Most of us don’t consider our bodily care until something’s wrong. When we sit on our computers all day, for example, or make repetitive actions in the wrong position, the damage eventually adds up. But when muscle aches become throbbing pain, it can be hard to know what to do, especially when that pain has been slowly building for a long period of time.
That’s where chiropractic care comes in. An estimated 35 million Americans see a chiropractor each year—and you might be surprised to learn why!
The benefits of chiropractic adjustment are many and varied. As you consider your options, it’s worth knowing how a specialist can ease your vague aches and beyond. From fewer headaches to more limber joints, here’s how chiropractic care can help.
1. Reduce Current Pain
One of the most obvious benefits of a chiropractic adjustment is that it can reduce your pain.
If you’re like most people, you consider a visit to the chiropractor when something’s gone wrong. Pain in the neck, lumbar region, or upper back can be common in U.S. adults, especially given our tendency to hunch over our computers for long periods. You may also consider visiting a chiropractor when you’ve had an accident or injury.
With spinal manipulation tailored to your needs, a chiropractor can help you recover from your current aches and pains. Though you may need multiple visits to see results, you can rest assured that these minor adjustments add up to less pain over time.
2. Prevent Future Pain
In an ideal world, chiropractic care should be prevention-oriented.
Visiting a chiropractor for ongoing adjustments as needed can keep your spine in alignment. This may seem like a small thing, but the proper spinal alignment can help prevent problematic conditions from developing.
Misalignment is linked to a spectrum of common disorders, from carpal tunnel to arthritis. As you’re likely aware, it’s also associated with back and neck pain.
With adjustments to restore proper alignment, you can avoid these and other injuries and conditions.
3. Relaxation
Even in the absence of pain or misalignment, a trip to the chiropractor can be a great way to relax. One study found that lumbar adjustments can help increase your heart rate variability (HRV) score.
HRV is the amount of variance between a person’s heartbeats. A higher HRV is better for a person’s overall health, as it indicates the body’s ability to tolerate stress. It’s also associated with better relaxation!
4. Fewer Headaches and Migraines
You might be surprised to know that one of the health benefits of a chiropractic adjustment is fewer headaches! Most people don’t associate this kind of care with headache relief, but certain types of headaches actually stem from issues with the neck and spine.
Neck tension or stiffness, spinal inflammation, and related issues can be an underlying culprit for certain headaches. This means that they won’t go away with normal pain relief methods.
Once you’ve visited a professional for a chiropractic adjustment, you might find that less tension in your neck and upper spine means fewer headaches in the long run!
5. Back Surgery Prevention
In certain situations, your doctor may advise you to undergo surgery for back pain relief. Invasive procedures may seem like your best bet for painful conditions like scoliosis or sciatica, for example.
However, chiropractic care can often address the underlying causes of your pain without the need for surgery. In fact, the Journal of the American Medical Association recommends spinal manipulation and other therapies as a first choice before back surgery.
6. Lower Blood Pressure
An initial 2007 study by George Bakris, a hypertension researcher, found that a cervical chiropractic adjustment offers the same results as two blood-pressure drugs. Follow-up studies have shown similar findings.
Paired with other natural strategies to lower blood pressure, chiropractic care can be a great way to get the results you seek without resorting to medication.
7. Better Athletic Performance
Many professional athletes swear by chiropractic care, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Michael Phelps. All 32 teams in the NFL have a chiropractor on staff.
Why? Chiropractic care goes much further than lower back pain relief.
Chiropractic care can soothe joint and muscle pain as well, especially when these aches are related to problems of the spine. Spinal adjustments can help relieve tension in the muscles associated with the spine. As a result, individuals who visit a chiropractor often find that their joints and muscles are more limber after their visit.
8. Enhanced Immune System Function
Many people don’t realize that the immune system is linked to spinal health. Because a great deal of your nervous system sits in your spine, spinal misalignment can interfere with your nervous system’s communication.
This, of course, can cause pain symptoms like those that stem from the dreaded pinched nerve. However, it can also weaken your body’s ability to fight sickness.
Research has shown that chiropractic care can help your body’s immunity through spinal realignment. After treatment, patients sleep better and heal faster, allowing the body to function at a higher level of efficiency. This works like preventative medicine, as it allows the body to concentrate on what matters instead of struggling to deliver vital information.
Take Advantage of the Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustment
It’s hard to pass up the benefits of chiropractic adjustment, especially when there are so many of them! From a stronger immune system to better relaxation, you can’t afford not to visit a chiropractor. For spinal care and beyond, this professional can help you make the most of your health.
Want more of the helpful tips you need to know? Check out our other posts for more guides like this one!`
