Chiropractic care focuses on the health and alignment of the spine, recognizing its vital role in overall well-being. A central component of this approach is chiropractic adjustment, a technique designed to address spinal misalignments and restore balance to the body. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractic adjustments can enhance nerve function, alleviate discomfort, and promote overall health.

In this blog, we will explore how chiropractic adjustments work, the crucial role of the spine, the adjustment process, and the many health benefits these treatments can provide.

The Role of the Spine

The spine is more than just a structural support for the body—it houses and protects the nervous system, which coordinates every function in the body. A properly aligned spine allows the nervous system to function optimally, enabling seamless communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

However, spinal misalignments, also known as subluxations, can disrupt this essential communication. Subluxations occur when vertebrae are out of position, leading to nerve compression, pain, and reduced mobility. Left unaddressed, these misalignments can contribute to a range of health issues, from chronic pain to impaired organ function.

The Chiropractic Adjustment Process

Patient Consultation

The journey toward improved spinal health begins with a thorough consultation. Chiropractors gather a detailed patient history to understand symptoms, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. A physical examination follows, often supported by diagnostic tools like X-rays. These steps help pinpoint areas of misalignment and ensure a tailored treatment plan.

The Adjustment

Chiropractors use a variety of chiropractic adjustment types to correct spinal misalignments:

• Manual Manipulation: This traditional method involves hands-on adjustments, applying controlled force to specific vertebrae to restore proper alignment.
• Instrument-Assisted Adjustments: Tools like the Activator Method provide gentle, precise adjustments, making them suitable for patients who prefer less manual force.

These techniques aim to relieve nerve interference, reduce tension, and restore mobility, helping the body function as intended.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Benefit Your Health

Pain Relief

One of the most immediate benefits of chiropractic adjustments is pain relief. Misaligned vertebrae can cause discomfort not just in the spine but also in areas like the neck, shoulders, and hips. By addressing the root cause of the pain, chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free solution.

Improved spinal alignment also helps reduce inflammation, which is often a key contributor to chronic pain. Additionally, relieving tension in surrounding muscles can ease discomfort and improve posture, further reducing strain on the body.

Improved Function

Chiropractic adjustments can significantly enhance physical function. By correcting spinal misalignments, patients often experience increased range of motion and flexibility. This can be especially beneficial for athletes, as improved spinal alignment contributes to better coordination and overall performance.

Even for non-athletes, maintaining proper alignment supports everyday activities, from bending and lifting to walking and standing. Regular adjustments can help prevent injuries and promote long-term spinal health.

Boosted Immune System

The nervous system and immune system are intricately connected. Misalignments in the spine can hinder nerve signals, potentially weakening the immune response. Chiropractic adjustments help restore nerve function, allowing the body to fight off infections more effectively.

By optimizing the communication between the brain and the immune system, chiropractic care may support overall health and resilience against illness.

Reduced Stress

Chiropractic care not only addresses physical issues but also contributes to mental well-being. Misalignments in the spine can cause discomfort and tension, which may exacerbate stress and anxiety. Adjustments help release this tension, promoting relaxation and a sense of balance.

Improved spinal alignment also supports better sleep, as the body can rest more comfortably without the strain caused by misalignments. Together, these benefits contribute to a calmer, more focused mind.

Unlock Better Health with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments are a powerful tool for improving spinal health and overall well-being. By addressing misalignments, these techniques help alleviate pain, enhance physical function, boost the immune system, and reduce stress. Whether you’re seeking relief from discomfort or striving to optimize your health, chiropractic practices offer a holistic, non-invasive solution to help you feel your best.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of chiropractic adjustments, contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward improved health and well-being.

Chiropractic care is a popular form of healthcare focused on spinal health and overall well-being. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to adjust the spine and improve the nervous system’s function. In this article, we will explore the different chiropractic adjustments that can help alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and promote better overall health.

Spinal Manipulation

Spinal manipulation is the most common and widely recognized chiropractic adjustment type. This technique involves applying controlled force to specific spinal joints with the goal of improving spinal function and reducing pain. Chiropractors use their hands to deliver a quick, precise thrust to the targeted area of the spine. This type of adjustment is particularly effective in relieving lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches.

The main benefit of spinal manipulation is its ability to improve mobility and reduce inflammation, which in turn provides pain relief. It helps align the spine and encourages better posture. Many patients find immediate relief from discomfort and notice long-term improvements in their flexibility and overall quality of life.

