The Benefits of Chiropractic Care: From Reparative to Maintenance Care
Benefits of chiropractic care. Some people see a chiropractor after a traumatic work injury or car accident. Others go proactively to improve their spine health and flexibility. Both have their benefits, and that’s what we’re going to cover in this article.
Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline that has been around for hundreds of years. During that time, it has evolved into a highly specialized, effective, and regulated approach to treating various health issues. Chiropractors rigorously study the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and related disorders to ensure they can maximize positive outcomes for their patients.
Chiropractic Benefits After a Traumatic Injury
Seeing a chiropractor is widely regarded as one of the fastest ways to recover from a sudden and stressful event that negatively affects physical health. These types of injuries are referred to as acute or urgent and require immediate attention from a doctor. And while treatments that focus on these issues share similarities with less urgent treatments, there are several unique aspects of acute chiropractic care.
Most Common Injuries Treated by Reparative Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors in Maple Grove typically break urgent care into broad categories, like work, sports, or auto accident injuries. Specific injuries within those umbrella terms often include:
- Whiplash: Any impact that causes the neck to jerk forward or backward suddenly. Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness.
- Back pain: This can be caused by a long list of circumstances, ranging from poor posture to lifting heavy objects.
- Joint injuries: Chiropractors often treat athletes for sprains and strains, but they’re an injury that is also common among elderly patients.
- Repetitive motion injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis are just a few examples of disorders that require reparative care.
- Slips and falls: Whether it’s a spill on an icy sidewalk or while walking the warehouse floor at work, these injuries often result in severe spinal misalignments.
Remember to be wary of pigeonholing specific injuries into narrow definitions. For instance, people often think, “Whiplash only happens after a car accident, so that can’t be what’s causing my neck pain.” A wide variety of traumatic injuries put stress on the spine, and often anything that puts stress on the spine can be treated by a chiropractor.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor After a Traumatic Injury
When considering your treatment options, chiropractic care tops the list in everything from effectiveness to affordability. Advantages of seeing a chiropractor after a traumatic injury consist of:
- Swift pain relief: Traditional healthcare approaches tend to focus on masking pain rather than resolving whatever is causing it. Chiropractors start treating the root issue right from the first session.
- Improved mobility: Injuries can cause restricted movement, and limited range of motion makes it difficult to regain the strength needed for recovery. One of the core benefits of any chiropractic care plan, acute or otherwise, is improving flexibility and mobility.
- Quick recovery: Eliminating pain is important but, ultimately, the most important thing is getting your spine and extremities back to optimal health and function. This requires hands-on techniques that promote blood flow, reduce inflammation, and minimize scar tissue.
- No need for surgery: Surgical operations may fix an issue, but they have many drawbacks. Chiropractic is a non-invasive treatment option and does not require incisions, anesthesia, or prolonged bed rest.
- Drug-free treatment: Despite what most people assume, traumatic injuries do not always require pharmaceutical solutions. Spinal adjustments, doctor-supervised stretches, and lifestyle changes can eliminate the need for pain medications altogether.
Every case is different, and there are benefits beyond the ones listed here. Moreover, your chiropractor can tailor your treatment plan to focus on the goals or outcomes you prioritize over others.
Common Chiropractic Treatments for Acute Injuries
Chiropractors use a wide range of techniques when providing urgent or reparative chiropractic care. The specific technique used will depend on the nature and severity of the injury or condition being treated, as well as your preferences.
One of the most common techniques used in acute care is spinal manipulation or adjustment. This involves the chiropractor applying a controlled, sudden force to a joint in the spine that is not moving properly, with the aim of improving strength and mobility to speed up recovery.
Other techniques that may be used include soft tissue therapy, such as massage, to help relax tight muscles and improve circulation, as well as various forms of mobilization, such as stretching or traction, to help restore range of motion.
Chiropractors may also use heat or ice therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, to help reduce inflammation and promote healing. In some cases, they may also provide guidance on exercises and lifestyle changes that can help support recovery and prevent future injuries.
