Have you ever wondered about a no-drug approach to spinal problems? The term “chiropractic” comes from the Greek word “cheir” meaning hand, and “praxis,” meaning action. It refers to “being done by hand’. As the name implies, chiropractic care is a health profession focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system by manual adjustment and controlled force. Chiropractic professionals believe in the body’s ability to heal itself, leading to several benefits across age groups. Let us see this in detail below.
Understanding Chiropractic Care
A chiropractic adjustment is a technique where trained chiropractors use their hands or a device to apply a controlled, quick force to a spinal joint. This procedure, called spinal manipulation, aims to improve spinal mobility and overall physical function.
Chiropractic Care for Infants and Children
During the early stages of life, children undergo rapid growth and development, sometimes leading to musculoskeletal issues. The benefits of chiropractic care include offering a gentle, non-invasive approach to address these problems and support healthy development. Here’s how chiropractic care addresses concerns and benefits the youngest members of our families.
Common Problems Addressed:
- Birth trauma: Chiropractic care can address musculoskeletal issues stemming from birth trauma.
- Nervous system health: Chiropractic treatment helps improve the wellness and vigor of a child’s nervous system in conditions such as spectrum disorders.
- Colic and digestive issues: Gentle adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves that affect digestion, potentially reducing colic symptoms.
- Asthmatic conditions: Chiropractic care can help manage asthma symptoms by improving lung function and reducing nerve interference.
Benefits:
- Improved sleep patterns: Chiropractic care can help infants and children sleep better by addressing spinal misalignments that may disrupt sleep.
- Enhanced immune system function: Proper spinal alignment supports the nervous system, which can boost immune function.
- Aid in neurological development: Chiropractic care can help ensure the nervous system functions optimally, supporting neurological development and overall health.
- Support developmental milestones: Regular adjustments can support healthy growth and development.
Chiropractic Care for Teenagers
Teenagers often experience musculoskeletal issues due to sports, poor posture, and the physical changes associated with puberty. Chiropractic treatment provides an approach to managing these concerns, helping teens maintain good health and performance during this vital development period.
Common Conditions Addressed:
- Scoliosis: Early detection and treatment of spinal curvature can prevent severe deformities.
- Headaches and migraines: Chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches in teenagers.
- Back and neck pain: Teenagers who suffer from back and neck pain due to sports or injuries can benefit from chiropractic care.
- Respiratory problems: Correct spinal alignment can improve lung function and breathing.
Benefits:
- Improved posture: Regular adjustments can help teenagers maintain good posture, which is important during growth spurts.
- Enhanced athletic performance: Chiropractic care can optimize musculoskeletal function, benefiting young athletes.
- Relief from growing pains and sports injuries: Spinal adjustments and other treatments can relieve pain and speed up injury recovery.
- Reduction in stress and anxiety: Chiropractic treatment can help reduce stress levels by promoting rest.
Chiropractic Care for Adults
As with other age groups, adulting can become challenging due to spinal problems and difficult pain due to a sedentary lifestyle, sports, physical labor, and other concerns. Chiropractic care helps in managing pain and supports better performance as an adult.
Common Conditions Addressed:
- Chronic back pain: Work or stress can cause back pain in individuals, and chiropractic tools can relieve this pain.
- Mental health problems: Providing useful solutions for mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
- Workplace ergonomics: Addressing poor posture and repetitive strain injuries common in the workplace.
- Injury recovery and prevention: Supporting injury recovery and preventing future musculoskeletal issues.
Benefits:
- Pain relief from chronic conditions: Chiropractic treatments can effectively manage chronic back and neck pain.
- Stress reduction: Regular adjustments can help reduce muscle tension and stress.
- Enhanced mobility and flexibility: Chiropractic care can improve joint function and overall mobility.
- Can treat a wide range of conditions: Chiropractic procedures provide solutions for various musculoskeletal (back, neck, joint) as well as mental conditions (depression, stress, insomnia).
Chiropractic Care for Seniors
Our bones and joints can wear and tear as we age, leading to various problems. By 2050, about 22% of the US population will be 65 or older. This data shows the need for major healthcare opportunities for older people. While surgeries and heavy medications can be an invasive option, chiropractic benefits involve a gentle and safe method of improving the physical and mental health of seniors.
Common Conditions Addressed:
- Joint pain: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve joint pain and related conditions for seniors.
- Osteoporosis: Gentle techniques tailored for individuals with osteoporosis.
- Degenerative disc disease: Managing symptoms and improving spinal health.
- Arthritis chiropractic care: could benefit by improving joint conditions such as arthritis.
Benefits:
- Balance and coordination: Benefits of chiropractic care include aiding balance and improving range of movement for seniors.
- Pain management: Chiropractic adjustments can alleviate pain associated with arthritis.
- Reducing the risk of injuries: Chiropractors help strengthen the musculoskeletal system of the elderly, reducing the risk of slip and fall injuries.
- Better quality of life: By managing pain and improving mobility, chiropractic care can enhance the overall quality of life for seniors.
Dispelling Myths about Chiropractic Care
There are several myths about chiropractic care, such as it being unsafe or only for back pain. Chiropractic care is a safe, evidence-based practice that can address many health issues beyond back pain. Educating patients about the benefits and safety of chiropractic care is essential to dispel these misconceptions. Some common ones are:
- Only for back pain support: Chiropractic treatments improve back pain and are beneficial in pain conditions like headaches, extremities, and chronic problems.
- Not real doctors: Unlike common misconceptions, chiropractors are highly educated healthcare professionals and may hold additional degrees.
- You need to keep visiting a chiropractor: Chiropractors can help you achieve better musculoskeletal health, which can be maintained on a personal level without frequent appointments.
- Chiropractic treatments are painful: Although chiropractic treatment can include mild discomfort or pain, these are temporary symptoms.
Safety Considerations for Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic care is safe when performed by an educated practitioner. It’s important to find a qualified chiropractor and discuss health matters before treatment. Some common safety considerations to keep in mind are:
- Licensed and trained professionals: It is important to receive chiropractic care from a licensed practitioner to prevent mishaps.
- Risks of traditional treatments: Chiropractic treatment is a traditional procedure for relieving pain and improving posture. Before opting for it, it is important to know the risks and get a proper healthcare check.
- Underlying conditions and medical history: The patient must understand all aspects of their physical and mental health before undergoing chiropractic care, including any disease, skin type, allergies, or other medical concerns.
Chiropractic Care Can Help You Lead a Pain Free Life
Chiropractic care offers valuable benefits for individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly. It supports general health by enabling proper spinal alignment and improving nervous system function. For pain relief, improved mobility, or enhanced grade of life, chiropractic care is a versatile and effective treatment option for many health concerns.
Active Chiropractic & Laser Center for Quality Chiropractic Care
Are you looking to eliminate chronic pain and improve joint functionality? At Active Chiropractic & Laser Center, we offer a drug-free, effective approach to leading a pain-free life. Our expert provider, Dr. Berry, specializes in safe and practical chiropractic treatments to alleviate various physical and mental health concerns. Schedule an appointment with us or call (714) 639-4640 to learn more.