Flexion-Distraction

The flexion-distraction technique is a gentle form of chiropractic adjustment that involves stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the discs and nerves. This method uses a special table designed to help gently flex the spine while applying a controlled, rhythmic distraction. It is particularly effective for treating herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other conditions that cause lower back pain.

By gradually stretching the spine, flexion-distraction helps reduce the compression on the vertebrae and relieves nerve impingement. This technique can also enhance blood flow to the affected areas, promoting healing. Many patients seek lower back pain quick relief through flexion-distraction, as it provides immediate relief from pressure and discomfort while encouraging long-term healing.

Activator Method

The Activator Method uses a handheld instrument that delivers precise, low-force adjustments to specific areas of the spine. This technique is ideal for patients who may be sensitive to manual adjustments or prefer a gentler approach to chiropractic adjustments. The handheld tool allows the chiropractor to apply controlled, targeted force to the spine or joints, including the cervical spine, offering effective chiropractic neck adjustment for those suffering from neck pain.

One of the significant benefits of the Activator Method is its ability to reduce pain and improve joint function without the need for more forceful techniques. This method is effective for a wide range of conditions, including neck pain, back pain, and joint dysfunction. Patients who prefer a gentle, yet effective, treatment often find the Activator Method to be a great option for managing chronic discomfort.

Thompson Technique

The Thompson Technique is a specific chiropractic adjustment that uses a combination of precise manual manipulation and a special drop table. The table has segments that drop slightly when a thrust is applied, helping to enhance the adjustment’s effectiveness. This technique is commonly used to address issues related to sciatica, neck pain, and even headaches. For patients experiencing sciatica, visiting a chiropractor for sciatica can help realign the spine and relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving mobility.

In the Thompson Technique, a chiropractor delivers a short, quick thrust to specific spinal joints, which helps realign the vertebrae and relieve pressure on the nerves. This technique is known for its ability to deliver a powerful, targeted adjustment without causing discomfort to the patient. It’s especially helpful for individuals who experience chronic pain or sciatica, as it can alleviate pressure on the sciatic nerve and restore proper spinal alignment.

Gonstead Technique

The Gonstead Technique is a method of chiropractic adjustment that focuses on thoroughly analyzing the spine’s structure and function before delivering any adjustments. Chiropractors using this technique perform detailed evaluations of the spine, including visual and physical assessments, to identify misalignments that may be causing discomfort or dysfunction.

Once the problem areas are identified, the chiropractor uses precise, manual adjustments to correct spinal misalignments and restore proper function. This technique is especially effective for conditions such as scoliosis, chronic pain, and postural imbalances. The Gonstead Technique emphasizes accuracy and careful analysis, providing patients with a comprehensive approach to spinal health and overall well-being.

Applied Kinesiology

Applied Kinesiology is a unique technique that combines traditional chiropractic care with muscle testing. The goal is to identify and correct physical imbalances that could be affecting the body’s overall function. Chiropractors use muscle testing to assess the strength and function of different muscles in the body, determining which areas are under stress or weakness.

Once these imbalances are identified, specific chiropractic adjustments are applied to address the root causes. The benefits of Applied Kinesiology include better muscle function, improved posture, and overall health optimization. It is a holistic approach to chiropractic care that can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, from musculoskeletal issues to general health concerns.

Understanding Different Chiropractic Adjustment Types and Benefits

Chiropractic care offers a variety of techniques that can provide relief from pain, improve mobility, and promote overall health. Each method is tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain or seeking quick relief for lower back pain, there are numerous options available to help you feel your best. To learn more about the chiropractic adjustment types that could benefit you, contact us today.

Chiropractic care focuses on maintaining spinal health and addressing misalignments that can cause a variety of health issues. The practice is growing in popularity as more people seek natural, non-invasive methods to manage pain and improve their overall well-being. 

In this blog, we will explore the many chiropractic adjustments benefits. We are highlighting how they can provide pain relief, improve posture, increase flexibility, boost the immune system, and even support mental health. We will also look at the research that supports these claims and how chiropractic adjustments can help you live a healthier, more balanced life.

Here’s the revised Pain Relief section with the specified keyword and a bullet-point list of the benefits:

Pain Relief

Misalignments in the spine can cause a variety of painful conditions. When the vertebrae are out of alignment, they can place undue pressure on the nerves, muscles, and tissues in the surrounding areas. This pressure may lead to discomfort in the neck, back, joints, or even headaches. Over time, spinal misalignments can contribute to chronic pain that limits mobility and affects daily life.

