Chiropractic care is most often associated with being a very effective treatment for back and neck pain. Our bodies experience frequent musculoskeletal stresses associated with our regular daily activities. These stresses often lead to reduced movement in the joints of our spine. When joint movement is reduced, it triggers an inflammatory response that results in pain.
A 2003 study published in the British Medical Journal showed that chiropractic adjustments resulted in faster recovery than physiotherapy and general practitioner care. Also, total costs of the chiropractic-treated patients were about one-third of the costs of physiotherapy or general practitioner care.
Besides treating neck and back pain, regular chiropractic care may also benefit you in other, more surprising, ways. Here are just some of them:
Increased Range of Motion of the Spine and Extremities
Chiropractic care has been consistently proven to increase not only the range of motion of the spine but also in the extremities. Extremity adjustments often result in an increase in range of motion and improved muscle responsiveness. This allows our clients to maintain an active lifestyle doing the activities they enjoy. It is also one of the reasons why many athletes experience improved athletic performance with regular care.
Reduction in headaches (Tension and Migraine)
Aside from back and neck pain, tension headaches and migraine headaches are one of the most common conditions regularly managed by chiropractors. Many published studies reference chiropractic’s ability to help cure, prevent and reduce the intensity of headaches and migraines. Compared to most medical treatments, few interventions can initiate headache relief naturally, without the risks of taking drugs long-term, like chiropractic adjustments can.
Promotes relaxation
Studies have shown that muscle tension in the body is reduced after a chiropractic adjustment. This can assist patients who suffer from chronic muscular tension associated with physical or mental stress.
Helps you get to sleep
Due to the reduction in physical and chemical stresses associated with a chiropractic adjustment, patients often experience improved sleep patterns after a chiropractic treatment
Depression and anxiety
Physical symptoms such as fatigue, body aches and pains, headaches, and the inability to relax can often exacerbate mental symptoms and make anxiety and/or depression harder to live with. Chiropractic care is uniquely positioned to relieve these physical symptoms.
Relief of allergy symptoms
Regular visits to the chiropractor may help you feel better by strengthening your immune system to fight off allergies. Improving nerve function through by getting spinal adjustments helps to stimulate the immune system.
Improved blood sugar regulation
A recently published study showed that regular chiropractic adjustments may help to prevent diabetes or prediabetes by aiding the nervous system in communicating with the pancreas. Improved communication with the pancreas will allow for more precise regulation of insulin.
Improved digestion
Dysfunction of the joints in the middle of your back may negative affect the nerve communication to the digestive organs. The lack of communication can lead to symptoms such as bloat, heartburn or other digestive issues. By receiving chiropractic adjustments on this area of the back, you’re activating the nerves involved in digestion, which may help your digestive organs perform at their best and avoid irritation.
Lowers your blood pressure
Studies indicate that chiropractic care and massage therapy can reduce blood pressure and stress symptoms.
Improved Breathing
Chiropractic adjustments to restrictions in your middle back will facilitate improved rib mobility. This will reduce the amount of energy necessary to take a deep breath and exchange oxygen properly. Improved oxygen exchange will allow you to be more active and improve your endurance with athletic activities.