Ultimately, the specific techniques a chiropractor uses will depend on each patient's individual needs and the circumstances of the injury.
Benefits of Ongoing Chiropractic Maintenance
There are just as many benefits to seeing a chiropractor long after an injury is resolved as to seeing a chiropractor right after an acute injury. This approach is often called ‘maintenance care’ or ‘wellness care’; both terms clearly show why it’s crucial. You may need to keep seeing a chiropractor to maintain the progress you’ve enjoyed after consistent chiropractic visits.
Most Common Chronic Conditions Treated with Chiropractic Wellness Care
Many spine-related issues don’t arise from a traumatic injury or one specific event. It might be a congenital condition that someone is born with or a source of pain resulting from several lifelong bad habits. Here are some common examples:
- Recurring back or neck pain: Whether the cause is a herniated disc or a spinal subluxation, chiropractic care can relieve tension and pain in the neck to minimize daily discomfort.
- Headaches and migraines: Fixing misalignments in the spine and joints can alleviate stress on muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments, which in turn helps the nervous system function better and reduces the frequency and severity of headaches.
- Arthritis: With regular chiropractic maintenance, patients can make great strides in joint mobility to reduce the pain and stiffness that arthritis causes.
- Sciatica: Chiropractors can help alleviate the pain and numbness associated with sciatica by adjusting the spine and reducing pressure on the affected nerves.
- Scoliosis: Although chiropractic care cannot cure scoliosis, it is currently among the most effective avenues for managing symptoms and preventing spinal curvature from worsening.
Chronic and recurring issues rarely fit into a single, simple diagnosis. There might be years of deterioration to uncover and untangle. One of the most significant benefits of choosing chiropractic care over other treatment options is the tenacity with which chiropractors approach the diagnostic process.
Benefits Chiropractic Wellness Care
Ongoing chiropractic maintenance has several immediate and long-term benefits that improve overall quality of life. It’s an essential component of holistic healthcare that helps with:
- Dealing with daily wear and tear: A chiropractor is your best tool for fighting unavoidable stresses ranging from sitting for too long to carrying a toddler all day to household maintenance.
- Preventing injuries: By identifying and correcting minor spinal issues before they become major problems, chiropractors can help prevent injuries and maintain overall wellness.
- Improving overall wellbeing: The health of the spine affects almost every aspect of the body, including joints, muscles, nerves, and even mental health. Consistent chiropractic care promotes a comprehensive and holistic approach to achieving overall health and wellbeing.
- Saving on healthcare costs: Preventing injuries and improving overall wellbeing mean that you spend less time and money on traditional healthcare (and acute chiropractic care).
Ongoing chiropractic maintenance care is a holistic, whole-body healthcare hack that improves overall quality of life. Whether you want to maintain spinal health as you age or address chronic conditions, regular chiropractic visits can help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Frequency of Chiropractic Maintenance Care
As with any medical prescription, the recommended frequency of chiropractic visits for maintenance/wellness care depends on your specific needs and goals. In general, it is recommended to see a chiropractor one to four times per month to maintain optimal spinal health and prevent future issues from arising.
Consistency is critical when it comes to chiropractic maintenance care. By adhering to a regular schedule of visits, you can help ensure that your spine stays in optimal alignment and that your nervous system remains adequately regulated. This can help you avoid future injuries and health issues, allowing you to enjoy a higher quality of life overall. It’s important to remember that chiropractic maintenance care is not a one-time fix but a long-term commitment to your health and wellness.
Chiropractic Benefits in Maple Grove
After a traumatic injury, chiropractic care can get you back on your feet without surgery or pain medication. And assuming you continue seeing a chiropractor for years after that, you can expect better-than-average health, mobility, and vitality. All you need to do is find the perfect chiropractor.
Total Spine Health and Injury Center in Maple Grove is one of the first clinics you should consider. With over 130 five-star reviews, Dr. Tieri was among the top chiropractors in Minnesota Monthly. He specializes in both acute and maintenance care. Schedule a chiropractic consultation today!