Chiropractic adjustments benefits provide effective relief by realigning the spine, which alleviates pressure on the nerves and surrounding tissues. By restoring balance and proper alignment, chiropractic care helps reduce inflammation and discomfort throughout the body. This non-invasive approach is especially beneficial for those seeking pain management without relying on medications.

Some of the key pain relief benefits of chiropractic adjustments include:

• Reduction in neck and back pain: Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, relieving pressure on the affected areas.
• Headache relief: Chiropractic care can reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches and migraines.
• Joint pain relief: By restoring joint mobility, chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain in the arms, legs, and hips.
• Sciatica relief: Chiropractic care can alleviate the pain associated with sciatic nerve compression, often caused by spinal misalignments.
• Improved posture: Regular adjustments can help correct postural issues that contribute to discomfort and pain.

Improved Posture

Spinal health is closely linked to good posture. Misalignments in the spine can cause the body to compensate, leading to poor posture. This can result in pain, fatigue, and long-term issues such as chronic back discomfort.

Chiropractic adjustments help correct these misalignments by using various chiropractic adjustment types to realign the spine. Techniques like spinal manipulations target specific areas to restore proper alignment and improve posture.

By improving posture, chiropractic care can reduce back and neck pain, decrease muscle strain, and increase energy levels. Proper spinal alignment also helps prevent long-term joint wear and tear, contributing to better overall health and comfort.

Increased Range of Motion

Spinal misalignments can cause stiffness and restrict movement by affecting the joints and surrounding muscles. When the vertebrae are misaligned, they create tension that limits flexibility, making daily activities or exercise more difficult.

Chiropractic adjustments help to restore proper alignment in the spine, improving joint function and increasing the range of motion. By reducing tension and inflammation, these adjustments allow the joints to move more freely. One of the long term benefits of chiropractic adjustments is enhanced joint mobility, which leads to better flexibility and movement over time.

Enhanced Nervous System Function

The spine plays a vital role in protecting the nervous system, as it houses the spinal cord, which transmits signals between the brain and the body. Misalignments in the spine can put pressure on the nerves, disrupting communication and impacting overall health.

Proper spinal alignment helps relieve nerve pressure and optimize nervous system function. This can lead to:

• Improved communication between the brain and body.
• Reduced nerve irritation, improving physical function.
• Enhanced organ performance through better nerve transmission.

By restoring spinal alignment, the nervous system can function at its highest potential, promoting overall well-being and improving overall health.

Boosted Immune System

The nervous system and immune system are closely linked, with the spine playing a crucial role in maintaining this connection. The nervous system controls the body’s immune response, and spinal misalignments can disrupt nerve signals, impairing immune function.

By correcting spinal misalignments, nerve pressure is relieved, allowing the immune system to function more efficiently. Improved nerve flow helps the body better fight infections and manage inflammation. This support for immune function is one of the key benefits of spinal care, helping to enhance overall health and prevent illness.

Reduced Stress and Anxiety

Spinal misalignments can contribute to stress and anxiety by disrupting nervous system function. Misalignments can trigger the body’s stress response, leading to muscle tension, headaches, and heightened anxiety.

Correcting these misalignments helps restore nervous system balance, reducing stress hormones and promoting relaxation. By activating the parasympathetic nervous system, chiropractic care can shift the body from stress to a more relaxed state, easing muscle tension and anxiety. Regular chiropractic visits also improve sleep quality, which further helps in managing stress and anxiety.

Improved Sleep Quality

Spinal health significantly impacts sleep quality. When the spine is misaligned, it can interfere with the nervous system, disrupting sleep cycles and causing discomfort, particularly in the neck and back. Poor spinal alignment can lead to muscle tension and pain, which often results in trouble finding a comfortable sleeping position.

Chiropractic adjustments help by realigning the spine, reducing pain, and improving nervous system function, which supports better sleep. By relieving nerve interference and promoting relaxation, chiropractic care can address the root causes of sleep disorders. Many patients report improved sleep quality after regular chiropractic sessions.

Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can improve sleep quality by alleviating musculoskeletal pain, reducing stress, and promoting relaxation. Studies suggest that correcting spinal misalignments can help people sleep better and wake up feeling more refreshed. 

Key Takeaways on Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments offer a holistic approach to improving spinal health, reducing pain, and promoting overall well-being. They can enhance posture, mobility, and sleep quality, while reducing stress. If you’re dealing with pain or sleep issues, chiropractic care can help. Contact us today to learn more about how chiropractic care can improve your health and quality of life.

