Chiropractic care can offer many benefits. According to the Dynamic Chiropractic website, using a chiropractor on a regular basis can be a way to reduce acute joint pain and improve long-term joint health. Significant differences in the practice styles and treatment techniques used by chiropractic physicians exist. It is important for a person to find a chiropractor that offers the treatment techniques that are most relevant to her specific health concerns and goals.
Decreased Pain
Decreased musculoskeletal pain is one of the touted benefits of using a chiropractor. According to a 2004 study by Kathryn T. Hoiriis, D.C., and colleagues published in the "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics," chiropractic care was more effective than placebo at decreasing lower back pain. The study also found that chiropractic care, specifically spinal manipulation, was more beneficial than both placebo and muscle relaxants in reducing study participants' Global Impression of Severity Scale, or GIS.
In addition to joint mobilization and manipulation, many chiropractic physicians also perform soft tissue treatments with their patients to help reduce or eliminate painful scar tissue, adhesions between tissue layers and myofascial trigger points, which are hyper-irritable nodules or knots that form within a taut band of muscle. In many cases, a person with musculoskeletal problems will experience a reduction in pain and other symptoms within the first few visits to a chiropractor.
Better Range of Motion
Improved joint active range of motion is a common benefit associated with chiropractic care. The Chiro Base website states that chiropractic care, which includes manipulation and mobilization of the spinal joints and other joints throughout the body, is often effective at restoring normal joint movement. Active range of motion is a person's ability to move his body parts or segments through a full, dynamic and pain-free range of motion.
Traumatic injuries, repetitive strain injuries and certain medical conditions can cause decreased joint range of motion in many people. Using various manual medicine techniques and rehabilitation exercises, chiropractors work with patients to improve or maximize active range of motion in problematic areas throughout the body. Restoring range of motion can improve a person's ability to perform his activities of daily living without pain.
Improved Quality of Life
Improved quality of life is a subjective benefit that is commonly reported among chiropractic patients. According to a 2004 study by Lon Morgan, D.C., in the "Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association," any service, such as chiropractic, that improves a person's mobility and function, offers relief from painful and debilitating symptoms or conditions and improves a general sense of well-being or quality of life is an important contribution to a nation's health care system. In most cases, interactions between chiropractors and patients are positive and result in an improved state of overall health.
A 2004 study by Eric R. Secor Jr. and colleagues published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" states that study participants who utilized complementary alternative medicine modalities, including acupuncture, naturopathy and chiropractic, demonstrated a significant improvement in quality of life.
References
- Dynamic Chiropractic: The Long-Term Benefits of Chiropractic Care
- "Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics"; Chiropractic Adjustments; Kathryn T. Hoiriis, D.C., et al.; July 2004
- Chiro Base: What a Rational Chiropractor Can do for You
- "Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association"; Does Chiropractic 'Add Years to Life'?; Lon Morgan, D.C.; September 2004
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Improved Quality of Life; Eric R. Secor Jr., et al.; Aug. 25, 2004
