Is Getting Adjusted by a Chiropractor Safe? 7+ Truths Uncovered
There is a lot of debate surrounding chiropractic care. Some people swear by it, while others think that it is unsafe. So, what is the truth? Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe? The answer is yes…and no. It all depends on the individual and their specific situation.
Chiropractic care can be extremely beneficial for many people, but there are also risks involved. So, is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe? In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of chiropractic care so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you!
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe?: Your Needs & Problems
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe?
The first thing you need to do is determine what your needs and problems are. If you are experiencing pain in your back or neck, then chiropractic care may be a good option for you. However, if you are currently in a very bad car accident, it is probably not the best idea to go to a chiropractor immediately. In general, if you are experiencing pain, stiffness, or limited mobility in your joints, then chiropractic care may be able to help you.
What Exactly is Chiropractic Care?
A chiropractic adjustment, also referred to as spinal manipulation, is a treatment provided by a certified chiropractor. By using their hands or small instruments, they apply controlled force to your spinal joints in order to relieve pain and improve motion. Manipulation has been used across many different conditions and provides various benefits depending on the individual case. However, is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe?
Although chiropractic adjustment is mostly considered safe, there are some risks involved that people should be aware of. These rare complications are more likely to occur if the person performing the adjustment is not properly trained or licensed. In addition, people with certain conditions, such as osteoporosis or cervical spondylosis, may be at a higher risk for complications.
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe?: Most Common Side-effects
One of the most common side effects of a chiropractic adjustment is temporary soreness or pain in the treated area. This is typically mild and goes away within 24 hours.
In some rare cases, people may experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle weakness
- Worsening of pain
- Neurological symptoms
If you experience any of these side effects after an adjustment, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe?: Benefits
Now that we have discussed some of the risks involved with chiropractic care, let’s take a look at the benefits! Chiropractic care is most commonly used to treat musculoskeletal pain, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. However, it can also be used to treat other conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Ear infections
- High blood pressure
- Infertility
- Menstrual pain
The objective of a chiropractic adjustment is to return to regular joint function and muscle balance. Also, treatments are used to lessen stress on the immune system or reduce the possibility of disease—although there is no proof that chiropractic treatment affects the immune system or somebody’s susceptibility to disease. Chiropractic care wants to treat an individual as a whole, including their ability to move, work properly, and even think clearly.
People regularly choose chiropractic care because it is a natural, non-invasive form of treatment that does not require medication or surgery. Plus, it is less expensive than other therapy options and has few if any side effects.
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe?: The Proofs
Some of the research on the benefits and safety of chiropractic care includes:
- A 2012 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that spinal manipulation was an effective treatment for neck pain.
- A 2011 systematic review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology concluded that chiropractic care is a “safe and effective” treatment for lower back pain.
- A 2010 study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic care was an effective treatment for headaches.
- A 2008 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that chiropractic care is a “safe and effective” treatment for migraines.
Headaches and Chiropractic Care
If you suffer from cervicogenic headaches or migraines, know that you are not alone. These types of headaches are commonly treated by chiropractors.
Cervicogenic headaches get their name because they are usually referred from another source, typically the neck area. Migraine headaches cause severe throbbing pain and tend to be experienced on just one side of the head. When it comes to chronic headache management, options outside of medication are few and far between. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported that chiropractic care, specifically spinal manipulation, can improve migraines and cervicogenic headaches.
Sciatica and Chiropractic Care
Sciatica is a pain that radiates from the lower back down the sciatic nerve to the legs. Treatment options for this condition include exercise, natural therapies, medication, steroid injections, and surgery.
The researchers found that those who actively manipulated their hips experienced fewer days of moderate or severe pain, and other symptoms related to sciatica. They also did not report any negative effects. However, the study did not include patients with spine conditions that needed surgery, such as spondylolisthesis or disc herniations. So these results might not apply to all types of sciatica and back pain.
Neck Pain and Chiropractic Care
The Annals of Internal Medicine recently released a study that found more than half of those who saw a chiropractor for neck pain (caused by factors such as spine disease, nerve compression, and muscle stiffness) had less pain after only 12 weeks. In fact, the group that visited the chiropractor also reported significantly less pain and disability than the groups that took medication or received physical therapy.
Lower Back Pain and Chiropractic Care
Studies have shown that chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, can provide relief from mild to moderate low back pain. In some studies, spinal manipulation has been found to be as effective as other standard treatments, such as exercise or pain-relief medications, for certain types of back pain.
In 2011, a clinical review of 26 trials found that spinal manipulation may be just as effective in reducing back pain and improving function as other treatments, such as exercise.
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe?: The Answer
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe? Chiropractic is an excellent and safe choice for people of all ages. It is a therapy that does not involve drugs or invasiveness and can be used to treat various conditions such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain.
Pregnant women can also benefit from chiropractic care. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulation is a safe and effective treatment for lower back pain during pregnancy.
Chiropractic is also considered safe for infants and children. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics found that chiropractic is a “safe, effective, and appropriate” treatment for a number of common childhood conditions, such as colic, ear infections, and bedwetting.
Old Age Is Not a Barrier To Care
One common misconception is that chiropractic is only for young people. In reality, people of all ages can benefit from this form of natural health care. A study published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy found that seniors who receive regular chiropractic care have better balance, flexibility, and overall mobility.
Another study, published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, found that chiropractic is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease common in older adults.
Is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe? In general, chiropractic is considered a safe, effective treatment for pain and musculoskeletal problems.
How Safe is Chiropractic Care?
We understand how chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for various conditions, but if you are still wondering if is getting adjusted by a chiropractor safe, let’s dig deeper into that question.
Chiropractic is widely considered to be a safe, effective treatment for many common ailments, such as headaches, neck pain, and back pain. But as with any type of treatment, there is always a risk of adverse effects.
As mentioned, the most common side effect of chiropractic care is soreness or aching in the treated area. This is usually temporary and will resolve within a day or two. There is also a small risk of more serious adverse effects, such as stroke or nerve damage. These risks are very rare and are typically associated with specific types of manipulations.
If you’re considering chiropractic care, it’s important to find a qualified practitioner who has experience treating your condition. It’s also important to tell your practitioner about any medications you’re taking, as well as any medical conditions you have. This will help ensure that the treatment is as safe and effective as possible.
