Taking a holistic approach, chiropractors treat the cause of pain rather than simply suppressing it temporarily. Their treatment plans typically include manual adjustments to realign the spine and alleviate pressure on nerves.
For example, if you had neck pain after a rear-end collision, your chiropractor would perform gentle cervical manipulation. This improves neck mobility and eases pain and tension.
Muscle Stimulation
Chiropractor Fawkner are expert to treat and rehabilitate health conditions related to bones, muscles and joints. They are trained to recommend exercises, posture correction, dietary advice and lifestyle changes to help manage pain and increase mobility.
Spinal manipulation is the most common therapeutic technique used by chiropractor to treat pain. This involves using gentle but firm pressure to restore proper mobility to joints in the spine and extremities that have become restricted by injury or as a result of repetitive stresses, such as slouching over a desk for long periods.
Muscle stimulation is another method chiropractic professionals use to reduce pain and improve mobility. During this treatment, electrodes are attached to specific areas of the body and small electrical pulses are delivered to them. This stimulates the muscles to contract and block pain signals from the spine and encourages the production of pain-relieving hormones.
For patients with a whiplash injury, muscle stimulation can be particularly effective. Studies show that it decreases the pain and stiffness associated with this condition, and can even reduce the number of prescription opioid medications needed to control symptoms.
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is a hands-on treatment that involves moving, massaging, and applying pressure to the spine and joints. It is one of the most common ways for chiropractors to treat pain and restore mobility.
Spinal manipulative therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. It may also help reduce musculoskeletal problems caused by poor posture. In many cases, spinal manipulation can eliminate the need for pain medication and other invasive therapies.
A well-known form of spinal manipulation is the chiropractic adjustment. A health professional uses their hands to apply a controlled thrust to a joint in the spine. The amount of force can vary, and the twisting motion may be accompanied by an audible cracking sound. Some patients and practitioners prefer a less forceful approach, such as spinal mobilization.
Some studies have suggested that the audible “cracking” sound during a chiropractic adjustment may influence the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord. It is believed that the mechanical stimulus causes nociceptive (small-diameter) A-d and C fibers to fire, opening the gate into the substantia gelatinosa layer. This allows nociceptive pain impulses to be carried to the brain. A-b fibers, which are non-nociceptive, then inhibit the transmission of pain signals to the brain. The goal of spinal manipulation is to restore proper alignment, enhance function, and increase the body’s range of motion.
Exercises & Stretches
One of the most effective ways to treat pain and restore mobility is through exercise. This is because stretching and strengthening the muscles in the back and neck helps improve posture, which in turn alleviates back and neck pain. Furthermore, it improves circulation and increases the body’s ability to function properly.
A chiropractor can help you do this by recommending specific exercises and stretches to promote healthy movement and reduce the risk of future injuries. They may also recommend therapeutic modalities, such as cold laser therapy or ultrasound, to accelerate healing and improve mobility.
For example, if you suffer from sciatic nerve pain, which is caused by compression of the spinal nerves, a chiropractor can perform manual spinal manipulation to loosen tight muscles and relieve pressure on the affected nerves. They can also suggest a range of stretches and exercises to manage this condition in between sessions.
It’s important to do your stretches and exercises daily, especially if you suffer from a chronic back or neck problem. If you’re not sure which stretches are right for you, ask a chiropractor or physical therapist for advice. A chiropractor will be able to identify the areas of your body that need stretches and provide you with the correct technique for each. They will also be able to advise you on which supplements and exercises are best for your needs.
Lifestyle Changes
If you’re prone to poor posture, or suffer from back strain or other injuries that affect your arms and legs, a chiropractor can provide you with helpful tips for healthy lifestyle changes. This can help you regain strength, mobility and flexibility while recovering from your injury.
For example, if you have a herniated disc, your chiropractor may recommend exercise to help strengthen and support the area, which will reduce pain and inflammation. This can include a combination of regular cardiovascular exercises, such as walking or swimming, and strength training using weights.
Likewise, your chiropractor might prescribe therapeutic modalities such as heat or cold therapy, which can also help. These techniques work by promoting muscle healing by increasing blood flow and breaking up lactic acid buildup.
Chiropractors can also offer guidance on how to improve your diet to support your health and mobility. This might include increasing the amount of lean protein and healthy fats in your meals, as well as consuming more calcium, magnesium, potassium and other minerals. In addition, your chiropractor may encourage you to eat more fruits and vegetables to support bone health. This is because a lack of adequate dietary nutrients can contribute to poor bone density, which can lead to compression of the spine.
