Chronic pain is a growing epidemic in the United States. It costs healthcare systems, causes stress for patients and their families, and robs people of their quality of life. It’s also expensive for employers, and a drain on the economy. There are many treatment options available, and chiropractic is an effective drug free approach to managing pain. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as TENS, oral medications, nerve blocks or physical therapy.
The goal of chiropractic is to restore the body’s communication system and to allow it to heal itself without pharmaceutical drugs or invasive surgery. Chiropractic can also alleviate the symptoms of many different conditions, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. In a recent study, a 61-year old female patient was treated at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). She had been experiencing widespread pain since a motor vehicle accident 3 years prior and was receiving pain medication from her primary care physician. Her symptoms included neck and back pain, knee pain, and pain in other regions of her body. She was also suffering from depression, anxiety and an opioid dependence.
After undergoing a course of chiropractic adjustments, the FQHC patient reported that she experienced a significant reduction in her discomfort and an improvement in her quality of life. She was also able to reduce her use of prescription pain relievers. In fact, she reported that she has now been able to stop taking opioids altogether.
Another benefit of chiropractic care is that it can help to improve posture, which can reduce pain in the neck, shoulders, back and pelvis. It can also help to prevent injuries, such as rotator cuff tears or knee problems. Chiropractors can educate their patients on proper postural alignment and provide exercises to help promote correct posture.
Lastly, chiropractic can also help to improve mental health by lowering blood pressure, triggering positive hormones, supporting sleep and relieving tension. This is important because chronic pain sufferers are at an increased risk for anxiety, depression and substance use disorders.
The long term benefits of chiropractic treatment are extensive and far reaching. It’s an effective drug-free way to manage pain and allows the body to heal itself. It’s a great complement to other treatments and is a safe alternative to dangerous opioid pain relievers.
Achieving optimum health requires an integrated approach to healing and wellness. It is the role of the chiropractor to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to ensure that the patient is getting all the help they need. This may include recommending massage, acupuncture or other therapies. In addition, a good chiropractor in Atlanta will be able to recognize when it is necessary to refer the patient to another healthcare professional. This patient-centered approach is one of the reasons why chiropractic is so popular. If you are dealing with chronic pain, contact a qualified chiropractor today.