 

During pregnancy, your body undergoes many changes to help your baby develop and grow properly until he or she is ready to come into the world. Though swollen feet, raging hormones, aches, and pain are common experiences during pregnancy that doesn’t mean there is no relief.

Chiropractic care involves adjusting misaligned vertebrae or joints within the body to reduce the stress placed on the nerves, soft tissues, and muscles surrounding the area. By alleviating pressure and restoring proper alignment, your body can function optimally and work more efficiently to ensure your health. This article will discuss the benefits pregnant women can receive by undergoing chiropractic care during pregnancy.

Chiropractic Care and Pregnancy

We understand that many have concerns about whether chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy. First and foremost, it is always best to ask your doctor and OB-GYN or health professional if chiropractor care is right for you. He or she may have specific reasons for you refraining from chiropractic care or have a list of chiropractors in your area they recommend.

With chiropractic care, no medication or surgery is involved, instead, physical manipulation is used to restore proper alignment within the body and relieve pain and tension within the body. By restoring proper alignment, your body’s systems can function optimally and help to promote health throughout your body. In the case of pregnant women, though all chiropractors receive training related to caring for pregnant women, some also specialize in prenatal or postnatal care and undergo additional training.

As pregnant women have enlarged bellies, chiropractors use adjustable tables to allow for better patient comfort and refrain from using techniques that may place additional pressure on the abdomen to keep you and your baby safe. We can also recommend a variety of exercises and stretches that are safe and beneficial during pregnancy.

The Benefits

As mentioned above, the body undergoes several significant changes in preparation for your baby’s arrival. An enlarged abdomen, increased back curve, pelvic changes, and changes in posture can all place stress on your body, especially the spine, and lead to misaligned joints or vertebrae.

The change in your center of gravity can make it difficult to stand, sit, or sleep comfortably. You may sleep in an unhealthy position for the sake of comfort, which can lead to damaged joints or a misaligned spine that can linger long after your baby’s delivery. Also, if the pelvis is out of alignment, this can limit your baby’s space and may make it difficult for the baby to move into the best position for labor. By establishing pelvic balance and alignment throughout the rest of the body, your nervous system can work more efficiently including your reproductive system. With regular chiropractic care during pregnancy, you can expect a more comfortable pregnancy, pain relief, and better control over symptoms of nausea.

Though morning sickness, aching feet, and peculiar cravings are a part of the experience, you don’t have to be in pain or uncomfortable throughout your pregnancy. If you are interested in finding out how chiropractic care can help you during pregnancy or to schedule a consultation, contact Tuck Chiropractic today.

Chiropractic care can be an excellent alternative treatment option for aches and pain throughout the body. Every year, over 20 million Americans visit chiropractors across the nation for various ailments. If you have been injured recently or experience frequent pain in your lower back, you may be considering visiting a chiropractor and wondering about whether your health insurance covers chiropractic care.

Does my insurance cover chiropractic care?

As stated above, seeking chiropractic care is fairly common. Fortunately, most insurance companies cover chiropractic care but do require a co-payment.

Chiropractic care is included in most health insurance plans, including major medical plans such as workers’ compensation, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare. It is often also made available to all active-duty members of the armed forces, eligible veterans, and federal employees.

It is important to note that though these companies cover chiropractic care, their coverage may be limited and come with certain restrictions including:

• A referral from your primary care physician stating that care is medically necessary
• A cap on how many times you can receive treatment within a month or year
• They may make you use in-network or approved chiropractors
• They may require your doctor to create an active care plan and follow it

Most insurance plans will only cover your short-term care during recovery and will not pay for maintenance visits or long-term care plans.

Due to the unique nature of health insurance and state mandates, we always recommend patients check with their insurance company and specific health plans as each will have different requirements, limits to care, and levels of coverage.

Deductibles

Some policies require that you meet your deductible, or a minimum dollar amount before your benefits will kick in. If your insurance does cover chiropractic treatment and you’ve met their specific requirements, you can expect to pay a portion of the cost of treatment, assuming you’ve met your deductible. If you haven’t met your deductible, you will have to pay the full price until you’ve met the minimum dollar amount for your policy.

Deductibles often reset on January 1st, so if you have met your deductible and are still needing treatment, now is the time to receive care to avoid having to begin paying toward your deductible again after the new year.

Why doesn’t health insurance cover maintenance care?

