Spinal manipulation, the basis of modern chiropractic care, has been in use for thousands of years as a way to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors treat many different types of problems primarily through achieving proper alignment of the spine. Chiropractors generally use their hands or utilize an instrument to adjust the joints of the spine, freeing them from restriction and restoring proper motion at each level. Many chiropractors today recognize the importance of treating the muscles and fascia as well as the joints and make proper biomechanical function their overall goal. There are many recognized benefits of chiropractic care.
Decreased Pain
Most patients who seek out chiropractic care will do so because of pain. Low back pain, neck and shoulder pain and headaches are the predominate reasons people visit a chiropractor. Restoring proper motion to the joints of the spine in conjunction with rehabilitative exercises and massage can relieve all types of pain. Pain from a herniated disc, tension headaches, arthritis, trigger point pain and even pain from fibromyalgia can be greatly decreased with regular chiropractic care.
Improved Flexibility
Many people do not realize that they have lost significant range of motion or flexibility in their neck or back until they have visited a chiropractor. Most physical exams in a chiropractor's office will include measuring your range of motion and if it is found deficient, it will be treated. Since the body is designed to move, when proper or full motion is lost, the body begins to break down, causing arthritis, muscle restriction and pain. Spinal manipulation, massage and myofascial work can restore proper range of motion and improve flexibility.
Decreased Stress
Stress is not always noticeable. When the body is not functioning as it is designed, stress can build in muscles and joints. Extra stress on these structures can cause them to wear out sooner than normal. Many people report an overall feeling of reduced stress and calmness after receiving chiropractic care.
Increased Performance
Virtually all professional athletes use chiropractic care because peak performance is crucial to their success. When fractions of a second make the difference between winning and losing, an athlete needs every part of his body functioning at top condition. Chiropractic care is focused on ensuring that proper biomechanical function occurs in each joint and muscle of the body.
Improved Recovery
Whether you have been in an auto accident, sports injury or a slip and fall injury at home or work, you want to recover as fast as possible. With proper chiropractic care, joints will be restored to full motion, muscles will be rehabilitated, spasms will be reduced and you will be find that recovery from such injuries is much quicker.
Mobility
Modern medicine increases lifespan, but so often quality of life in the later stages is poor because of lack of mobility. Bodies tend to wear out but with chiropractic care, much less wear and tear will occur, helping to ensure mobility later in life.
