Pull, stretch, push, fixed! Chiropractors use hands-on manipulation to return the body to its natural alignment, aiming to heal injuries without medication or expensive surgeries. Conditions treated can range from basic aches to spinal injury symptoms, but here are the three most common injuries and how they’re treated.
Back Pain. More than 26 million Americans between the ages of 20 to 64 experience frequent back pain, and it’s the leading cause of disability in Americans under 45 years old. Treatment for back pain involves a detailed examination (x-rays are possible) to determine your specific need, and then applying force to certain joints. Your chiropractor may also suggest diet and exercise changes. A recent study showed that chiropractic treatment for lower back pain costs up to 20% less than when started by a medical doctor.
Neck Pain. Neck pain is the third leading chronic pain in America, and many people don’t seek help for it. If simple stretches and good posture does not help, it may be time to go to a chiropractor. The most common treatment for neck pain is “cervical manual traction,” where the chiropractor gently pulls on the patient’s neck, stretching the spinal column. This is often coupled with moving the neck from side-to-side or in a figure 8 motion.
Migraines. When asked about four common types of pain, respondents of a National Institute of Health Statistics survey indicated severe headache or migraine pain was the second most common at 15%. Headaches can have a lot of different triggers, but the vast majority of them are caused by tension in the neck, which means treatment for headaches is mostly neck-focused. Chiropractors will perform basic stretches and realignment and may also suggest a change in diet or your posture at work.
Chiropractic care is ongoing, ranging from monthly visits to coming in once a day. Ultimately, the number of treatments you’ll need will depend on the severity of the issue and how well your body responds to treatment. The same goes for the cost of each treatment, but the average cost of individual treatments is between $30-$100. Some chiropractic care is covered by insurance.
To find out if you’re a good candidate for chiropractic care, contact a chiropractor near you and schedule a consultation.
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