Chiropractic care is a safe and beneficial alternative to pain medications. Not only can chiropractic care provide pain relief, but it can also bring a boost to your immune system, relieve sleep issues, and treat the nervous system.
The type of treatment your chiropractor will recommend varies on your condition and the severity of your pain. However, there are several chiropractic services that everyone can benefit from no matter your pain levels.
Adjustments
A chiropractic adjustment is a commonly used therapeutic treatment for lower back pain. During an adjustment, the chiropractor uses their hands or a small instrument to apply controlled force to the vertebrae that has abnormal movement patterns or dysfunction and release joint pressure.
The point of an adjustment is to reduce subluxation (a joint that is misaligned or not functioning properly), increase range of motion, reduce nerve irritability, and improve function.
Electronic Muscle Stimulation
This painless physical therapy procedure sends mild electrical pulses through the skin to mimic signals that come from the nervous system. The electrical currents that trigger a “pins and needles” feeling help to stimulate injured muscles or manipulative nerves to reduce pain. The procedure is used to accelerate recovery and provide relief from pain and discomfort.
Small electrodes, which are sticky pads wired to the e-stim device are placed on the skin and electrical pulses are delivered through the wires. For muscular stimulation, the pulses will signal the muscle to contract, improving blood flow and repairing injured muscles. For nerve stimulation, the pulses will target the nervous system and block pain signal transmissions from reaching the spinal cord and brain. Typically, therapy sessions take 5-15 minutes.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy is meant to compliment your adjustment sessions.
Heat therapy is best for patients with tight, sore, and achy muscles. This type of therapy relaxes stiff and tense muscles and joints by increasing blood flow, improving circulation around the affected area, and increasing range of motion.
Cold therapy is recommended for recent injuries, sprains, and strains. This treatment restricts blood vessels, which reduces the amount of blood and inflammation – numbing and relieving pain. It is best to start with ice instead of heat when the pain is sharp and swelling and inflammation is present.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is an effective form of treatment used for muscular pain and trigger points. The treatment involved placing thin acupuncture needles into the affected muscle to release tension or trigger points.
Dry needling is used to treat various conditions including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and more. Also, it decreases pain and increases mobility and strength. You can expect to notice results typically within 2-4 treatment sessions.
The type of treatment you receive and the length of that treatment will be determined by your chiropractor based on the status of your condition. Learn more at Limestone Chiropractic.
