If you’re thinking about seeing a chiropractor but have reservations about the potentially painful ramifications, we’ve got some good news for you! The short answer is that chiropractic treatment does not and should not cause any direct pain to the patient.
However, it is important for patients to vet their chiropractors before receiving treatment. Chiropractic care is an exact skillset that involves extensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiological movement. Not all chiropractors and chiropractic techniques are alike, so finding the professional that best suits your preferences and needs is very important.
A licensed chiropractor will have received four years of undergraduate schooling, followed by four years of postgraduate training before receiving their Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree. In all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, all practicing chiropractors are required to pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam. Therefore, it is always a good idea for patients to ensure that their chiropractor is properly trained and equipped to be performing treatment on them.
Chiropractic care is a safe and effective form of treatment for all ages — from newborns to the elderly. In the same breath, though, it is important for chiropractors to thoroughly assess a patient to make sure chiropractic care is (or isn’t) the right option for their issue. If a patient is experiencing symptoms such as inflammation or muscle spasms, it can affect an adjustment. Therefore, it is the chiropractor’s job to customize their approach to fit the patient’s current physical health. For instance, specific treatments may need to be done with less force or movement in order to protect their body.
The fear of chiropractic treatment should not keep individuals with back-related issues from seeking care. When structural problems persist, they can lead to larger issues down the road – dramatically affecting an individual’s work productivity, sleep patterns, mental and physical overall wellbeing.
Before and during an adjustment, a chiropractor should explain what adjustments he/she will be performing, and what to expect immediately following the manipulation. It is common for patients to experience “popping” and “cracking” sensations, but rarely should these therapies result in any type of direct pain. Often, patients feel instant relief or pressure being relieved from their joints.
What to Expect After an Adjustment
Chiropractic treatment provides a variety of benefits for individuals. Doctors of Chiropractic have consistently topped the charts in terms of patient satisfaction and loyalty. Shown to be one of the safest forms of healthcare treatment, chiropractic adjustments pose few side effects. Individuals receiving care may feel slightly sore the following day after treatment. However, this soreness can be expected and is comparable to the soreness felt following a workout or intense stretching session.
Adjustments seek to re-establish vertebral joint mobility, restoring the degree of mobility and flexibility. In doing so, musculoskeletal biomechanics are improved and patterns of detrimental function can be positively altered. Remember, joints need movement to stay healthy, so maintaining mobility is of the utmost importance. Most individuals report feeling better after just one chiropractic treatment.
Final Thoughts
From sports injuries to car accidents, chiropractic care can help safely and effectively treat a wide range of health-related issues. If you’re still cautious about chiropractic care, no problem! We encourage you to call or email us with your concerns. We’re honored to help you navigate any issues you may be experiencing!
