More than 27 million Americans are treated by chiropractors annually, according to one estimate. Chiropractic care is an ever increasing option for folks with neck and back pain. Chiropractors are often a first choice after one has gotten into an auto accident.
Chiropractic offers pain relief to those who have suffered whiplash or other neck and back injuries from auto accidents. Those who have not had chiropractic care do not know about the many chiropractic benefits. If you’ve been in a car accident and have not tried chiropractic care, read on. Listed below are some chiropractic benefits.
What Chiropractors Do
Chiropractors diagnose and treat muscles, joints, and nerves of the human body. An “adjustment” is a term that denotes the physical manipulation of the human body. Chiropractic doctors use their hands and they also use a variety of other tools and techniques in order to adjust a patient. Chiropractors do not give prescriptions or use pharmaceuticals for a patient’s pain management. Chiropractors primarily treat for back and neck pain, however, they treat for a variety of other joint and muscle ailments as well.
Chiropractic Benefits
Chiropractic benefits include:
- relief of back and neck pain
- more mobility
- relief from headaches and migraines
- mental clarity
- help with joint pain and arthritis
- treatment of scoliosis (sideways curvature of the spine) and
- prevention of prescription painkillers and surgery
In the Treatment Room
First, you will fill out a questionnaire and a medical history form. Next, the chiropractor will either use x-rays and/or range of motion tests. After the initial consultation and diagnosis, you will receive treatment in a private room. You remain fully clothed while the chiropractor asks you where your pain is and then will use his or her hands to feel for spinal maladjustment. You will lie on a specially designed table, so that the chiropractor can manipulate your back and neck for optimal alignment.
The chiropractor will naturally adjust your neck and back with his or her hands, or will use specially designed tools for spinal adjustment, but not beyond your natural range of motion when healthy. They will use pressure and gentle torquing to adjust your spine. Often, your body will make a popping noise, which is the sound of pressure being released in a joint or tissue. This is perfectly normal. You can always ask your chiropractor questions during the treatment. Relief from pain may be instantaneous or it may take several hours. Your chiropractor will also offer natural remedies for any swelling or tenderness that may remain after an adjustment.
Choosing a Chiropractor
Chiropractors often rely on patient referrals, so be sure to ask family or friends who have had treatment and who they recommend. If you’ve been in a car accident, you may ask your insurance company or attorney for a recommendation. You may also look in your city’s yellow pages or online for “chiropractor services” or “chiropractor for accident victims.”
