Did you know that you are far more at risk when you take over-the-counter medications for your back pain than when you see a chiropractor?
Chiropractors are essentially joint, muscle, nervous system, and spine experts. What sets them apart from medical practitioners who specialize in these body systems is that chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to improve the range and quality of motion of spinal joints. On top of providing back pain relief, the goals of chiropractic care include restoring the function of your spine and the rest of your body and preventing (re)injury.
Chiropractic treatment is a generally safe approach. Nonetheless, like any medical treatment method, it does have its contraindications—albeit serious complications are very rare. With that in consideration, let’s talk about when you should and shouldn’t see a chiropractor.
When You Should See a Chiropractor
Research has shown the efficacy of chiropractic treatment—in conjunction with standard medical care—in significantly reducing pain in and restoring functions. So, if you have any of the following conditions, you may benefit from the care of a chiropractor.
· Chronic Neck and Back Pain
If you are experiencing persistent back pain or have a slipped or herniated disc, it would be good to consult a chiropractor.
Your current lifestyle or occupation may be keeping you hunched over your desk for the entire day. This leads to bad posture, which strains your neck muscles and upper spine. A chiropractor can realign your upper spine to relieve the tension, and consequently, the pain.
· Headaches
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, chronic stress, and underlying medical conditions can cause headaches. People experiencing regular migraines and tension headaches with nausea may consult a chiropractor for these problems.
Muscle and nerve compression can cause recurring headaches. Through spinal adjustments, a chiropractor may bring you long-term pain relief.
· Joint Stiffness
Chiropractic massage targets body parts other than your spine. Misaligned hip, wrist, and ankle joints can be treated with chiropractic massage therapy.
Chiropractors can help reduce stiffness and restore mobility, ensuring the optimal function of your joints.
· Injuries from Sports and Other Accidents
You may also seek chiropractic treatment when you have sports- or road-traffic-related injuries.
Consult your doctor about combining chiropractic treatment with physical therapy and other treatment approaches to ensure your full recovery.
When Chiropractic Treatment May Not be Right For You
Chiropractic treatment does have a lot of benefits, but it isn’t for everyone and is contraindicated if you have the following conditions:
- Bone fractures
- Increased risk of stroke
- Numbness in arms or legs
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Spinal cancer
Highly Trained Chiropractors in Dallas, TX
Here at Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, our certified chiropractors have a wealth of experience in helping people with neck, back, and joint problems achieve long-term pain relief and those who sustained a sports- or car-accident-related injury recover quickly.
We will perform a thorough physical examination, and based on our diagnosis, we will provide an effective, highly individualized chiropractic treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
For inquiries or to schedule an appointment, you may call our office at (972) 503-7272 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to helping you live a pain-free life!