Coverage is often provided when care is part of an active treatment plan, meaning you are receiving care to treat a specific injury and that the treatment is currently improving your condition and symptoms. When significant treatment can no longer be expected from the care, treatment then becomes supportive rather than corrective, becoming maintenance care. Since most insurance companies only cover care for medically necessary treatments, maintenance care is not considered covered and therefore not payable.

What can I do if my health insurance doesn’t cover my care?

If your insurance doesn’t cover your health plan involving chiropractic care, talk to your doctor to see if they can help. They may be able to reach out to your insurance company on your behalf and explain their referral. You can also reach out to the company yourself and explain your story to them. If they do not cover your care, you may have to pay out of pocket for chiropractic care. Remember to discuss payment plans or other discounts you may be eligible for at our office during your consultation. Another option for those whose insurance doesn’t fully cover chiropractic care is supplemental coverage which can be used in addition to the healthcare you currently have.

Our team is always looking for new ways to help our patients receive quality and affordable chiropractic care. Whether you need an exam for an injury, rehabilitation services, or treatment for a chronic condition, we are here for you and happy to schedule an appointment to get the care you need. For more information on our services and how we can help you, please contact Tuck Chiropractic.

Getting enough sleep at night is vital to helping us make it through the next day. As you sleep, your body uses the time to rejuvenate itself, allowing you to feel well-rested in the morning. Having trouble sleeping is one of the most common complaints in adults. As a society, we get far less sleep than we need. This can result in excessive fatigue, poor concentration, and other negative side effects. Though you may not look to a chiropractor for sleep improvement, many patients report immediate sleep improvement after just a single adjustment. What’s even better is that sleep quality tends to improve even more with subsequent treatments.

Benefits of Quality Sleep

People aren’t commonly educated about the benefits and importance of quality sleep. Sleep can have a major impact on your health and overall quality of life as it is instrumental in maintaining a healthy immune system. During our deepest periods of sleep, our body is repaired and rejuvenated. Getting a consistent good night’s rest can lead to a decrease in depression and anxiety, reduction of chronic inflammation, and lower stress levels as well as lowering the risk for heart disease and other illnesses.

Side Effects of Poor Sleep

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body can struggle beyond just being a little drowsy or cranky the following day. Some consequences of chronic sleep deprivation may include:

• Weight gain
• Memory problems
• Poor motor control
• Difficulty focusing
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
• Mood swings
• Accelerated aging

We Are Here For You

Sleep issues are rarely an independent occurrence. Though chiropractors are not sleep experts, chiropractors can correct any misalignments that may be keeping you awake at night while restoring proper nerve function throughout the body to reduce any tension or restlessness. Not only can they diagnose and treat any misalignments, but chiropractors can also offer lifestyle recommendations to help you improve your quality of sleep.

How can you improve your quality of sleep tonight? Here are some suggestions to help you get a better night’s rest tonight:

Sleep Position

Many people don’t realize that how you fall asleep and what positions you might find yourself in during the night can affect your quality of sleep. Certain positions can put pressure and strain on parts of your body making you feel restless at night and stiff in the morning. Sleeping on your back or side can help you maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep. Remember to keep your neck and spine aligned with the right number of pillows. Adding pillows between your legs or under the small of your back can also help to reduce stress on the spine while you sleep.

Check Your Mattress

If you have a stiff mattress or one that is too soft, you may have some sleepless nights. Softer mattresses can sag and allow the spine to shift creating strain, while a firm mattress can make your body ache with pressure applied to your joints. Search for mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows that will support your body. Good pillows should keep your head and neck in place while sleeping.

Relax Before Bed

Avoid all electronic devices at least one hour before going to bed. Instead spend the hour winding down with mediation, reading a book, or listening to soft music. Even though exercising regularly is beneficial to helping you sleep better, do not exercise before bed as it will raise your heart rate and make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Restrain from consuming any caffeine or eating a large meal before going to bed.

Create a Restful Environment

Darken the room with blackout curtains or blinds and remove any night lights that may keep you from falling asleep. Close your door and use a white noise machine to reduce any distractions that may keep your mind awake as you try to wind down. Lowering the temperature can also help to provide you with restful slumber.

Make a Schedule

Adults should get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Make a sleep schedule and stick to it. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help your body establish a routine and help you function at your best.

Regular chiropractic care can resolve several problems that may be preventing you from getting the sleep you need. For more information on how chiropractic care can improve your quality of sleep, contact Tuck Chiropractic today.

