The human body is extraordinarily durable, but it also has its limits. Having to do repetitive motions or standing for a long time can cause aches and pains that affect your quality of life.
Fortunately, chiropractic care can relieve your body of different pains caused by mechanical problems in the musculoskeletal system. Let’s take a closer look at what chiropractic medicine is and the benefits it can bring.
What is Chiropractic Medicine?
Chiropractic medicine is a field of medicine focusing on aligning your spine to benefit the rest of your body. It is a hands-on treatment that mainly centers on treating injuries and disorders relating to the spine, pelvis, extremity joints, and the nervous system.
Treatment starts with the chiropractor asking for the patient’s medical history and symptoms. Lab testing and imaging studies combined with a physical examination will lead to a diagnosis and inform the patient’s treatment plan.
As part of your treatment plan, your chiropractor will perform several physical manipulation techniques. They may also prescribe exercises to contribute to your recovery.
What Chiropractic Medicine Treats
Chiropractic medicine typically treats disorders caused by structural changes in the spine. These structural changes can lead to compressed, pinched, or irritated spinal nerves, causing pain and other issues. Misaligned vertebrae and herniated discs can also be remedied by chiropractic care. Let’s take a look at some of the conditions a chiropractor can help you with:
1. Neck Pain
Neck pain results from the straining of the neck muscles’ soft tissues. Several factors lead to aching in the neck, including:
- Lack of proper posture
- Physical stress
- Overexertion
- Injury
- Degenerative disorders, such as arthritis
Your chiropractor will physically manipulate your cervical vertebrae to loosen up your joints. Doing so provides relief from pain. In addition to employing various adjustment techniques, they can help correct your body mechanics as part of your neck pain treatment.
2. Back Pain
Back pain concentrated at the lumbar region of your spine is caused by nerve, muscle, ligament, and spine injuries, as well as poor posture and fatigue. Lower back pain can also be a symptom of arthritis, which causes the cartilage in your spine to break down.
Research shows that spinal manipulation done by chiropractors is effective in relieving acute back pain. Your chiropractor may employ different spinal adjustment methods depending on your condition.
3. Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the main nerve of the leg and travels from the lumbar spine to the back of the thigh. Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, is commonly caused by a herniated disc putting pressure on the sciatic nerve. Factors such as obesity and poor posture also contribute to this condition.
A chiropractor’s clinic is a great place to start seeking relief from sciatic nerve pain. A chiropractor can help relieve symptoms from herniated discs and sciatica. Sometimes, tight muscles pinch the sciatic nerve and cause pain. Chiropractors can massage these knots. Moreover, they can teach you home exercises to strengthen your muscles and prevent your pain from recurring.
4. Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy occurs when the nerves in your spine become pinched or damaged. It can occur in the lumbar (lower back), thoracic (upper back), or cervical (neck) regions of the spinal column. The resulting pain from radiculopathy can travel through different parts of your body.
Conservative treatment options, including chiropractic care and physical therapy, are usually enough to alleviate radiculopathy. Adjustments to the spine can improve your vertebrae’s alignment and stop bones and discs from impinging on nerves.
Chiropractic Care In Grand Junction, CO
Chiropractic care not only mitigates the need for surgery but also improves one’s quality of life. Its benefits range from pain relief to improved nervous system function. Getting treatments from a chiropractor can also result in better sleep and increased focus and energy.
If you are dealing with any of the conditions in this article, visit WorkPartners Occupational Health today! Our chiropractic and therapeutic specialists keep up with the latest techniques to provide patients like you with pain relief and recovery. We also specialize in workers’ compensation and occupational health care.
For more information about how we can serve your needs, don’t hesitate to contact us at (970) 241-5585. Before visiting our office at 2646 Patterson Road, Suite A, Grand Junction, CO, request an appointment online. We look forward to getting you back to work and to life!
