular chiropractic adjustments may help unlock a wealth of long-term benefits, empowering you to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle. Here are some of the remarkable advantages you may enjoy:

Chiropractic care focuses on the spine.

Because your spine houses the spinal cord—the body's central hub for the nervous system—it's crucial to maintain its health. Chiropractic adjustments target the spine directly, helping many people improve mobility and relieve tension that builds up over time.

Chiropractic care is a natural solution.

Unlike medications, chiropractic adjustments don't rely on chemicals to make you feel better. It's a natural, hands-on treatment that targets the underlying cause of pain rather than just the symptoms. This means you're potentially experiencing a different kind of relief, not just temporary respite.

Chiropractors care about your long-term health.

Chiropractors don't just want you to feel better today—they want you to feel better for the long haul. That's why they focus on finding the root cause of your pain and addressing it. Whether due to nerve interference, degenerative discs, or overuse injury, chiropractors aim to help your body heal naturally.

When should you visit a chiropractor for chronic pain?

The best time to visit a chiropractor for chronic pain is now. By the time you experience pain, your body has likely been dealing with an issue for some time. The earlier you seek care, the quicker you may be able to get to the root of the problem and begin to feel better.

Ignoring chronic pain doesn't make it go away—in fact, it often gets worse. A chiropractor may help you understand the source of your pain, work on solutions that reduce your discomfort, and prevent the pain from returning.

Take the next step toward a pain-free life

If you're ready to stop letting chronic pain control your life, now is the time to explore chiropractic care. You have options—options that don't involve medication or risky surgeries. By incorporating chiropractic adjustments into your routine, you may be able to finally take control of your pain, regain your mobility, and start living life to its fullest.

Every day you wait is potentially another day that chronic pain is keeping you from living your best life. Take the next step by visiting a chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic today, and discover how regular adjustments may help you reduce pain, improve your range of motion, and enjoy the activities you love most.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is 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.