About Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments, often known as spinal manipulation, are one of the most well-known yet least understood treatments for chronic back pain. When people talk about getting a “back adjustment” from their chiropractor, they’re referring to manual therapy (i.e., a treatment delivered by the physician’s hands) for spine realignment. More specifically, it is used to realign joint subluxations.
The most common goal is a pain-free, well-functioning spine. But patients seek chiropractic therapy for a variety of reasons. These include hip alignment, neck and shoulder issues, headaches, and drug-free pain management.
Is a Chiropractic Adjustment Safe?
That is the big question. We are often asked about this at Elevate Spinal Care, especially from folks who have never worked with a chiropractor.
This is an essential question that many people ponder. Perhaps they’ve seen bizarre videos of neck-cracking compilations on YouTube. Or maybe they heard anecdotes from a buddy about something they saw on the news. Perhaps chiropractic is still part of the unknown for them. Whatever the reason, they are afraid to visit one.
Chiropractic Manipulation is Both Natural and Safe
While chiropractic is generally safe (hundreds of thousands of individuals in the United States alone use it to treat pain and improve their health), there have been reports of adverse consequences from chiropractic adjustment.
Every industry has its own set of horror stories. That is as true of chiropractic care as any other health-related service. We wish to present you with a trustworthy, no-nonsense reference. We want you to understand that a chiropractic adjustment is safe fully.
Here, we’ll go over some of the most common concerns we get with new patients and some uncommon risks of chiropractic adjustments
What Are Some of the Risks of Chiropractic Adjustments?
Chiropractic adjustments are performed without the use of surgeries or medications. Instead, a chiro provides patients with a safer, less dangerous method of treating back and neck issues and discomfort through physical manipulation. Chiropractors use their hands and special devices to apply regulated pressure to troubled parts of your body, commonly known as spinal manipulation. The goal is to restore your spine’s alignment and range of motion. A chiropractor’s spinal manipulation may apply stronger pressure at times, but it may not. Manipulation is both an art and a science when done correctly. That is why chiropractors must complete years of training and practice before working with the general population. Many protections and safety procedures are in place.
Chiropractic manipulation poses few risks when conducted by licensed and trained chiropractic professionals. Complications often include compression of spinal nerves, the aggravation of a slipped or herniated disc, and, in rare circumstances, vertebral artery dissection, a form of stroke that can develop following neck manipulation.
Again, these risks are extremely infrequent. When they develop, they are more frequent in patients with pre-existing illnesses such as stroke risk factors, bone structure abnormalities, spine cancer, or severe osteoporosis. If this describes you, speak with a chiropractor about your concerns before arranging a consultation. You should always be open and honest to all of your medical care professionals. This will ensure that you get great treatment and proper care.
Is Chiropractic Riskier Than Other Therapies for Back Pain or Neck Injury?
All evidence points to the answer being “absolutely not,”, especially when considering some of the more radical and intrusive treatments used in traditional medicine today.
The word chiropractic comes from the Greek and means “done by hand.” Chiropractic manipulation of the spine involves no cutting or the use of harmful chemicals. Treatments are as simple as one person placing their hands on the body of another. As previously stated, there are certain hazards, but they are generally minor and infrequent. Let’s look at some of the other alternatives to chiropractic adjustments.
Low-risk level
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers are available without a prescription. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers, often known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, or NSAIDs, are widely accessible over the counter. They are typically safe. But they pose some hazards, particularly for patients with underlying health problems.
These easily obtained medications do have side effects. These range from stomach discomfort and ulcers to kidney damage and allergic responses. The danger increases if people overuse these medicines, which is very common. Many people take more NSAIDs than they should since they are easily accessible and inexpensive.
Narcotic Pain Relievers on Prescription
Many patients turn to prescription pain relievers to relieve back and neck pain. These include things such as Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Fentanyl, Codeine and Opioids, and other related medications. They do provide quick pain relief. But, they are dangerous and addictive.
Injections of Steroids
Epidural steroid injections, or injections of steroid drugs straight into the spine, are another typical treatment for the neck and back. Most risks connected with steroid injections are rare, but they can include nerve damage, spinal migraines, headaches, and infection at the injection site.
Back Surgery
Then there’s surgery, which is invasive but occasionally essential for addressing chronic or severe spinal injuries and disorders. While spinal surgery can be effective, it is costly, disruptive, and carries several risks that are often greater than any other spinal therapy option.
Spinal surgery risks include strokes, heart attacks, permanent nerve damage, blood clots, life-threatening infections, internal bleeding, anesthetic, and other drug responses, and, in extreme circumstances, death.
In Conclusion
Chiropractic manipulation is one of the safest and most natural ways to treat persistent back or neck pain when compared to other treatments.
There are some rare risks and side effects associated with chiropractic care. This is particularly for people with underlying or pre-existing health problems. However, most people report relief and improved bodily function when seeking help from a chiropractor to help treat chronic back and neck pain, headaches, stress, fatigue, trouble sleeping, car accident injuries, and other common spinal health issues. Contact the Chiropractic Adjustment experts at Elevate Spinal Care today to get your chiropractic adjustment scheduled and start feeling relief!