Did you know that more than 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain each year? A large portion of these individuals suffers from back pain, in particular.
If you’re one of these people, you may be wondering what your treatment options are. Chiropractic medicine is one of the best ways to treat back pain, but not everybody understands it or the benefits it can provide.
So, what is chiropractic medicine? Let’s explore everything that you need to know.
What is Chiropractic Medicine?
As the name suggests, chiropractic medicine is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractic care is usually used to treat problems like back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other joint or muscle pains. In many cases, chiropractic care can alleviate them entirely.
What Are the Benefits of Chiropractic Care?
One of the biggest benefits of chiropractic care is that it’s a drug-free way to treat pain. Chiropractic care is also effective at treating pain caused by herniated discs, sciatica, and other conditions.
Not only is chiropractic care effective at treating pain, but it can also prevent pain from happening in the first place. If you suffer from regular headaches, for example, chiropractic care can help to align your spine and neck, which can prevent headaches from occurring.
Chiropractic care is also effective at treating other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, and TMJ. If you’re looking for a noninvasive way to treat pain or prevent it from happening in the first place, chiropractic care may be right for you.
What Are the Risks of Using Opiates to Manage Pain?
Not only are opiates addictive, but they can also lead to a number of serious side effects, including constipation, drowsiness, and respiratory depression. In some cases, opiate use can even be fatal.
If you’re looking for an alternative to opiates for pain management, chiropractic care may be a safer option. Be sure that you keep this in mind when looking for ways to overcome chronic pain. Otherwise, you could run into further health complications in the future.
How Often Should I See a Chiropractor?
The frequency of your visits will depend on the severity of your condition and your response to treatment.
In most cases, you’ll need to see a chiropractor two to three times per week for the first six weeks of treatment. After that, you may only need to see a chiropractor once per week or every other week.
However, this will be contingent on your overall spine health. You may need to have more visits than normal if your condition doesn’t improve right away.
What Should I Expect During a Chiropractic Appointment?
During your first chiropractic appointment, your chiropractor will ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They will then perform a physical exam and may order X-rays or other imaging tests.
Once they have diagnosed your condition, they will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
How Do I Know if I Should See a Chiropractor?
If you’re experiencing pain, stiffness, or other symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, you should consider seeing a chiropractor. You should also consider this treatment option if you want to avoid taking medication or having surgery.
Your primary care doctor can refer you to a chiropractor, or you can find one on your own.
How Do I Find a Chiropractor Right For Me?
If you’re interested in trying chiropractic care, it’s important that you find a chiropractor who is right for you.
You can ask your family and friends for recommendations or search for a chiropractor online. This will go a long way toward finding someone who can meet your needs. When you’re looking for a chiropractor, be sure to read reviews and check out their credentials.
Not all feedback you encounter will be genuine, though. Be sure that you understand how to recognize fake reviews so you can avoid getting subpar results. You should also make sure that they accept your insurance plan.
However, many chiropractors offer affordable payment plans, so don’t let cost be a barrier to getting the care you need.
What Red Flags Should I Watch Out For?
There are a few red flags that you should watch out for when you’re looking for a chiropractor.
First, be wary of anyone who tells you that you need to see them multiple times per week or even daily once you are past the original treatment plan period outlined during your initial consultations. If your condition has improved and there isn’t a valid explanation or the need for intensive ongoing treatment, this can be a sign that they’re more interested in your money than your health.
Second, avoid anyone who promises to cure your condition. While chiropractic care can provide relief, it’s not a cure-all. Finally, be suspicious of anyone who wants to sell you supplements or other products.
While some of these products may be helpful, most are unnecessary and can be quite expensive. If you keep an eye out for these red flags, you’ll be more likely to find a reputable chiropractor who can provide you with the care you need.
Understanding Chiropractic Medicine Is Crucial
Chiropractic medicine is a safe and effective way to treat pain.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional medicine, consider seeking out a chiropractor near you. Just be sure you keep the answer to “what is chiropractic medicine” in mind so that you know what to expect.
Looking for other ways we can help you out in the future? Be sure to reach out to us today and see what we can do!