Tuck Chiropractic doctors are, first and foremost, focused on the health and well-being of our patients, doctors, and staff.

We want to assure you that we are following health and safety guidelines, as prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local public health departments. We are keeping our employees and patients safe and securing a healthy environment by:

• Screening the health of our employees and patients
• Actively encouraging sick employees to stay home
• Deep cleaning and disinfecting our business including high-touch surfaces

We are available to see patients who are at low-risk, healthy, and not experiencing any flu-like symptoms. We recommend patients follow guidelines issued by the CDC, and if you are feeling unwell, please take steps to safeguard others and remain at home.

We will continue to monitor updates regarding the virus while maintaining the level of patient-center care our patients expect.

Resources:

Follow the links below to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Steps to Prevent Illness
• Symptoms
• What To Do If You Are Sick
• Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Follow the links below to the World Health Organization:

Has your back been bothering you? Do you have a crick in your neck? These are the kind of medical problems many people think of when they hear the word “chiropractor.”
Of course we at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic are specialists in the treatment of back pain and do offer help for ailments like neck pain, but many people don’t realize the wide variety of treatments a chiropractor can provide. In addition to spinal manipulation, or adjustment of the spine, modern chiropractic care can include:

• Nutritional counseling
• Manipulative therapies
• Postural advice
• Exercise education
• Sports injury treatment
• Ergonomic training
• Laser and ultrasound therapies

We often collaborate with primary care doctors, pain specialists, and surgeons to treat our patients. If you’ve always been treated by a traditional doctor and aren’t familiar with chiropractic, you may be wondering just how safe chiropractic treatment is.

Research on Chiropractic

According to a 2015 article released by Harvard Health Publications at Harvard Medical School, research for chiropractic treatment is typically centered on spinal manipulation for back pain. But, other studies have focused on chiropractic care for other problems, including headaches, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even asthma. A recent review concluded that chiropractic spinal manipulation may be helpful for migraine, neck and back pain, as well as whiplash. And according to a 2012 study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, “a growing body of randomized controlled trials provides evidence of the effectiveness and safety of manual therapies.”

Chiropractic Versus Painkillers

The question of chiropractic’s safety goes hand-in-hand with questions of its effectiveness. This is an especially important point when you’re comparing chiropractic care to the use of opioid painkillers.
The increase in opioid abuse and addiction has been a concern for many doctors. The number of opioid prescriptions nearly tripled between 1991 and 2011 and the number of overdoses on painkillers increased along with it. More than 16,000 deaths caused by opioid overdose were reported in 2012. The number of hospitalizations related to painkillers also has increased: In 2010 there were four times as many as in 2007.
With so many concerns about the safety and effectiveness of painkillers, many are looking at other, safer options — like chiropractic. A study in the May 1, 2012, issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine showed that patients suffering from acute neck pain did better with chiropractic adjustments and showed a significant advantage over medication after eight, 12, 26, and 52-week follow-up appointments.

Does Chiropractic Cause Strokes?

Some opponents of chiropractic care have asserted that it causes strokes. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) issued a report in 2015 stating that chiropractic care is unlikely to cause stroke. The results of the study, which reviewed 1.1 million Medicare claims from 2006 through 2008, concluded that the rate of stroke is extremely small for seniors under chiropractic care, and spinal manipulation is unlikely to cause stroke in patients with neck pain.

Do Chiropractic Adjustments Cause Injury?

Injuries caused by chiropractic adjustments are also extremely rare. A 1993 study published in the Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association found 13 documented cerebrovascular accidents occurring in chiropractic patients over a five-year period when some 50 million cervical adjustments were performed. The researchers concluded that the reasonable estimate of injury is very low: Less than one per 3 million neck adjustments. That means it’s a thousand times more likely to get struck by lightning than injured by a chiropractic adjustment.
 

A Safer Alternative

The ultimate goals of chiropractic care are to promote general health, help relieve pain, and help patients better manage their conditions without the use of medication or surgery. While the results of these and other studies are no surprise to the chiropractic community, they serve to further educate the public about the many tools a chiropractor possesses that can help patients.
Chiropractic treatment – from an experienced and trusted doctor of chiropractic – is an extremely safe healthcare option, especially when considering the alternatives: medication or surgery.
Many of the doctors here at Tuck Chiropractic Clinic began practicing chiropractic treatment because they saw that lasting results — living with more freedom and less pain — could be accomplished so safely for our patients — without surgical intervention.
Need help? Contact us to schedule a consultation.