Chiropractic Adjustments: Safe and Effective?

Chiropractic Adjustments: Safe and Effective?

Making an Informed Decision

Chiropractic is a health care profession that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to treat patients. It’s much more than just ‘bone popping’. The profession includes spinal manipulation, exercise rehab, therapeutics, spinal decompression, balance work, low-level laser, shockwave, shortwave, muscle work, strengthening, functional movement, and much much more.

There is a lot of debate in some circles about the safety of chiropractic adjustments. Most people that have experienced evidence-based chiropractic agree that they are a safe and effective way to treat pain and other health conditions, while others still believe that they can be dangerous.

The Safety of Chiropractic Adjustments

First of all, let’s just say that chiropractic adjustments are exceedingly safe. Absolutely, overwhelmingly safe. Certainly when you compare the treatment to other forms of treatment. Did you know that approximately 16,000 people die each year from taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen as directed on the bottle? Still no treatment comes with absolutely zero risk involved. Heck you can get hit by a car crossing the street. When we boil it down, if we are looking for the riskier aspects of the profession, the safety of chiropractic adjustments depends on a number of factors, including the skill and experience of the chiropractor, the severity of the patient's condition, the patient’s age and health, and the type of adjustment and force that is used.

In general, chiropractic adjustments are considered to be safe when performed by a qualified chiropractor. However, there are some risks associated with chiropractic adjustments.

• Muscle soreness is likely the most common adverse effect from an adjustment is soreness the following day. The level of soreness is typically on par with that felt after a good deep tissue massage. Muscles get sore sometimes when you change the program and do something new and it typically resolves after just a day or two.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments

• Despite the risks, there is also evidence to suggest that chiropractic adjustments can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including:

• Low back pain: Chiropractic adjustments are one of the most effective treatments for low back pain. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can provide pain relief and improve function in people with low back pain. In addition, the American College of Physicians recommended spinal manipulation as a first line therapy for back pain. 
• Neck pain: Chiropractic adjustments can also be effective for neck pain. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can provide pain relief and improve range of motion in people with neck pain.
• Headaches: Chiropractic adjustments may also be effective for headaches. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can reduce the frequency and severity of headaches.
• Sports injuries: Chiropractic adjustments can be used to treat sports injuries, such as sprains and strains. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce pain and improve range of motion in people with sports injuries.

Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions. However, it is important to choose a qualified chiropractor who has plenty of experience and has a great reputation in your community.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a chiropractor:

• Make sure the chiropractor is licensed and certified by a reputable organization, such as the American Chiropractic Association.
• Visit www.forwardthinkingchiro.com and use their member map to try to find an evidence-based, patient-centered chiropractor in your area
• Ask the chiropractor about their experience with the condition you are seeking treatment for.
• Get a second opinion if you are unsure about whether chiropractic care is right for you.
• If they give you a treatment plan that last more than 2-3 months for a simple neck or back complaint, they probably aren’t patient-centered and evidence-based.