Chronic pain affects millions of people every year, severely impacting their quality of life. Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, or joint discomfort, many patients are looking for non-invasive treatments that avoid the side effects of medication. Chiropractic care, which focuses on the body’s musculoskeletal system, offers a compelling solution for pain management. At Pain Management Services, our physicians provide chiropractic care as part of a comprehensive approach to relieving pain for patients in Des Peres, St. Peters, and Washington, MO. This blog explores how chiropractic care works, its benefits, and what patients can expect from this treatment.
How Chiropractic Care Works for Pain Relief
Chiropractic care is based on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system. Chiropractors believe that misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can interfere with the nervous system’s function, leading to pain and other health problems. By performing manual adjustments, chiropractors realign the spine to reduce pain, restore proper function, and improve overall mobility.
At Pain Management Services, our physicians use spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques to treat musculoskeletal pain. Spinal adjustments involve applying controlled force to joints that have become restricted in movement. This restores joint mobility, alleviates pain, and reduces muscle tightness or inflammation. Chiropractic care also stimulates the body’s natural healing processes, making it a holistic, non-invasive option for pain management.
Conditions Treated by Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is effective in treating a wide range of pain-related conditions, including:
- Lower Back Pain: A leading cause of disability worldwide, lower back pain can be effectively managed with regular chiropractic adjustments. These help relieve pressure on the spine and improve mobility, offering long-term relief.
- Neck Pain: Chronic neck pain caused by poor posture, stress, or repetitive movements can be alleviated through chiropractic care, which helps realign the cervical spine and reduce muscle tension.
- Sciatica: Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the nerve, reducing pain and promoting healing.
- Headaches: Many tension headaches stem from misalignment in the neck or upper back. Chiropractic adjustments address the root cause by improving spinal alignment and reducing tension.
- Joint Pain: Chiropractic care is also beneficial for joint pain in the shoulders, knees, and hips. By improving alignment and mobility, it can ease discomfort from arthritis or injury.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care in Pain Management
One of the most significant benefits of chiropractic care is its natural, drug-free approach to pain relief. Many patients prefer chiropractic treatments because they provide pain relief without surgery or medication. Key benefits include:
- Non-Invasive Treatment: Chiropractic care does not require surgery, making it a low-risk option for pain relief.
- Personalized Care: Treatments are tailored to each patient’s needs, focusing on specific areas of pain and dysfunction.
- Reduced Reliance on Medication: Many patients find that chiropractic care reduces or eliminates their need for pain medications, minimizing side effects and risks of dependency.
- Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care looks at the body as a whole, addressing both the symptoms and the underlying causes of pain for longer-lasting relief.
- Improved Mobility and Function: By restoring proper alignment to the spine and joints, chiropractic care helps patients regain mobility and improve overall function.
What to Expect During a Chiropractic Session
At Pain Management Services, our physicians follow a thorough and personalized approach to chiropractic care, starting with an in-depth consultation to understand your specific pain concerns, lifestyle, and health history. Here’s what you can expect during a typical chiropractic session:
- Initial Assessment: Your first visit will involve a comprehensive evaluation of your pain, medical history, and any imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRIs. Your physician will perform a physical examination to assess posture, range of motion, and muscle tone.
- Spinal Adjustments: After the assessment, spinal adjustments may be performed. These involve applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine, often producing a “cracking” sound as the joints move back into alignment. The adjustments are generally painless, though mild soreness may follow.
- Complementary Therapies: In addition to spinal manipulation, other therapies may be used to enhance the effects of chiropractic care. These could include soft tissue therapy, stretching exercises, or ergonomic recommendations.
- Post-Treatment Evaluation: After the session, your physician will discuss the results with you and recommend follow-up treatments, home exercises, or lifestyle adjustments to maintain the benefits of the adjustments.
Chiropractic Care in a Comprehensive Pain Management Plan
Chiropractic care is often combined with other treatments to create a well-rounded approach to pain relief. At Pain Management Services, chiropractic care is frequently used alongside physical therapy, massage therapy, or even acupuncture. By addressing spinal alignment and joint function, chiropractic care enhances the overall effectiveness of these therapies.
For patients looking to reduce their reliance on medication, particularly opioids, chiropractic care offers a valuable alternative. With the ongoing opioid crisis, non-pharmaceutical treatments like chiropractic care are becoming increasingly important in chronic pain management.
The Science Behind Chiropractic Care
Research supporting the effectiveness of chiropractic care continues to grow. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic low back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
For instance, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that spinal manipulation resulted in significant improvements in low back pain compared to standard medical care. Another study in the Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that chiropractic care was more effective than medication for reducing chronic neck pain.
These findings reinforce chiropractic care as a safe, effective treatment for pain management and a viable alternative to more invasive or pharmaceutical-based interventions.
Your Journey to Pain Relief Starts Here
If you’re living with chronic pain and seeking a natural, non-invasive solution, chiropractic care could be the answer. The physicians at Pain Management Services, located in Des Peres, St. Peters, and Washington, MO, are committed to providing personalized chiropractic care that addresses the root cause of pain and promotes spinal health.
Contact Pain Management Services today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting pain relief through chiropractic care.
Sources:
- Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., & Vining, R. D. (2017). Chiropractic spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain. Journal of Pain Research.
- Bronfort, G., Haas, M., Evans, R., Leininger, B., & Triano, J. (2010). Effectiveness of manual therapies: The UK evidence report. Chiropractic & Osteopathy.
- Rubinstein, S. M., Terwee, C. B., & de Boer, M. R. (2013). Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
