Why Should You See a Chiropractor?
As a practicing chiropractor with over 33 years of clinical experience, I have treated many patients who have said, “If I knew that I was going to feel this good, I would have come for treatment years ago.” I have wondered why this is so common? I think frequently people with chronic pain in the spine have been advised not to seek out chiropractic services. Some neurologists advise patients and primary care physicians that cervical (neck) manipulations are dangerous. I have heard some of my patients report strange beliefs regarding chiropractic care. They have stated that they were told that if they went to a chiropractor, they would have to keep coming forever. That one just makes me scratch my head and wonder where such myths about chiropractic treatment originate.
Myths about Chiropractors
Manipulation of the neck is very safe. Although there have been reported incidents of strokes following neck manipulation, it is very infrequent. Scientific estimates predict that one cerebral vascular incident might follow a neck manipulation for every 1,000,000-5,000,000 neck treatments provided by a chiropractor. These statistics indicate that it is more dangerous to take Ibuprofen than receive a chiropractic neck manipulation.
If you seek chiropractic care for a spinal pain condition or a postural problem, you will not have to receive care for the rest of your life. There is nothing the chiropractor is going to do to your spine that will require life-long care. Contemporary chiropractors attempt to resolve your spinal problems in the shortest period of time. These chiropractors will provide life-style recommendations and specific exercised to enable you to deal with your condition. If you are initially advised by a chiropractor that you need a large number of treatments to fix your spine, seek a second opinion from another chiropractor. I would suggest that board certified chiropractic orthopedists and chiropractic neurologists are best trained to provide these second opinions.
When Should You Schedule a Visit to a Chiropractor?
Let me try to provide some valid reasons why you might want to see a chiropractor for treatment. If you have injured your spine, which includes your neck, middle back, lower back, and tailbone and the pain persists for more than two weeks, it would be reasonable to consult with a chiropractic physician. Frequently, individuals incur lifting injuries or damage their spines with falls or motor vehicle accidents. When the pain continues for more than 7-10 days, it is time to be examined by a chiropractor. Normally, injured individuals will seek out medical care at the Emergency Room or with their primary care physician during the initial period of time following a spinal injury. Many times these same people will initially seek chiropractic treatment if they have been under the care of a chiropractor prior to the accident.
Nutritional Advice and Chiropractors
It is common for chiropractors to evaluate the nutritional status of their patients and their general health status. Remember that chiropractors are very concerned with your overall health and have been trained to provide a natural health care process, which includes the use of vitamins and minerals, dietary advice, exercise recommendations, ergonomic and posture suggestions, concern for a positive mental attitude. Chiropractors are not just back doctors. In fact, some chiropractors are board certified in clinical nutrition.
If you want to find a chiropractor in your area, ask your primary care physician for advice.