Importance of Chiropractic Care

Despite being considered a form of ‘alternative’ medicine, chiropractic care is now very definitely a mainstream therapy, with countless patients every year turning to this very effective form of health care to treat ailments that they do not want to use medications or conventional medical techniques to address. Nevertheless, there are still many people who are unclear what chiropractic care really involves and how it can benefit them and their overall health and wellbeing. Here is what you need to know about the importance of chiropractic care.

 

The Importance of a Healthy Spine

Chiropractic care involves many different aspects of the body but is centered around the spine. Our spine is an integral part of our musculoskeletal system, which is made up of the bones, muscles, and connective tissues that give our bodies form and movement. Running the length of our back, from our neck right down into our pelvis, the spine houses and protect our spinal cord which helps our nervous system to function properly. It does this by enabling the transmission of information to and from the brain from the various parts of our body. These messages are sent through neurons that pass along the spinal cord which acts as an information highway. If there are any issues with the bones of the spine, the intervertebral discs that cushion the bones or the surrounding tissues, it can affect the function of the central nervous system, preventing it from working properly. This results in a range of unpleasant and debilitating symptoms, including pain, numbness/loss of feeling, loss of bladder/bowel function, and even partial or total paralysis. 

 

How Chiropractic Care Works

Chiropractic care focuses on balancing the spine and freeing any areas of tension. This is because this relieves pressure on the spinal cord and as a result, is the most effective way of addressing the symptoms which occur due to abnormalities within the nervous system itself. There are a variety of different techniques for doing this, including the most common, spinal manipulations. 

Spinal manipulations are designed to release tension that is trapped in joints within the spine. These tension spots are known as subluxations and are usually the result of an acute injury or repetitive motions. This causes the nerves to become extremely irritated, muscles tight and the area begins to feel like a ‘knot’ under the skin. Spinal manipulations involve short, thrusting movements that are designed to release tension in the joint. In doing so, this also releases pressure that may have been placed onto the surrounding nerves and tissues, eliminating many of the symptoms that the patient may have been experiencing. 

When the pressure is released from the joint, oxygenated blood is better able to flow around the body and to any sites where healing is needed, helping to reduce inflammation, swelling, and associated pain. This blood also delivers nutrients to the area, which can speed up the rate of recovery from an injury. 

Other techniques which may be used in chiropractic care include:

• Spinal decompression

• Therapeutic massage 

• Hot/cold compression 

• Acupuncture

• Physical therapy exercises 
  
   

The Benefits of Choosing Chiropractic Care

There is a range of different benefits that patients can experience when they choose to pursue chiropractic care instead of conventional medical treatment. These include, but are not limited to:

• Natural pain relief. Chiropractic care is proven to significantly reduce discomfort in patients with injuries and chronic pain conditions, without the use of pain medications. 

• Chiropractic treatment boosts the immune system, helping patients to be healthier and stronger, and less likely to develop minor illnesses. 

• Low risk. Chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and extremely low risk, with virtually zero side effects. 

• Many patients who undergo regular chiropractic appointments find that they are able to achieve better quality and length of sleep. 

• Improved mental health. Chiropractic has also been shown to benefit patient moods, reducing irritability, and depression. 

• Regular chiropractic appointments can even reduce your stress levels and help you feel happier and more satisfied with your life. 

• Prevent long-term injury. Studies have found that patients who undertake tasks where there is a repetitive strain on their body, be that through work or leisure, could avoid further injuries by having regular chiropractic appointments. 
  
   

Conditions that Chiropractic Care Can Be Used to Treat

Chiropractic care has been proven to be beneficial in treating a wide range of different illnesses and injuries. These include:

• Asthma 

• Bowel problems (for example irritable bowel syndrome aka IBS)

• Chronic ear infections 

• Gastrointestinal disorders (such as GERD)

• Arthritis 

• Unspecified back pain

• Scoliosis 

• Persistent headaches/migraines 

• Chronic pain conditions including lupus and fibromyalgia

• Anxiety 

• Stress 

If you are wondering if chiropractic care can help you, don’t hesitate to contact our offices and speak to our knowledgeable team in Milford, DE, Georgetown, DE, or Lewes, DE who would be happy to help you.