Is it actually good to go to a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic care has been a popular alternative healthcare option for many years. It involves the use of manual spinal manipulation to improve the function of the spine, and nervous system, providing pain relief. However, with the rise of conventional medical treatments, many people are skeptical of chiropractic care. So, is it actually good to go to a chiropractor? Let’s explore this question.

The short answer is that it depends on your individual needs and preferences. For some people, chiropractic care can be an effective way to manage pain and improve overall health. However, for others, it may not be the best option.

One of the main benefits of chiropractic care is that it can provide relief from pain without the use of medication or surgery. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation to improve the alignment of the body and relieve tension and pressure on the nervous system. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility, making it a popular choice for those with chronic pain conditions such as back pain, neck pain, hip pain or headaches.

Chiropractic care can also improve overall health and wellness. The nervous system plays a vital role in the body’s ability to function properly, and spinal misalignments can interfere with this function. By improving the alignment of the spine, chiropractic care can help improve the function of the nervous system and promote overall health and well-being.

However, it’s important to note that chiropractic care is not a cure-all. It may not be effective for everyone. Research has found chiropractic adjustments to be an effective treatment for various forms of back and neck pain. Chiropractors are highly trained practitioners, completing a minimum of 5 years at university to become registered health practitioners. If a chiropractor uncovers something in their examination that requires further medical evaluation or treatment, they will provide you with a referral for imaging or the appropriate healthcare provider if necessary.

There are also some risks associated with chiropractic care, the most common are exacerbation of underlying symptoms or mild to moderate soreness in the days after treatment. Risks can be minimized by seeking out a qualified and experienced chiropractor and communicating any concerns or medical conditions with them before treatment.

While chiropractic has been shown to provide a natural approach to relieving neck pain, back pain and headaches, many benefit from the reduced reliance on pain medications. A recent study found those under chiropractic care with spinal pain were fifty percent less likely to fill a script for an opioid prescription medication. Studies have also identified a lower overall cost of care in managing patients’ back pain when chiropractic was sought as opposed to conventional medical care. 

In conclusion, whether it’s good to go to a chiropractor depends on your individual needs, preferences, values, and beliefs. Chiropractic care can be an effective way to manage pain and improve overall health, but it’s important to seek out a qualified and experienced chiropractor. By taking these considerations into account, you can make an informed decision about whether to seek chiropractic care.

Sources

 Pain Med 2020 Dec 25;21(12):3567-3573.

 Impact of Chiropractic care on use of prescription opioids in patients with spinal pain. 

Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapies.

2016 Feb vol39, issue2, P63-75 E2.

The Association between use of Chiropractic care and costs of care among older Medicare patients with chronic low back pain and multiple comorbidities.