Living with chronic pain can be challenging, impeding you in various endeavors, from personal to professional. Many people who live with chronic pain accept it as a regular part of life. However, we at Alder Family Chiropractic believe chronic pain is a burden no one should have to bear. Whether your chronic pain is the result of an injury or condition, you may benefit from chiropractic treatments. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chiropractic medicine is effective in treating a broad range of conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain, back pain, headaches and migraines, neck pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia. This is because chiropractic manipulations improve the body’s ability to self-heal. These treatments don’t mask the symptoms, but instead combat stress and promote DNA repair on a cellular level. If you or a loved one are living with chronic pain, consider these four benefits of chiropractic treatment for pain management.
4 Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Pain Management
Targeted Care
Most often, chronic pain occurs in a particular part of the body, such as the lower back, knees, or neck. Whether it’s a result of a nerve injury or misaligned vertebrae, chiropractic care pinpoints the issue to resolve it through targeted adjustments. The chiropractor may use a combination of adjustment methods, as well as physical therapies and other techniques to address the source of the problem and alleviate discomfort.
Drug-Free Relief
Many doctors prescribe painkillers to help patients relieve severe pain. However, these prescription drugs are only a temporary fix. Prolonged use or overuse can have dangerous side effects, including:
- Reduced pain perception
- Hormonal imbalances
- Constipation, gastrointestinal bleeding, and digestive issues
- Infertility
- Depression
- Weakened immune system
- Liver toxicity
- Drug abuse or dependence
Chiropractic care, on the other hand, is entirely natural and does not utilize prescription or over-the-counter medications. Furthermore, chiropractors often prescribe pain-relieving exercises and other techniques that can be used outside the office. This is particularly useful if you experience flare-ups while at home or work.
Improved Circulation
Chiropractic adjustments benefit multiple bodily systems, including circulation. Many people have poor circulation, which can be caused by a variety of issues including nervous system or musculoskeletal conditions, such arthritis, carpal tunnel, and fibromyalgia. People may also experience poor circulation as a result of their lifestyle or work; standing or sitting for long periods of time, or not getting enough exercise are common contributing factors.
When circulation is restricted, the muscles may not receive adequate oxygen and nutrition needed to recover from strain and injury, which can intensify and prolong pain in these areas. Chiropractors practice manual muscle therapies, such as myofascial release techniques, to stimulate blood flow and boost circulation. This decreases pain and speeds up the healing process.
Diabetes Pain Relief
People with diabetes are also prone to chronic pain and poor circulation, often as a result of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The most common form of PAD affects the arteries in the legs; fatty plaque deposits cause the arteries to narrow and harden, resulting in decreased blood flow to the lower extremities. PAD symptoms include cramping, numbness, coldness, tingling, and slow healing of cuts and sores. By improving blood flow and nerve function, chiropractic care can be used to relieve pain and other symptoms of diabetes.
Another cause of diabetes-related pain is diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In this case, the nerves in the lower extremities are damaged, resulting in pain and loss of sensation. The condition usually develops over time as a result of high blood glucose levels. The weakened nerve fibers may produce false sensations, often manifesting as pain or a burning sensation; cramps and hypersensitivity to touch may also result. Peripheral neuropathy can also occur from malnutrition, though it is most common in diabetic patients. Chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms and, in some cases, may even relieve the condition by improving nervous system function.
To learn more about how chiropractic care could help to alleviate chronic pain, call (509) 533-9200 to schedule a consultation.
