Chiropractor Near Me treats the musculoskeletal system and its impact on the nervous system. Their treatment includes spinal manipulation, exercise routines, and nutritional advice. They also treat the sacroiliac (SI) joint, which causes a different type of lower back pain. SI issues may be caused by poor posture or a flat foot.
Chiropractors use spinal manipulations to restore proper alignment of the spine. These adjustments increase blood flow and nerve conductivity, reducing pain in joints and muscles. They also help the immune system function properly to fight off infection and heal from injury. A healthy immune system means fewer visits to the doctor or health center and faster recovery from illness and injuries.
When you visit a chiropractor, he or she will begin by asking questions about your current health and wellness routine. He or she will also perform a physical exam, which includes checking your posture and testing your strength and mobility. Your chiropractor will also order imaging or lab tests if necessary.
A chiropractor has many treatment options, ranging from massage therapy to hydrotherapy to a variety of adjustment techniques. Some of these include:
Motion palpation: This technique involves the chiropractor placing his or her hands at certain places along the spinal column, from thoracic to lumbar, to identify zones that are not moving freely and out of alignment. The chiropractor may then guide the patient through a chain of movements that will move the segments back into alignment.
Manipulation with sedation: In some cases, the chiropractor may recommend a patient undergo twilight or full anesthesia before performing spinal manipulations. This is usually reserved for patients with serious spinal issues, such as fractures or dislocations.
Hot & Cold Therapy: Many joint injuries and arthritis respond best to alternating rounds of hot and cold therapy. Your chiropractor will often start with ice packs to reduce inflammation and swelling before switching to heating pads that increase (instead of reduce) blood flow and draw white blood cells to the area.
Massage Therapy: Chiropractors can offer a range of massage treatments, including deep tissue massage and trigger point release. These techniques can significantly reduce pain, swelling and stiffness.
Several studies suggest that chiropractic care can reduce sciatica, which is caused by a herniated disk that presses on the sciatic nerve. Your chiropractor will use a specialized table to gently stretch the spinal column, relieving the pressure on the nerve and reducing inflammation and pain.
Getting a headache or migraine is frustrating and painful, but chiropractors can help. Chiropractors are experts at treating mechanical disorders that cause headaches and migraines. By using spinal manipulation, they can relieve pain by taking pressure off the nerves and blood vessels that run through the spine. This is one of the best ways to treat headaches and migraines, and it is safer than many preventive medications.
Neck problems like tight muscles and misalignments can lead to tension headaches. A skilled chiropractor can perform manual methods to reduce this muscle tension and improve neck function, which will alleviate tension headaches. Poor posture can also contribute to headaches, and a chiropractor can guide patients to better posture that will reduce these types of headaches. TMJ disorders can also cause headaches, and a chiropractor can use jaw mobilisation techniques to alleviate this type of headache.
Migraine is another common condition that chiropractors treat with a combination of manual techniques and lifestyle changes. This may include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and acupuncture. These therapies can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, and they can help manage symptoms like nausea, light sensitivity, and sensitivity to certain smells or sounds. Acupuncture is especially effective for treating migranes, and one study found that it was more effective than prescription drugs.
Chiropractic treatment for migraines can also help prevent future migraines by identifying triggers and reducing stress. For instance, a chiropractor can teach you strategies to reduce teeth grinding, which is often a trigger for migraines. They can also give you exercises to promote good posture, and encourage you to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Chiropractors can also use a variety of other treatments for headaches, including whirlpool therapy, hydrotherapy, and massage. While there is limited research on chiropractic for migraine headaches, it does make up a significant percentage of the caseload of many chiropractors. This is because treating headaches is an important part of a chiropractor’s job, and it can be more effective than preventive medication. Several studies have shown that chiropractors can alleviate the pain of migraines and other types of headaches by improving spinal alignment, reducing muscle tension, and alleviating TMJ issues.
With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing, people are trying to do everything they can to boost their immune systems. Many people are eating better, getting enough sleep, and removing stressors from their lives. While these are all great ways to support the immune system, regular chiropractic treatment is also a fantastic option. This treatment can improve spinal alignment and restore function to the nervous and immune systems, giving the body a stronger defense against current and future illnesses.
The nervous and immune systems share a strong connection, with each system influencing the other’s performance. The spine houses the spinal cord, a key component of the nervous system that sends signals to all of the body’s cells. Even the slightest spinal misalignment can disrupt this communication, making the immune system less effective and putting you at risk for illness and injury.
When the spinal cord is functioning optimally, it can effectively communicate with the immune system and help your body fight off infections and diseases. In fact, one study shows that spinal manipulation stimulates the production of interleukin-2, which is a messenger molecule that enhances the immune response.
Getting regular chiropractic adjustments can also improve the ability of your white blood cells to ward off infections. White blood cells are the body’s primary defense against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Studies show that a high white blood cell count helps protect against infection, and spinal manipulation can boost this count by improving the health of the nerves and immune system.
In addition to helping your immune system perform at its best, a chiropractic adjustment can help you get enough restorative sleep. Sleep deprivation can drastically reduce immune system performance and make you more susceptible to disease and infection.
While these are just a few of the many benefits that come with chiropractic treatment, more research is needed to fully understand how this type of care can improve your overall health and well-being. As always, it’s important to talk to your doctor before pursuing any type of alternative medicine or chiropractic care.
If you’re prone to frequent headaches, you may be suffering from spinal misalignments. These can rob you of your energy and lead to fatigue. Regular chiropractic treatment can restore the proper alignment of your spine and help you feel energized all day long.
The first step in becoming a chiropractor is completing a four-part licensing exam, which is overseen by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Then, you’ll need to complete continuing education and meet other requirements (determined on a state-by-state basis). Some chiropractors choose to specialize in functional neurology, which involves understanding how your nervous system and musculoskeletal system interact. These practitioners use a variety of methods to promote optimal nerve function, improve the synchronization between your brain and body, and manage pain and stress.
During a typical visit to a chiropractor, the patient is given a physical examination and x-rays to pinpoint areas of concern. Then, the chiropractor will perform manual manipulation of the muscles and joints to restore proper alignment. This allows the spinal cord and nerves to communicate properly, which reduces inflammation and improves energy levels.
Many people experience a decrease in their energy levels after an accident or injury. This can be due to a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, the type of trauma, and the underlying tissue strain. If this type of trauma is not treated right away, it can eventually lead to chronic symptoms such as back pain or neck pain. Fortunately, non-invasive chiropractic treatments can relieve pain from injuries quickly and prevent future problems in the future.
When you’re in pain, your body takes the energy that it would normally use for other activities and redirects it toward fighting off your ailment. As a result, you feel exhausted and rundown. Chiropractors can alleviate pain, so you don’t have to expend as much energy.
Many people find that their migraines fade with regular visits to a chiropractor. This is due to the fact that a chiropractor can reduce the pressure on the nerves in your back, neck, and shoulders. This can help with the flow of oxygen to your brain, which makes it easier for you to focus and stay alert.