Guest article provided by: integrativehealthandrehab.com
Visiting a chiropractor should be a positive and healthy experience. However, some misconceptions can cause anxiety about a chiropractor trip. Here are some tips for overcoming any hesitation about getting a chiropractic adjustment!
What Is Chiropractic Care Anyway?
Chiropractic addresses musculoskeletal pain and discomfort (muscles, nerves, and joints). Professional chiropractic care improves spinal motion, relieves stiff muscles, improves posture, and reduces inflammation. Many patients also find they reduce their need for pain medication.
Even though chiropractic care is a proven, mainstream form of healthcare, some people fear chiropractors due to some common misconceptions. A big misunderstanding about “cracking your back” is that it damages your spine. While some chiropractic techniques cause cracking or popping sounds (called cavitations), the noise is simple gas and fluid interacting in the joint. There’s no need to fear chiropractors, as they have a long history of relieving pain and improving the lives of their patients.
Choose the Right Chiropractor for You
Still feeling nervous about seeing a chiropractor? Well, the first step is to find a qualified, experienced professional. Ask for referrals from other healthcare providers, friends, and family, and review sites like Google. Search for a chiropractor with a good reputation and plenty of patient reviews. You can also research their credentials to learn about their specialties and the techniques they use. Good research will help you find a trustworthy Doctor of Chiropractic to help with your specific problem.
What Kinds of Problems Do Chiropractors Treat?
1. Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is probably the most common reason people go to a chiropractor. Much chiropractic research is related to lower back pain and its benefits.
2. Neck Pain
Patients with neck pain often get great results with chiropractic adjustments. Neck adjustments restore motion to “stuck” vertebrae and help relax tight neck muscles.
3. Migraine Headaches
Research on Chiropractic treatment of migraines found decreased frequency and pain levels and reduced need for migraine medications. How this occurs is not known. A chiropractor can also help you with nutritional advice to help you manage migraines and other types of headaches.
4. Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries are usually associated with car accidents but can have many causes. Whiplash causes pain and stiffness in your neck and upper back. The pain is often worse turning your head and can cause dizziness, headaches, and nausea.
5. Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is made up of several nerves that exit from the lower back. Pressure from a misaligned vertebra can cause aching, burning, numbness, and even weakness to travel down the leg and even into the foot. Chiropractic adjustments remove this pressure, relieving the pain.
Learn About Chiropractic Techniques
Despite all of the “back cracking” chiropractor videos, there are many ways chiropractors can help with your health problems. Learning about adjustments can ease anxieties as you’ll know what to expect.
You can also research the license and education requirements for chiropractors in your state. You may be surprised to learn that chiropractic doctors undergo just as much schooling as medical doctors!
Talk to A Chiropractor
Overcome your fear of visiting a chiropractor by talking to one! Most chiropractors provide free consultations to allow patients to get their questions answered before ever receiving treatment. Be open and honest about your fears, references, and care. We are more than happy to discuss the benefits of chiropractic care and explain away any misconceptions you may have about spinal adjustments.
Bring a Friend to Your Appointment
Bringing a friend or family member can support you during your visit and ask questions you haven’t thought of or forgot to ask.
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