Chiropractors are trained to adjust spinal joints (and sometimes extremity joints) using gentle thrusts. This pain management with a chiropractor can restore proper alignment and function to the spine, which can help reduce pain in multiple areas of the body.
This treatment can also improve what’s known as the gut-brain connection, reducing conditions like acid reflux and infant colic. It can even reduce the need for painkillers, decreasing medical bills and time spent at doctors’ offices.
Relieves Pain
Chiropractic adjustments help to realign joints, decreasing localized pain and nerve irritation. During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor will apply varying amounts of pressure to joints. This will result in a popping sound caused by releasing nitrogen gas from the joint capsule.
Neck pain is one of the most common conditions treated by a chiropractor. A recent study found that chiropractic manipulation was more effective than taking medication for neck pain.
Chiropractic has also been shown to reduce allergy symptoms, improve digestion, and increase lung function. In addition, regular chiropractic care can ease pregnancy pain and make labor and delivery easier. It can even assist with chronic illnesses like diabetes by helping to support the nervous system. Regular adjustments can also improve your body’s ability to fight infection and heal faster.
Reduces Inflammation
Chiropractors work to improve the connection between your brain and spine, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Adjustments also help decrease the production of chemicals that trigger inflammation, including cytokines.
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to protect you from disease, sickness, infections, and injuries. However, chronic inflammation can occur when your immune system is overexcited and can’t distinguish between healthy tissue and pathogens. Certain foods, lack of sleep, and stress can contribute to inflammation.
Visiting your chiropractor regularly, making dietary changes, and adding exercise can significantly reduce inflammation. For example, a high-fiber diet with lots of vegetables and lean proteins can decrease inflammation in the digestive tract. Massage and spinal manipulation also reduce inflammation and can help you sleep better.
Improves Sleep
Sleeping is essential to your overall health and can help with emotional regulation, immune system function, energy levels, moods, and more. Chiropractic adjustments can improve sleep by restoring the healthy balance of your nervous system.
The primary focus of chiropractic care is to realign the spine and remove any nerve impediments that may be present in the body. This allows for better central nervous system function, a major contributor to sleep issues.
Chiropractors can also address other musculoskeletal factors contributing to your sleep issues and recommend lifestyle changes to help you get a more restful night’s sleep. This includes recommending pillows, changing sleeping positions, alleviating stress, and more. Proper sleep hygiene can make it easier to fall asleep at night and stay asleep throughout the night.
Reduces Stress
Aside from reducing pain and inflammation, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce stress in several ways. The first way is that they can reduce the symptoms of chronic stress, which can include back pain and headaches.
Another way is that they can improve the overall function of the nervous system, which can improve the body’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Additionally, chiropractic adjustments can improve sleep quality, critical for reducing stress and improving mental health.
Chiropractors can also help reduce stress through various other treatments and lifestyle advice. For example, they can recommend meditation and mindfulness practices to help patients calm their minds and improve their moods. They can also advise patients on improving their diet and exercise to manage stress levels.
Increases Flexibility
Having flexible muscles and joints is great for your overall health. Flexibility also makes it easier to move around, decreasing the likelihood of sprains and strains during physical activity. Flexibility also allows the proper functioning of your nerves, which regulates cell functions and ensures your body’s immune system fights off infections.
Most people take flexibility for granted in their youth, but it can become difficult to maintain over time. This can happen due to certain health conditions, age, or injury.
Chiropractic adjustments can help improve your muscle and joint flexibility. They use manual manipulation techniques, such as stretching exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF). This helps to relieve pain and reduce stiffness in the muscles. It also increases the range of motion in the spine.
