If you've been experiencing back pain, you may wonder if there are other options other than medications. Chiropractic care is one such option. It offers a number of benefits to those who suffer from back pain.

Reduces opioid pain relievers

One of the most common forms of chiropractic care is spinal manipulation. It might also involve massage, exercise, or education. A review of the medical literature found that chiropractors may be more successful at improving back pain compared to other medical practitioners. However, there is little evidence that they are less effective at alleviating opioids.

As such, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative treatments before prescribing them. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) advises against treating musculoskeletal injuries with opioids. Also, patients wishing to avoid opioids should seek out providers offering nonopioid modalities such as massage, exercise, and acupuncture. In addition, reducing the volume of opioid prescriptions is the best way to promote recovery.

For example, a recent survey found that, in general, chiropractic patients reported a better overall health status than those who saw other practitioners. Furthermore, people who saw a chiropractor were significantly less likely to take an opioid in the first place.

Helps people with acute low-back pain

Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment for acute low back pain. The goal of chiropractic therapy is to provide pain relief and prevent chronicity. This includes exercise and self-care advice.

Chiropractors manipulate the body with a hands-on approach, restoring motion in joints. Various techniques are used, including rehabilitative exercises, superficial heat, spinal manipulative therapy in the low back, and manual therapies.

Research studies show that chiropractic is safe and effective for many patients. However, chiropractors do cost more than other healthcare providers, and patients may need more visits to see results.

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of chiropractic, researchers compared it to other treatments. They found that chiropractic's effectiveness in reducing disability was on par with other methods of medical care. It also reduced the need for opioid pain relievers, the most commonly prescribed drug for pain.

While spinal manipulation was effective in acute low back pain, the RAND researchers could only report that it helped some patients. These results triggered a national review of alternative health care.

Treats arthritis

Chiropractic care can be a wonderful way to treat arthritis. Whether you are suffering from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, it is a safe, non-invasive, and natural way to relieve pain and improve your overall health.

Chiropractors will assess your entire body to identify the root cause of your arthritis. Then, they will develop a treatment plan. Sometimes, this includes spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle tips. Other modalities such as heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and massage can help reduce your arthritis symptoms.

While there is no cure for inflammatory arthritis, chiropractic care may reduce inflammation in your body and may also help your immune system work more effectively. These techniques may also increase your flexibility and range of motion, which can help to alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.

The best chiropractors are highly trained and experienced. They understand the importance of exercise, a healthy diet, and stress management. This holistic approach to health can be beneficial to people with arthritis, as well as those with other medical conditions.

May damage the neck

There have been some claims that chiropractic care may damage the neck when relieving back pain. The spine is an intricate system of bones, ligaments, and muscles. When the neck is damaged, it can cause pain that is difficult to cope with.

Chiropractors offer a variety of techniques that can reduce or eliminate chronic and acute neck pain. Depending on your needs, a series of treatments may be recommended. For example, a patient with a slipped disc could be treated with a decompression procedure. This involves using a small device with electrodes attached to the skin over specific nerves.

Chiropractic care also treats injuries such as whiplash. A whiplash injury can result in muscle and joint damage. Also, it can dislodge cervical spinal discs.

In addition to helping with neck pain, chiropractic care can alleviate migraines and tension headaches. It can also help children who have colic and ear infections.

Chiropractic is also helpful in treating patients who have inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and osteoarthritis. Chronic inflammation can lead to problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.