Two of the most common areas affected by personal or work-related injuries are the back and neck.
In fact, overexertion and repetitive stress injuries are routinely ranked among the most common workplace injuries experienced in the United States. And it’s injuries of this nature that can take a toll on all parts of the spine, especially the lower back and cervical vertebrae (neck).
One way to manage or treat this type of pain without the need to primarily rely on medication or have surgery is with chiropractic care.
Why Consider Chiropractic Care?
The purpose of chiropractic care is to restore optimal functioning of the nervous system, which is based within the spine. This is accomplished with a series of manipulations done by hand or with specialized instruments. It’s an approach to pain management that may be worth considering if you are dealing with any of the following issues associated with your back and/or neck pain:
- Symptoms related to herniated discs
- Discomfort that’s largely nerve-based
- Lower back pain that includes sciatic nerve irritation
- Upper and middle back and neck pain aggravated by tense muscles, ligaments, or tendons
How Are Chiropractic Adjustments Done?
Before you have chiropractic adjustments, you’ll be asked about your back and neck pain symptoms. You’ll also have a physical examination. You may be asked about other treatments or pain management techniques you previously tried. Image tests might be done as well to confirm or rule out certain pain sources. This information will also allow adjustments to be performed in a way that’s safe and focused on the right areas.
Chiropractic adjustments are usually done on a table that’s designed to move to allow certain areas to be targeted. A typical adjustment involves placing pressure on an area in your back or neck that’s tense. Hand adjustments also help restore optimal joint alignment while stimulating the nervous system.
What Benefits Might You Enjoy?
Properly adjusting vertebrae in the back and neck may result in a noticeable decrease in your daily discomfort. This can make it easier to go about your regular routine or perform work-related duties without distracting pain. Chiropractic adjustments may also help improve your posture, which could further reduce your risk of experiencing disruptive symptoms. Adjustments could also contribute to:
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced inflammation around spinal joints
- Improved circulation that contributes to a better ability to heal from back and neck injuries
For more than a hundred years, chiropractic care in one form or another has provided relief for millions of Americans. Results are sometimes considered subjective and will vary based on factors such as the extent of your back or neck issues. However, the American Chiropractic Association reports that most chiropractic patients consider it to be an effective treatment. It’s also generally considered safe for most people since sessions are typically tailored to unique patient needs and goals.