Why You Should See A Chiropractor

Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on the spine and its connection to the nervous system. Chiropractors use manual adjustments to restore joint function and support the nervous system. The word “chiropractic” derives from the Greek meaning “to be done by hand.” They help patients manage their ailments, prevent future disease, and avoid unnecessary medicines or surgeries. Chiropractic care has existed for over one hundred years and is one of the most commonly used therapies for pain relief. There are more than 77,000 licensed chiropractors in the United States alone, with over 50 million Americans seeing a chiropractor each year.

Chiropractors can treat pain anywhere in the body from the head and jaws, the shoulders, the elbows and wrists, the hips and pelvis, and the knees and ankles. They look at the whole musculoskeletal system and treat the root of the problem. Chiropractors make sure that not only the joints are moving properly, but also that surrounding muscles are functioning properly. Treatments generally do not hurt. However, soreness, similar to what you might feel after a workout, is common. Over time, your muscles adjust and this soreness goes away for most patients.

Chiropractors can treat problems in people of all ages. Depending on the patient, the intensity and force of treatments vary. All patients are screened to ensure that they are good candidates for chiropractic care. For example, many older patients have some thinning or softening of the bones that would rule out joint manipulation. If chiropractic care is too risky for a patient, they will guide them to other treatment options. Knowing when chiropractic care is not right for a patient is a key component of chiropractic education.

While chiropractors are known most commonly for healing back pain, they do so much more by addressing not only physical symptoms, but the underlying causes of pain, illness, or disease. Doctors of chiropractic take a more holistic approach to healthcare. They utilize many different techniques to treat the whole person, rather than just the area of pain. This approach can include manual adjustments to the spine, temperature therapies, stress management techniques, massage, stretches and exercises, supplemental advice, nutritional counseling, and regenerative therapies. Chiropractic care offers much more than adjustments for treatment.

So how do you know what works best for you? Every chiropractor will perform a thorough examination, that may include x-rays, to determine your precise situation. Once they have gathered all of the data they need, you and your chiropractor will work together to create a custom treatment plan. There is no cookie cutter, one size fits all treatment. Your chiropractic care plan is likely to include adjustments, but any combination of the therapies listed above might be recommended. Your chiropractor will walk you through exactly what it will take to not only heal your pain, but maintain long term wellness. You can think of chiropractic as an all-natural alternative to medications or surgery. But why does having an alternative matter?

Firstly, chiropractic care eliminates the need for medicines. Over the counter drugs, like Advil or Tylenol, work by stopping the signals to your brain that say you are in pain. In reality, the pain is still there. You are just mentally unaware of it. Chiropractic care actually addresses the root cause of pain. In more severe cases, painkillers can be incredibly addictive and dangerous.

Combating the opioid crisis is a huge part of the mission of chiropractic care. By treating pain at the root of the issue, in the joints and nervous system itself, we can eliminate the need for these medications. This means you don’t have to live with the side effects, fear of addiction, or consequences of long term usage.

Chiropractic care is based on the principle that your body can heal itself. It just needs a helping hand to stay in the proper alignment. By maintaining this status quo, your body can combat many diseases, pains, and nerve issues naturally. Eliminating the need for surgery is another huge benefit of chiropractic treatments. Chiropractic care is non-invasive with minimal to no recovery times. The vast majority of pain, especially back pain, is due to spinal misalignment. While surgery is an option, it is far from your only choice. Chiropractors can also help with knee pain. Knee surgery or replacements are incredibly common, but so many people are unaware of the alternative treatments. Many chiropractic offices can create treatment plans specifically for knee pain that can prevent the need for surgery down the road. Chiropractic care supports your body’s ability to heal itself. No medications. No surgeries. No long recovery times. No invasive procedures. Just natural healing that actually works.

Chiropractic care offers many benefits beyond pain relief as well. Here are just a few that might surprise you.

Lower Blood Pressure:

Multiple studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments which target the nerves in your upper neck can be just as effective as taking a blood pressure medication. Same results, no side effects. This is typically known as the Atlas Adjustment among chiropractors.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the top causes of pain and joint issues. Chronic inflammation is also linked to heart disease, cancer, and chronic pain. Chiropractic adjustments have been proven to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.

Headache Relief

Both tension and migraine headaches can be caused by misalignments of the spine. Besides back pain, headaches are the second most common ailment that chiropractors treat.

Improved Digestion

The nerves that run through your spine control your stomach functions. A misalignment can lead to acid reflux, gas, and heartburn. Regular adjustments in these nerve areas can improve digestion over time.

Strengthened Immune System

A healthy immune system keeps both viral and bacterial infections at bay. Your nervous system regulates cell functions, but even the slightest misalignment can interrupt the process. This has a ripple effect on your immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. Chiropractic care restores function to your nerves to ensure your cells are operating at full capacity.

Better Sleep

Pain and tension can result in many sleepless nights. Chiropractic care eases muscle tension, relieves pain, and decreases stress which can add aid in a better night of rest.

Chiropractic care starts with the spine, but it can treat the entire body. So much of our function stems from this one area, so chiropractic care pays special attention to it. It is truly a whole body approach. We don’t just treat your pain. We work with you to restore the functions you need to live the life you want. That is the mission of chiropractic care. So if you love playing golf, but your knees say otherwise, explore chiropractic care. If playing with your grandkids leaves you aching, explore chiropractic care. If your headaches make researching your new book difficult, explore chiropractic care. It’s not about fixing your pain. We are dedicated to giving you back the ability to do what you love.

At Legacy Health, we can help treat:

Want to know if chiropractic care is the right choice for you? Come see us at Legacy Health for a consultation. We are excited to show you the possibilities with chiropractic care and treat YOU, not just your pain, with care and compassion. To book your appointment, click the button below or give us a call. We are proud to be your partner in health.

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Legacy Health

333 S Woodruff Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83401

(208) 684-8690