Having problems with pain in your back, shoulder, neck or other joints? Why not try a complementary health practice that is gaining popularity nowadays called spinal manipulation? This technique is also known in other names such as manual therapy or spinal manipulative therapy.
For thousands of years, there have been many forms of manipulative therapy used in several parts of the world which includes Asia, Norway, and Russia among many others so this kind of therapy then may be considered as some sort of reintroduction.
What this method is all about
Spinal manipulation is a type of treatment that involves the combination of physical therapy, massage, jolting and moving points, and exercise. It is a kind of technique that should only be done by well-trained and licensed practitioners such as a back pain chiropractor where they either use a device or their hands to apply an appropriate degree of controlled force to a particular joint of the spine. Another form of manipulative therapy is a more gentle procedure called spinal mobilization.
With this kind of treatment, traction devices that stretch the spine are also sometimes used as well as electric stimulation and ice and heat therapy. For deep tissue heating, practitioners make use of ultrasound. Adjustable and padded tables are used for this treatment where parts of the table can be adjusted according to the needed movement. Chiropractors around the world utilizes more than 100 forms of spinal adjustments.
Purpose of this treatment
This form of treatment is among the most widely used complementary health practices sought by both children and adults in the United States for various reasons. Spinal manipulation is mostly used to reduce inflammation, relieve pressure on joints, and to improve nerve functions. It is also designed to provide treatment for pains in the back, shoulder and neck. It is also used to treat headaches. Apart from the ones already mentioned, this technique is also used by practitioners to offer relief for sinus concerns and menstrual pains.
Today, spinal manipulation is popular in traditional Asian practice as well as in Western medicine. This procedure is done by chiropractors, physical therapists, osteopathic physicians and occupational therapists in North America. Aside from using this method for treatment, its purpose also extends to disease prevention, maintaining general wellness, to improve or enhance concentration and memory, to enhance energy, or to have a better immune system.
Are there side effects?
While this technique is known to be generally safe, it can also cause some common as well as serious side effects, though the latter is very rare. Spinal manipulation should only be done by a highly trained and licensed practitioner including a back pain chiropractor.
Some of the common side effects that can be experienced after this procedure include:
- Temporary increase in pain
- Temporary muscle soreness
- Stiffness
Other serious complications that can potentially occur although very rare are:
- Stroke
- Herniated disks
- Compressed nerves
People with certain medical conditions are also not advised to undergo this treatment, and they are those with high stroke risk, severe osteoporosis, unstable spine, and those with spinal cancer. Apart from those with medical conditions, individuals who experience the following must also avoid spinal manipulation: loss of strength in either leg or arm, numbness, and tingling.
This health practice is mostly done by those between the ages 45 and 64 years old in adults, and children aged 12 to 17 years old. Should you wish to try out this kind of procedure whether as a form of treatment or simply to improve or maintain your general health wellness, it is important that you only go to a trusted and licensed practitioner or chiropractor like the Yentz Family Chiropractic.
When choosing a chiropractor, it is necessary that you know what questions to ask such as their licensure and education, and if they had prior experience in treating your condition. You may also ask how long the sessions will take and how much time you need, then inquire if it is covered by insurance so you can have an idea how much it will cost you. It is also important that you inform the chiropractor about all your medical conditions as well as all the medications that you are taking. Another essential thing is for you to update your healthcare provider also that you are doing a complementary health approach.
For highly trained, licensed and trusted chiropractors, check out Yentz Family Chiropractic. Among the services that they offer are: health and well-being resources, specific and efficient spinal correction, health tasks and workshops, at home spinal care exercises, scientifically-designed exercise programs, and nutritional plans and recommendations.
Yentz Family Chiropractic aims to change lives through sustainable health as well as to provide natural wellness and healthcare to their patients.
During this time, employing a different approach to treat certain conditions must be welcomed so that we can get away from the usual treatment with drugs and other medical procedures, and for a change, at least try a healthier healing option.
But before trying out spinal manipulation or other alternative procedures, it is very important that you do some careful research and consult your healthcare provider as well to be sure that it is going to be safe for you and that it is okay for your condition. It is also necessary that you seek a chiropractor who has a good or proven record from past and present clients. It would even be best if you can get a referral from a trusted source which may include your family and friends. If no one from your circle can provide a recommendation, you may try checking some reviews and feedback from the clients of your chosen chiropractor or practitioner, and start asking the questions that have been previously mentioned.
Contact Yentz Family Chiropractic to start your overall natural health wellness or to treat your joint pains.