The question that we hear at Major Chiropractic & Sports Science, especially from new patients, is this — “Are you sure this is safe?” This a perfectly reasonable question to ask, especially considering that most people who have never been to a chiropractor have only online video compilations of neck crackings and back poppings to base their information on. Our task in this blog is to put some of your fears to rest and better explain the basics of chiropractics to the uninitiated, all so that you can make the most informed decision about your health. Major Chiropractic absolutely encourages you to take charge of your own personal health and wellbeing, and being more informed about what goes on during a visit to the chiropractor is more than reasonable.
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Safe and Natural
In the hands of licensed and trained healthcare professionals like the chiropractors at Major Chiropractic, being treated with chiropractic manipulation is absolutely safe, natural, and effective. Hundreds of thousands of people across the United States rely on chiropractors to manage pain and improve their overall state of wellness.
However, just like how going to the doctor for outpatient surgery or minor procedures carries with it inherent risk, so too does chiropractics — however small the risk may be. What it generally comes down to is your definition of “risk.” Instances of major injury as the result of visiting a qualified and licensed chiropractor are exceedingly rare. The question you should ask yourself is “do I feel comfortable with this?” We believe wholeheartedly that chiropractics is completely safe pending an initial examination by a licensed provider. If your body has any characteristics that could put you at unnecessary risk during a visit to the chiropractor, your chiropractor will let you know and refer you to alternative treatments.
Are There Risks in Chiropractic Adjustments?
Instead of relying on drugs or invasive surgery, your chiropractor uses physical manipulation to help treat back and neck injuries through the use of their hands and special instruments. The purpose of these processes is to better align your spine and increase your body’s range of motion, which allows your body to achieve a state of optimal performance. Chiropractors take upon themselves years of schooling, study, and practice to do what they do. In the process of their licensure, there are numerous safeguards in place to make sure everything they do falls in line with best practices and safety standards.
As we mentioned before, instances of further injury as the result of chiropractic are exceedingly rare, and in the instances where it does occur, it’s usually the result of a preexisting condition. Some of these conditions that could put you at unnecessary risk include severe osteoporosis, spinal cancer, bone abnormalities, and if you have a high risk of stroke.
Do Patients Experience Side Effects From Chiropractic Manipulation?
Almost all common side effects from chiropractic care are minor and short-term. After spinal manipulation, it is not uncommon for patients to experience minor discomfort in the areas of their body where manipulation occurred, particularly around the lumbar spine and neck, as well as minor headaches, feelings of nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. Generally, these side effects decrease in severity as patients continue treatment and their body adapts to the process of being manipulated. In contrast, however, nearly all patients who experience chiropractic care, even with minor side effects, also report reduced pain levels and an overall improved state of health.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Safer Than Alternatives?
What are the alternatives to chiropractic treatments in regards to managing pain? Many patients rely on anti-inflammatory medications, painkilling drugs, steroid injections, and even surgery to handle back and neck pain in their bodies. Is going to the chiropractor safer than these alternatives? What is certain is that going to the chiropractor is not more dangerous than any of these other options. Chiropractic is non-invasive by design, as it includes no cutting and no chemicals to achieve results. Treatments consist entirely of body manipulation done by hand or by specialized equipment and contain very low risk.
Let’s compare chiropractic manipulation to many of the alternative treatments for handling the same pain issues. Over-the-counter NSAID medications can cause stomach and kidney problems and allergic reactions. Narcotic pain killers can be incredibly addictive. Steroid injections leave patients at risk for infection at the injection site. Surgery, although sometimes necessary, can be extremely expensive and carries with it risks that are much more serious than any presented by chiropractic care, including reactions to anesthesia, internal bleeding, nerve damage, and in extreme cases, even death.
What do we conclude then? When compared to other widely available treatments, chiropractic treatment is absolutely one of the safest and most natural ways that your body can be treated for chronic back and neck pain.
Schedule Your Chiropractor Appointment in Wheaton Today
If one thing is certain, it is this — you should feel 100% safe and comfortable with the care you receive to treat your back and neck pain. At Major Chiropractic and Science Medicine, we believe that we can provide you with this high level of care. Our doctors will assess you through a careful clinical examination to determine if chiropractic treatment is appropriate for you. Schedule your appointment in Wheaton today! We look forward to helping you find the healthcare solution that best fits you and your family’s needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have prior to scheduling your appointment!