When it comes to neck and back pain, instincts will tell you to go to your medicine cabinet to look for pain medication. While this may provide you with some temporary relief, it’s not the only solution to your problem. You can also help relieve your back and neck pain through chiropractic care.

Chiropractors may not be medical doctors, but they have the skills to treat pain that affects your muscles and bones.

But some people can’t help but doubt chiropractors and their profession, most likely because of a misunderstanding about chiropractic care. So to get rid of some of that, here are some things to know about chiropractic providers.

 “Chiropractic” Equals “Hands-On Care”

The word “chiropractic” originated from a Greek word that means “done by the hand.” So, chiropractors will not prescribe you any drugs or perform surgery to help you and your condition. They instead restore joint and muscle movements through controlled force, typically with their hands.

Chiropractic treatment focuses on how your overall health is affected by your muscles, joints, and bones. So, it can include lifestyle counseling and some exercise.

Chiropractors Help Treat Muscle, Muscle Attachments, and Joints

People will typically consult a chiropractor for neck and back pain. But that is not the only thing they can do. Chiropractors can also help treat referred pain. The type of pain caused by one part to another area.

Other illnesses they can treat are:

• Sciatica
• Bulging Discs
• Bursitis
• Migraines
• Sports Injuries
• Herniated Discs
• Menstrual Pain
• Fibromyalgia

If you are experiencing any muscle or joint point, consulting a chiropractor may help you treat it.

Chiropractors Have Extensive Education and Training

You can’t just set up somewhere and declare that you are a chiropractor. Professional chiropractors have “DC” after their name, which you can only achieve after you have attended chiropractic accredited college and studied premedical subjects, just like a medical doctor. And you’ll typically graduate in 4 to 5 years.

Studies can include bone disorders, anatomy, nervous system disorders, nutrition, and exercise therapy. After all that, chiropractors will need to pass a national exam to get a license to perform their practice.

Your First Appointment Will Include A Physical Exam

Chiropractors will ask you questions about your problem, including a physical exam on your first visit. They may also order lab tests and an X-ray. If there are problems they think are beyond chiropractic treatments, they’ll refer you to a doctor. If spinal manipulation can help with your illness, they’ll perform it right away on your first visit.

Your condition will dictate how many appointments you’ll have to take. So don’t forget to ask how many visits you need to make.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

That said, some people will still be hesitant about chiropractic care. So, here are some frequently asked questions to ease your concerns.

Can The Treatment Make The Pain Worse?

Treatment should never cause any excruciating pain. But some can cause discomfort depending on your condition and the type of treatment. So you may need some time to adjust.

But chiropractic care aims to alleviate pain, and so any discomfort should only be temporary.

Can You Get Addicted?

Unlike pain medication, you can’t get addicted to pain management treatment. There is no medication involved in chiropractic care. The focus is on healing your body as a whole rather than just the symptoms.

Can Pain Management Services be Dangerous?

If not done properly, yes. It can be dangerous. That is why it’s essential to consult those who are licensed, professionals only.

What is Spinal Manipulation?

Spinal manipulation involves a chiropractor adjusting your spine using a controlled but sudden force, which can help decrease joint and nerve pain and inflammation. Some chiropractors use instruments while others only use their hands.

How Long Will You Need Chiropractic Care?

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment. And recovery depends on your cooperation and condition. Chiropractic care’s goal is to help you alleviate pain, not transform you into a lifelong patient. If you are diligent enough to do what they instruct, you may finish your care plan faster than expected.

Conclusion

If you don’t want to use any pain medication, chiropractic care can be a good alternative. But not everyone is confident in using such a method. So if you know anyone who has doubts about chiropractic care, be sure to share this article with them to let them know what to expect from chiropractic providers.