Most people think of chiropractors as just “back pain” doctors. While chiropractic has definitely become the number one alternative healthcare solution as people move away from the desire to use drugs and surgery, there are many other benefits to be had.
- Reduced pain
Let’s start with the main reason people see chiropractors: neck and back pain. An estimated 80% of the population will have back pain at some point in their lives. There are many reasons for this: trauma, poor posture, muscular imbalances or weakness, and poor sleeping habits just to name a few. These factors contribute to spinal dysfunction. This means the bones in the spine are not working properly, resulting in altered function of nerves and muscles in the area. Since chiropractic adjustments are uniquely tailored to restore normal joint and nerve function, the number one benefit to this treatment is reduced pain.
- Better function
Pain is only the symptom of a problem in the body. The more important health benefits to chiropractic adjustments come from the improved nerve function. Because our nerves control everything that happens inside our bodies, better nerve function means increased strength, decrease muscle spasm, and improved posture. Adjustments can also protect against the progression of arthritis by restoring proper join motion.
- Overall health
Exciting new research has shown positive effects of chiropractic adjustments on lowering blood pressure and increasing white blood cells for a healthier immune system. Many patients also report lower stress, increased athletic performance, better cognitive ability, and easier pregnancy and labor.
- Less reliance on medications, hospitalizations, and surgery
Studies have shown:
“Chiropractic users had 64% lower odds of receiving an opioid prescription than non users” – Corcoran et al. (2019) Pain Medicine
“Reduced odds of surgery were observed for…those whose first provider was a chiropractor. 42.7% of workers [with back injuries] who first saw a surgeon had surgery, in contrast to only 1.5% of those who saw a chiropractor.” – Keeney et al (2012), Spine
“Low back pain initiated with a doctor of chiropractic (DC) saves 20 to 40 percent on health care costs when compared with care initiated through a medical doctor (MD), according to a study that analyzed data from 85,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) beneficiaries in Tennessee over a two-year span.” – Liliedahl et al (2010), Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics