Shoulder pain is an issue that affects between four and 26% of people in the U.S. every year. This highly mobile part of the body consists of multiple joints that are responsible for everything from lifting our arms over our heads to hugging our loved ones. If you are considering visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain, here’s what you need to know (and how it can help!).

The most common shoulder pain causes

Your shoulder joint – also referred to as the shoulder girdle – is a highly complex, incredibly mobile structure. It consists of two main joints (four joints total):

1. Acromioclavicular joint: The place where the clavicle (collarbone) and the shoulder blade (scapula) meet in the back of the body
2. Glenohumeral joint: What most people consider the shoulder, the area where the humerus (the upper arm bone) inserts into the socket of the shoulder (the glenoid cavity)

These two joints are surrounded by a complex configuration of muscles, ligaments, and tendons, including the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff includes four muscles: the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and the subscapularis. These muscles not only help keep the humerus nestled into the glenoid cavity, but also help you to raise your arms above your head.

Tendons attach muscles to bones, and ligaments connect muscles to each other, allowing for smooth movement. The shoulder joint capsule itself is lined with labrum, a soft tissue that molds to fit the head of the humerus. The glenohumeral joint also has bursa, a fluid-filled sack that eases movement and absorbs shock.

Finally, the nerves of your shoulder all pass through the armpit in a large complex called the brachial plexus. These nerves are responsible for all movement and pain signaling in the arms, hands, and shoulder.

Shoulder pain can occur at any time, sometimes worsening at night as the joint stiffens. Pain may feel like a dull ache or burning inside of the shoulder joint. Others may feel a sharp pain when moving in several different areas that could include the shoulder, the middle back between the shoulder blades, the neck, and the arm.

What causes shoulder pain?

Because of the complexity of the shoulder joint, there are a variety of shoulder pain causes. Here are eight of the most common. Understanding these major causes can help you understand which ones are most effectively treated by a chiropractor for shoulder pain.

1. Frozen shoulder

Also referred to as adhesive capsulitis, frozen shoulder is a condition when the connective tissue in the shoulder becomes thick and tightens around the shoulder joint.

This condition is most common after an injury that restricts shoulder movement for a period of time.

2. Dislocated shoulder

Dislocated shoulder is an unfortunately common contact sports injury. The humerus pops out of the glenoid cavity. This can cause initial pain, but it can also be accompanied by numbness if nerves are affected.

Unfortunately, a shoulder that dislocates once is at risk for repeated dislocations.

3. Pinched nerve

If there are mechanical issues in your neck or in the shoulder joint itself, these may result in pinched or impinged nerves.

This pressure on any nerve, either the main branching one or smaller nerves that emanate from it, can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands, arms, and shoulder.

4. Rotator cuff injury

Ranging from minor irritation to a full-on tear, a rotator cuff injury can be caused by a slow deterioration of the muscles due to mechanical use, or it can occur with sudden trauma (e.g., as a result of a car accident).

Rotator cuff injuries are among the most common types of shoulder pain.

5. Arthritis

A conservative estimate of those affected by arthritis in the U.S. is 54 million adults. This can be a wear-and-tear condition like osteoarthritis, or it may be related to an autoimmune disorder like rheumatoid arthritis.

Regardless of the cause, arthritis can cause inflammation and pain in your shoulder that restricts movement and decreases your shoulder’s range of motion.

6. Shoulder bursitis

When the fluid-filled shoulder capsule becomes irritated or inflamed, you may develop shoulder bursitis. This condition occurs most frequently where the humerus connects in the glenoid cavity.

Bursitis pain can increase to the point where movement of your shoulder becomes nearly impossible. This restricted range of motion may also lead to frozen shoulder.

7. Tendonitis

Shoulder tendonitis is a specific type of inflammation and irritation in either the biceps or rotator cuff tendons. This is often experienced by people who have occupations with repetitive motions, or in professional athletes who repeat the same motion in the course of practice or play.

Tendon injuries are notoriously painful and slow-healing.

8. Injury (strains and sprains)

Injury to the shoulder is a common cause of shoulder pain. Working hard in the garden, playing too enthusiastically in your weekend pick-up basketball game, or lifting something heavy during a move can all cause shoulder pain.

How can a chiropractor for shoulder pain help?

Fortunately, chiropractic care for shoulder pain can be an effective, side-effect-free way to address many of the above conditions. Consider the following.

• A 2012 study of frozen shoulder saw 82% of cases either completely resolved or at least 75% resolved with care
• Chiropractic adjustment for shoulder impingement can be effective to relieve pain, weakness, and numbness in the extremities
• In cases where a shoulder dislocation becomes recurring shoulder instability, seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain can help reduce the chance of recurring shoulder dislocation
• Chiropractic for rotator cuff pain is a conservative pain management and rehabilitation strategy that has some good evidence of effectiveness

Seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain is an excellent way to explore conservative treatment options to improve range of motion and treat pain.

How does chiropractic care work?

Your chiropractor focuses on the skeleton and the way it aligns to help move the body through its daily tasks. By performing a variety of specific adjustments, both for overall alignment and to treat an acute condition, your chiropractor can help relieve pain caused by imbalance or injury to your skeleton.

In addition to being an effective alternative to more invasive treatments of shoulder pain, chiropractic care has few to no side effects and does not interact negatively with other treatments. Most chiropractors work with your other healthcare providers to coordinate their care for the best possible outcomes.

Chiropractic techniques

When treating shoulder pain, your chiropractor will design a treatment that may consist of hands-on adjustments or adjustments using specials tools or tables. The most common types of chiropractic adjustments for shoulder injuries in particular include the following.

• Articulatory: This type of chiropractic technique focuses on improving the range of motion in a specific joint – in this case, the shoulder joint. During your session, your chiropractor will move the joint through its existing range of motion while applying force to gradually increase it and improve shoulder mobility.
• Myofascial release: Myofascial release focuses on releasing tight connective tissues around the shoulder. These could be causing or contributing to frozen shoulder and other painful conditions that decrease your shoulder’s range of motion.
• Cervical spinal manipulation: The cervical spine can cause referred shoulder pain. Cervical spinal manipulation focuses on balancing the cervical vertebrae to decrease pain from pinched nerves.
• Functional technique: Functional technique is also used to improve a joint’s range of motion and decrease stiffness. Your chiropractor moves the shoulder to the end of its range of motion and then holds it there until they feel a release. Over time, this gentle pressure can loosen the joint capsule and relieve your stiffness.

In addition to the above techniques, your chiropractor may also use the direct thrust technique. While not specifically aimed at shoulder injury or other conditions, this technique uses a short, swift movement to bring the spine back into alignment. As chiropractors consider the whole skeletal system when designing a treatment plan, this type of chiropractic adjustment may be necessary to fully balance your body.

You can learn a bit more about different techniques in the following video.

What can I expect when visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain?

Your first visit to the chiropractor starts by them taking a complete medical history and conducting a physical exam. If you are visiting a chiropractor for shoulder pain, they will move the joint through its range of motion and try to determine the area that is out of alignment.

To help with this, your chiropractor may order X-rays to determine if there are any other underlying issues before proceeding with treatment.

Your comfort is important during this whole process. There will be ample time to get all of your questions answered in your initial consultation. If you have never received chiropractic care before, your doctor will take the time to make sure you understand the techniques they plan to use before they begin.

Does chiropractic care hurt?

Many first-time patients are most concerned about pain when receiving an adjustment. After all, they may have only heard rumors about “back cracking,” a misnomer that nevertheless does not sound pleasant!

The truth is that patients rarely, if ever, experience discomfort when receiving chiropractic care. You may feel pressure when your doctor is using articulatory or functional techniques, but the goal is not to cause pain but to relieve it.

Some patients may experience mild muscle soreness after treatment. This generally occurs when you involuntarily clench your muscles in anticipation of movement and should be minor and temporary.

The best way to ensure a pain-free adjustment is to follow your doctor’s instructions during your appointment, breathing in and out and consciously relaxing.

How quickly will I feel better after?

As a general rule, it takes between one and four weeks to see improvements in your condition. This time frame for pain relief varies widely depending on the following:

• The condition treated
• How often you come for treatment
• Other underlying health conditions
• General overall health at the start of treatment
• Compliance with other treatment (e.g., physical therapy)

All that being said, some patients experience relief from pain after just one treatment. Your doctor can answer all of your questions concerning your specific treatment timelines and expectations for relief at your initial appointment.

Are there any side effects?

The research is in: side effects of chiropractic care are described as “rare and benign.” These rare and benign side effects may include:

• Discomfort in the treatment area
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea

It’s important to note that when these side effects are present, they generally occur at the very beginning of treatment and are less common as treatments continue.

Finally, while driving yourself to and from your chiropractic treatments is generally safe, it’s important to talk with your doctor about your concerns. Still not sure? Get a ride to your first appointment and see how you feel after.

Learn more

Seeing a chiropractor for shoulder pain is just one aspect of a comprehensive pain management plan. At Arizona Pain, we can develop individualized treatment options just for you.

Get in touch today!

Knee pain affects one-third of people in the U.S. every year. It’s the second most common cause of chronic pain! Unfortunately, it makes sense. This weight-bearing joint is crucial to helping us move about our daily lives. Whether you are looking to explore long-distance hiking or just run a few errands pain-free, here’s how seeing a chiropractor for knee pain can help.

How does chiropractic care for knee pain work?

Chiropractic care may have a reputation for cracking backs and popping necks and shoulders, but it goes well beyond that stereotype. Yes, the focus of chiropractic care is on alignment, but it’s specifically interested in both alignment and function. Chiropractic techniques for knee pain focus on the health of the joint itself, ensuring proper function.

This is important because your knee is a complex joint.

The knee joins four bones: the femur, the tibia, the fibula, and the patella. Supporting those bones are the quadriceps in the front of the knee and the hamstrings in the back. Ligaments and cartilage form an intricate network of connections that help stabilize the knee. These include the:

• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): Prevents the femur from moving backwards onto the tibia
• Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL): Prevents the femur from sliding forwards
• Medial and lateral collateral ligaments: Provides support inside and outside of the knee

The meniscus (lateral and medial) is tissue that provides ease of movement between the femur and the tibia. Another type of cartilage provides the same function behind the patella. Cushioning all of this are bursae, fluid-filled sacs that help with comfortable movement.

Chiropractors have over 150 techniques they can use to bring your joints back into alignment. Seeing a chiropractor for knee pain can address many of the issues we’ll discuss below.

More than that, chiropractors are looking at whole-body wellness. The knee may be where you feel pain, but that pain may just be a symptom of another issue in your body. The goal of chiropractic for knee pain is to not only help with the pain but to also heal the entire body.

What types of knee pain could benefit from chiropractic care?

Due to this complexity and the role they play in movement, our knees are vulnerable to injury and deterioration due to many wear-and-tear conditions. Some common causes of knee pain include:

• Dislocated kneecap
• Knee bursitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee)
• IT band syndrome
• Gout
• Loose or injured tissue or bone
• Tendinitis and tendinosis
• Torn meniscus
• Torn ACL
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Overuse (as occurs during long hikes or bike rides)

There are several types of knee pain that respond well to chiropractic care—and a few that don’t. Let’s look at these in more detail.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition that affects the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage of the knee. Over time, these structures begin to wear out, causing painful bone-on-bone contact. This wear can be increased by poor gait or inadequate footwear. If you are experiencing this type of knee pain, chiropractic care can help to stabilize and align the joint while increasing your range of motion for more comfort.

Research has shown that manual knee therapy helped significantly decrease knee pain while improving mobility.

Runner’s knee

You don’t need to be a runner to suffer from runner’s knee! This condition (also called patellofemoral pain syndrome) occurs when the bones in the knee aren’t lining up properly. This causes pain in the kneecap and a popping or clicking sound when you move.

Misalignment anywhere from the hips to the ankles can cause the knees to be misaligned, so it can be a good type of pain to treat with chiropractic care.

Tears to ligaments and tissues

Since chiropractic care for knee pain does not just focus on the pain symptom alone, tears to ligaments and tissues in the knee often benefit from it.

While research on specific types of tears and strains is limited, many chiropractic patients report they are able to avoid more invasive surgery to treat these conditions or refer patients to the appropriate specialist.

Referred pain

In some cases, knee pain does not actually originate in your knee. Pain that is caused elsewhere in the body is called “referred pain.”

The most common type of referred pain is either caused by compression of the sciatic nerve in your lower back or by injury or damage in the sacroiliac joint. Even injuries to the cervical spine can cause pain in the knees.

Chiropractic care for knee pain that is referred can help resolve not only that pain but also pain elsewhere in the body.

What conditions should not be treated with chiropractic care?

It’s important to note that chiropractic care for knee pain is not recommended when your pain is inflammatory in nature.

For example, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and an active flare-up of knee inflammation should not be treated with chiropractic techniques. Talk to your chiropractor about the best specialist in these cases.

What does a chiropractor for knee pain do?

Chiropractors are interested in locating where the structure of the body is off and causing pain in its function.

Below are some of the basic services they provide in their office, plus an overview of chiropractic exercises for knee pain that you can do at home.

Chiropractic techniques for knee pain

As chiropractors look at the whole body, some of the chiropractic techniques for knee pain may start far away from the knee.

They may start with the spine, making sure you are aligned using different types of chiropractic adjustments. The most common type, direct thrust, is also the most well-known. This technique is what gives chiropractic its “back-cracking” reputation. While this technique is not appropriate for knees, it can be a good place to start for referred pain conditions.

Instead, more specific chiropractic joint adjustments include:

• Articulatory: A slow movement through the joint’s range of motion
• Myofascial release: Pressure applied to stiff areas and then released to help free up tightness
• Functional technique: When the joint reaches the end of its range of motion, gentle pressure is applied until it releases

Your treatment will be customized to your specific type of pain and what your chiropractor finds during your initial consultation.

Chiropractic exercises for knee pain

Chiropractic exercises for knee pain focus on strengthening the muscles above and below the knee while working to increase range of motion.

They might include:

• Full or half squats
• Calf raises
• Seated quadriceps lift, with or without weight
• Heel and calf stretches
• Side leg raises (with or without a resistance band)

Your pain and underlying condition are as unique as you are. Always work with your doctor or chiropractor before attempting any of these exercises. They’ll help determine which will best support your healing.

Beyond chiropractic

Chiropractic techniques for knee pain go beyond the adjustments and treatments described above.

Many chiropractors will also work with you to design a comprehensive treatment plan that includes nutritional guidance and supplementation that supports total body wellness. They can also refer you to other specialists for care.

What can I expect during my chiropractor appointment?

Your first session with your chiropractor will most likely be your longest. During this visit, your chiropractor will take a detailed medical history. This will include not only your current pain condition but also any previous injuries or health issues.

After giving your medical history, it’s time for your chiropractic exam. Your doctor will move your knee through its range of motion, checking for muscle strength, tone, and response. They will consult any imaging or other test results as well. You may also have other testing, such as a posture or gait analysis, before treatment begins.

The medical history, chiropractic exam, and additional evaluations are all used to design your treatment plan. This treatment plan details which adjustments you will receive, how often, and what other complementary treatments your chiropractor recommends.

You will then receive treatment. Most treatments will be conducted fully clothed. Wear loose pants to allow access to the knee. Your first visit may be an hour or more, but each subsequent treatment will be much shorter.

How many treatments will I have?

Depending on the condition, you may visit the chiropractor between one to three times a week in the acute phase, gradually tapering off as your body begins to realign and symptoms improve.

Many patients begin to see positive effects of chiropractic for knee pain after one to four weeks of treatment.

Recovery time

The recovery time after treatment is usually minimal. The majority of patients continue about their day with no stopping.

If you are new to chiropractic care, it makes sense to take it easy after treatment. Swap the intense workout for a more modest pace, and make sure to stay hydrated and eat healthy food to support overall wellness.

Side effects

There are very few side effects or risks of chiropractic care for knee pain. General soreness is most common.

Exceedingly rare but serious side effects can include worsening symptoms and a specific type of stroke (associated with cervical neck adjustments). Patients at risk of stroke, those with cancer of the spine, and anyone experiencing numbness, tingling, or reduced arm and length strength should not receive chiropractic care for knee pain.

Will it hurt?

Most chiropractic adjustments are completely pain-free. Some patients may feel tense, though, or may tense up during treatment. This may cause some discomfort in the beginning.

Your chiropractor can help you to relax with breathing techniques. It also helps if you understand what will be happening before it happens. For some, the unknown is what causes tension. Education can help! Ask your chiropractor any questions you have.

Other knee pain treatments

There are a variety of other knee pain treatments that can be helpful. Many of these are offered in conjunction with chiropractic care.

• Ice: One of the lowest-tech treatments, this standby helps with inflammation and pain
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy includes range-of-motion and strengthening exercises
• Braces: A knee brace provides additional support while treatment progresses
• New shoes and gait analysis: If your shoes aren’t supportive and your balance is off, new shoes for knee pain and a gait analysis can help
• TENS therapy: This therapy replaces pain with a mild buzzing sensation that can make it possible to proceed with other treatments (especially good for knee pain at night)
• Injections: A variety of knee pain injections are available to reduce pain and inflammation, especially during the initial rounds of therapy
• Nerve blocks: These may be necessary when a person has pain after knee replacement or if they suffer from severe osteoarthritis
• Spinal cord and peripheral nerve stimulation: These two treatments are more invasive than TENS therapy but can provide long-lasting relief for chronic, severe pain

Knee surgery is only indicated in serious cases when other conservative treatments have failed (or the injury must be repaired before rehabilitation).

Arizona Pain has many different ways to manage your knee pain. Our goal is to help you live a full life with less pain. If you are interested in exploring chiropractic care for knee pain (or have questions about our other treatment options), get in touch today.

Chiropractors may best be associated with spinal adjustments and the popping sound that many people’s bodies make as their musculoskeletal systems click back into proper alignment. That noise is actually the sound of pockets of gas released by the joints as they fall back into place. But the science of chiropractic dates back to the earliest days of civilization, making appearances in texts discovered from ancient Chinese and Greek civilizations. Today, chiropractic care ranks as the third largest health profession, surpassed only by medicine and dentistry. Here’s how chiropractic works and how it can help you.

How chiropractic works — the beginning

With 77,000 chiropractors practicing across the country, this rapidly expanding field offers thousands of patients hope for pain relief. Increasing numbers of everyday people are turning to this time-honored tradition, the same one used by every team in the National Football League to help its players recuperate from whiplash, muscles strains, and neck and low back pain, according to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

But, chiropractic care itself has existed since ancient times. Too many ignore these historic, effective traditions as fancy treatments and pharmaceutical interventions captured the public imagination over the past century.

Writings dating from 2700 B.C. and 1500 B.C. were uncovered in Greece and China that reference the use of chiropractic care. Later, Hippocrates, the famous Greek physician whose eponymous Hippocratic Oath all doctors take, famously wrote:

“Get knowledge of the spine, for this is the requisite for many diseases.”

Starting in the late 1800s, chiropractic care emerged in the U.S., pioneered by an Iowa doctor named Daniel David Palmer. Palmer founded the Palmer School of Chiropractic. This school lives on to today, steeping young doctors in the rich traditions of the practice.

During chiropractic school, students undergo four to five years of training. They spend at least 4,200 hours spent in the laboratory, classroom, and medical clinic. Before practicing, chiropractic doctors must pass a national board test along with any tests required on the state level. Each state also has its own licensing requirements. The depth and breadth of training confers chiropractors the ability to act as primary care providers, according to ACA.

Today, the harsh effects of harmful drugs and the reality that wellness comes from a healthy skeleton and lifestyle—not costly and dangerous drugs—is again taking hold. With it, the momentum builds for more natural, holistic, and effective treatments.

How chiropractic works — the approach

Chiropractors focus on the health and proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system. Many muscle and joint pains result when some component in this intricate system of muscles, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments falls out of place. Whether you’re a sports star or desk jockey, anybody’s musculoskeletal system may experience a disturbance resulting from daily activity.

Chiropractic medicine is based on the idea that a person’s overall health is linked to spinal alignment. The spine is not just a column of bones. It also houses the central nervous system. And, this affects the way a person processes pain.

All body parts are intricately connected. A misalignment in one area can influence misalignments, or even pain, in other, seemingly non-related parts of the body. Through spinal adjustments and manipulations, chiropractors help patients ensure their bodies are in optimal alignment, which encourages the free flow of muscles and bones. Without restriction in the musculoskeletal system, most patients experience a reduction in pain.

Benefits of chiropractic care

The chiropractic approach is medicine-free, minimally invasive, and holistic. The most common techniques used are spinal adjustments or manipulations, but chiropractors treat the whole person. They examine lifestyle choices like diet, stress, sleep, and physical activity levels. These factors influence a person’s experience of pain and the degree of healing that’s possible.

A spinal manipulation may reduce a patient’s pain, but helping that patient possibly lose weight or reduce stress, for example, will support continued health.

Studies show that patients who actively participate in their treatment experience better outcomes and reduced pain. Many patients with low back pain find chiropractic care is an effective way to manage discomfort and find improved quality of life.

Another benefit is that the practice is minimally invasive. Injured workers are 28% less to undergo spinal surgery if they visit a chiropractor before an MD, ACA reports.

With prescription drug abuse skyrocketing and the dangers of opioids increasingly well known, more patients are gravitating toward chiropractors and their minimally invasive, effective methods of treatment.

Chiropractic care for back pain

Back pain is a pervasive and serious issue, affecting up to 80% of people at some time during their lives, according to the ACA. At any given time, about 31 million U.S. adults experience back pain.

While back pain has many lifestyle risk factors, such as poor posture and sedentary living, studies have shown that chronic back pain is related to changes in pain processing, according to research published in The Journal of Pain. The study found that patients receiving spinal manipulation therapy experienced less sensitivity to pain, and researchers said the procedure holds promise as a clinical treatment.

Another study published in The Spine Journal examined the benefits of spinal manipulation in patients with acute back pain and found the chiropractic technique outperformed other treatment methods like medication or exercise.

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability and costs associated with treating it are estimated at $194 billion annually, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Studies show that chiropractors can alleviate some of that cost burden, with patients spending up to 20% less when they visit a chiropractor first instead of an MD, according to ACA.

Chiropractors, instead of prescribing drugs or invasive procedures, seek to understand pain conditions from musculoskeletal origins.

The origin of pain

Often times, pain results from tissue injuries that lead to hypermobile or restricted joints. Injuries sometimes develop from accidents, but may also result from daily repetitive stress, such as poor posture.

When tissues become injured, they become inflamed and painful, limiting muscle and joint mobility and often causing seemingly unrelated pain.

Chiropractors are able to uncover the musculoskeletal issues underlying many painful conditions and perform the necessary adjustments. In addition to approaching pain from this alignment perspective, chiropractors also frequently suggest rehabilitation techniques and lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress management to support a path to healing.

What happens during a chiropractic appointment?

Chiropractors use a whole-body approach with patients. The doctors are trained in specific diagnostic techniques that range from skeletal imaging to observing how patients’ bodies move to identify areas needing adjustment.

During a chiropractor appointment, patients may undergo an examination, receive hands-on treatment to correct misalignments, or receive information about possible lifestyle modifications to help reduce pain.

Is chiropractic care safe?

The short answer is yes, but let’s dive a little deeper.

First, one of the most commonly used methods of treating back and other types of musculoskeletal pain is painkillers. However, even over-the-counter medications like Advil and Tylenol are not without danger when taken over long periods of time.

These medicines are intended for short-term issues, like healing a headache or acute injury. When taken continually, these medications may cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers or bleeding. Other risks include high blood pressure, kidney problems, or even heart issues.

With many medical treatments emphasizing invasive methods, chiropractic care offers a refreshingly non-invasive approach. And even among non-invasive therapies, chiropractic care ranks among the safest there is.

No treatment is 100% safe, and there are risks, however those risks are very small. Some patients experience feelings of soreness or achiness following treatment, but that discomfort usually disappears within 24 hours.

Some claims have linked a specific type of neck manipulation with a stroke known as vertebral artery dissection. However more complete evidence suggests that this stroke may take place spontaneously, and chiropractic care is not a trigger.

Other reports have connected the stroke to normal activities like turning the head while driving or even getting shampooed in a hair salon. These patients have specific symptoms involving neck pain and a headache for which they seek treatment. Only one in 5.85 million patients will experience this type of stroke connected to a high-velocity upper neck manipulation, making this an extremely rare occurrence.

Patient satisfaction for chiropractors is extremely high, with low-back pain patients giving the doctors high marks, above even physical therapists, surgeons, or primary care physicians.

Conservative care starts with chiropractic

Chiropractors believe in conservative care first. They believe that non-invasive treatments should come before more drastic measures. Further, medications should be used sparingly, and not as the first line of defense. As the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) says:

“For years, many patients would find relief through conservative forms of care such as chiropractic services only after unsuccessfully trying a range of other, more complex, and riskier treatments. Today, that approach has been reversed.”

Chiropractic care promotes non-invasive, drug-free treatments when possible to support patient health.

Over the past few years, increasing awareness about the dangers associated with opioid drugs, which are frequently used to treat back pain, has led to a resurging interest in methods such as chiropractic and associated treatments, including acupuncture.

Opioids are dangerous because they can lead to addiction, and even overdose or death. Meanwhile, these powerful drugs don’t address pain’s root cause. Instead, they leave patients reliant on these pills, which aren’t 100% effective, for the rest of their lives. As these ill effects become better known, alternative therapies such as chiropractic are growing more popular.

Chiropractic doctors focus on the body’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems. These specially trained physicians perform treatments including spinal manipulations, also known as adjustments. These work to increase mobility of a patient’s spinal vertebrae and ensure they’re in the proper alignment.

If you think you could benefit from how chiropractic works, contact a specialist in your area today!

Chiropractic care focuses on making sure the body’s underlying structure, including the skeleton and joints, is properly aligned and functioning. More than 100 different types of chiropractic adjustments are utilized to achieve these goals, but each chiropractor generally has about ten that he or she focuses on and uses in the practice to help patients.

Although most chiropractic techniques involve the spine, they can also be applied to other parts of the body. The ultimate purpose is to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and ensure a healthy range of motion.

Chiropractors operate under the premise that pain results from problems in the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Headaches, back, neck, and joint pain often result from improper alignment, muscle or joint tightness, inflammation, or other problems that disrupt the body’s natural flow.

Because of this emphasis on health and balance, chiropractors often recommend complementary therapies to patients, such as lifestyle and diet modifications, that support the success of chiropractic adjustments.

Here is an overview of common chiropractic adjustments.

Direct thrust technique

This technique, also referred to as spinal manipulation, focuses on the spine and is perhaps the most well-known chiropractic adjustment. The chiropractor uses a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust, which is a swift, short movement to encourage proper vertebral alignment because misaligned spinal components may cause restricted motion and resulting pain.

This technique frequently produces the cracking sound that many people have come to associate with chiropractic care. The popping sound is nothing to worry about and is actually the release of gas trapped between joints.

The noise results from the joint’s movement, which causes a change in pressure and the resulting release of gas bubbles. Usually this technique does not involve pain or discomfort.

Chiropractors work with each patient to determine the appropriate amount of pressure and ensure the technique supports health and helps to reduce pain. This procedure may be done with the hands or a small, specially designed instrument to apply the pressure.

Spinal mobilization

For patients with conditions such as osteoporosis who require a gentler approach, spinal mobilization may be used in place of the direct thrust technique, although the goal of proper spinal alignment and optimal joint functioning is the same.

With this form of chiropractic adjustment, slow movements including gentle stretches or firm pressure—as opposed to thrusts—are used to encourage spinal components into their rightful places.

Articulatory

Articulatory chiropractic adjustments target injured joints and help to restore them to their full range of motion. To achieve this goal, the chiropractor slowly moves the arm, leg, or other extremity through its range of motions while applying force.

Moving the joint through the full range of motion helps to remedy stiffness and improve mobility.

Myofascial release

This chiropractic adjustment targets myofascial tissue, which is a layer of membranes that cover, support, and connect the body’s muscles. This type of therapy is also sometimes done in massage. Stress or other causes can lead to stiff areas in myofascial tissue, called trigger points, which lead to pain.

Pain is not always present at the area of the trigger point. Sometimes, the patient will feel it in another area of the body, which can make the points difficult to find. A chiropractor works with patients to uncover these stiff areas and release tension to reduce pain.

In addition to causing stiffness, trigger points may further restrict the movement of joints and muscles, which can cause problems and pain throughout the body.

During myofascial release, the chiropractor finds these stiff areas and applies pressure to loosen them up, free movement, and reduce pain.

Muscle energy technique

This type of chiropractic adjustment is a form of myofascial release, but is active because it requires patient participation. It targets stiff areas of the body that have developed into trigger points and cause pain.

As the patient uses specific muscles, the chiropractor applies counter-pressure. This technique is repeated several times, with each repetition lasting for several seconds followed by a brief period of rest. After each repetition, the chiropractor will shift the position slightly to ensure the technique targets the complete range of motion.

Muscle energy technique strengthens weak areas, promotes mobility, works to release trigger points, and improves blood flow to promote healing and flexibility. The goal is to provide full mobility and reduce pain.

Indirect positional technique

Some people suffer pain from hypertonic muscles, which means they are overly toned. Many times, people think of muscle tone as a good thing, but too much muscle tone, or uneven tone, can lead to tightness and pain.

For example, a mostly sedentary person with a desk job who then lifts weights several times each week may have overly developed pectoral muscles that result in poor posture, with the shoulders rolled forward. In this case, the pectoral muscles would be considered hypertonic.

The indirect positional technique seeks to correct hypertonic muscles and help the surrounding joints regain the full range of motion. This chiropractic adjustment involves the practitioner holding the joint in a neutral position before applying a specific force. Sometimes, the force is used to lengthen the muscle and other times it’s intended only to release tightness and encourage the muscle’s return to health.

Cervical spine manipulation

Problems in the cervical spine, which is the portion in the neck, may lead to headaches, upper back pain, discomfort in the shoulders or arms, or diminished range of motion. Chiropractors manipulating the cervical spine use the same techniques as with direct thrust or the more gentle chiropractic adjustment, spinal mobilization.

Functional technique

Functional technique targets joints to free them from restriction and improve overall mobility. To achieve this goal, chiropractors use a gentle force as they move the joint through its natural range of motion. Once a restriction is detected, the practitioner holds the joint at the point of restriction until it releases.

This technique, like other chiropractic adjustments, is as much an art as it is science and requires an in-depth knowledge of the body’s systems to perform safely and effectively.

Have you ever tried any of these chiropractic adjustments?

Image by Allan Ferguson via Flickr