3 Reasons to Listen to Your Chiropractor
By Stephen R. Farris
When dealing with back pain, often we try to treat it by using over-the-counter (OTCs) medication. The drawback of using OTCs or prescription meds is that it could become addictive if you rely on them to ease your pain. There is another way to get the pain relief you're looking for and that's through chiropractic treatment provided by your local chiropractor.
Chiropractic treatment is an all-natural, noninvasive, non-addictive form of therapy by gently making adjustments to your spine to reduce joint restrictions and inflammation, providing you with relief and better mobility.
Most patients -- after a couple of visits -- feel relief from their back pain, however, your local chiropractor may suggest (depending on your condition) that you continue chiropractic treatment for a certain amount of time. Unfortunately, some patients may feel better after a couple of visits and decide to discontinue treatments, but it doesn't always mean that they're 100 percent better and when the suggested length of treatments are not continued, it could result in the pain returning or additional problems could develop.
That's why it's important to listen to your chiropractor and to follow his/her instructions.
Pain Relief May Require Changes
While your chiropractor can help provide pain relief with spinal adjustments, they will also suggest a few changes you should make in your daily life to help prevent future problems. Usually your chiropractor will suggest getting more exercise, eating healthier, and/or making changes in your daily routine to help you get better rest at night.
You May Not Hear Snapping, or Cracking
Many people think that when you receive chiropractic treatment, you'll hear snapping, cracking, or popping sounds each time your chiropractor makes an adjustment to your spine. However, that may not always be the case. Most of the time they use what is called a directional non-force technique, where forced manipulation is not involved, rather a gentler approach is used, which is also effective to getting your spine back into alignment. Even if you don't hear the noises and you feel better after your treatment, you should continue your visits as prescribed by your chiropractor.
Making Self-Adjustments? Stop Now!
If at times you have a stiff neck, or back, you might try to fix the problem on your own by cracking your neck or back to get relief. The problem with this -- while it may feel good -- is that you could be causing more damage to surrounding joints. That's why it's important to visit your local chiropractor and let him/her access your condition and provide professional treatment.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Albuquerque, N.M.