Did you know that chiropractic medicine goes back as far as 1895? Many people turn to chiropractic care when they experience bone and muscle-related pain. They rely on chiropractors to fix issues from headaches to poor posture. But take one look at a chiropractor’s work, and it might seem risky.
Chiropractors often use sudden twists or apply force to a specific area. This can sometimes result in a loud crack sound, making it seem like something has broken. However, when you come in for your visit to a chiropractor in Littleton, CO, you can rest assured that this is all perfectly safe.
In this article, we’ll discuss why chiropractic techniques are perfectly safe and, more importantly, beneficial to your health.
What Is Chiropractic Care?
Unlike many other forms of medical treatment, chiropractic techniques avoid regimens that involve prescribing medicine. Instead, they trust in the body’s ability to heal itself. They help to get the body moving in the right direction to promote that healing.
In most cases, a chiropractor focuses on making spinal adjustments. A spinal adjustment is when they may twist or apply force to “reset” the spine and other bones or muscles. This helps to realign the body to its “correct” position and may help with pain and other issues.
What Can a Chiropractor in Littleton, CO Treat?
Chiropractic care can treat the following:
- Pain in the lower back
- Neck pain, such as after a car accident
- Muscular pain throughout the body
- Headaches
A chiropractor can alleviate the pressure you experience in your discs and vertebrae. Many people turn to Littleton chiropractors when they experience chronic back pain. This debilitating condition may resist pain medication or other treatments.
There are many other situations where the chiropractic technique could benefit you. For example, people with scoliosis may rely on a chiropractor to relieve the tension resulting from a bent spine. Pain after a car accident is also a great reason to see your chiropractor. Braking suddenly and being jostled can lead to whiplash and other spinal issues. Those with sports injuries, such as contact sports like football, may feel the same.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
As we’ve mentioned, you may look at chiropractic techniques and feel uncomfortable. A chiropractor may suddenly twist your neck very sharply and cause a popping sound. Or, they may apply sudden and sharp pressure to your back, causing vertebrae to pop. This may make you think that something has broken.
However, spinal manipulation is considered to be a very safe form of treatment. Millions of Americans, like you, attend the chiropractor regularly to treat all sorts of conditions. All of them walk away from their appointment better, not worse.
What Is the Popping/Cracking Sound?
It’s essential to recognize that a chiropractor is not “breaking” anything when they perform these manipulations. The pop you hear is the sound of natural bubbles that are found in the fluid between your joints. This popping or cracking sound is the same as you might hear when cracking your knuckles or popping your back.
You may have heard the myth that cracking your knuckles is bad for you, but this has been disproven. Similarly, using these spinal manipulations to “pop” your spine does not damage the vertebrae. It only happens during your appointment, and the chiropractor–a licensed medical expert–performs them.
This pop or crack that you hear releases pressure and realigns your skeleton. It places it in the correct position, which promotes pain relief. The result is that you leave the appointment feeling brand-new.
Accreditation and Licenses
Keep in mind chiropractors have studied these techniques for years. They must obtain accreditation and licenses both at the federal and state level. Only then, after all this time and effort, can they treat you.
If you’re concerned, check to see if your chiropractor has their accreditation and licenses. If they do, you can rest assured that nothing will go wrong. Seek out a doctor with years of experience to ensure that you get the best care.
Find a Chiropractor Who Uses Gentle Chiropractic Techniques
If you’re still skeptical, there may be an alternative for you. Some chiropractors prefer to practice what is known as KST, or Korean Specific Technique. This technique hails from Eastern Asia, where acupuncture and cup therapy is common.
This technique does not involve any of that sharp twisting or popping. In fact, the methods used are gentle and may not cause any popping at all. These corrections may actually be more effective than the standard spinal manipulation you see with traditional chiropractors. The results may last longer. Many patients notice a dramatic change from their first experience and healing as a result.
Other Chiropractic Techniques
Chiropractors do have a strong focus on corrections and manipulations. However, many people don’t realize that they also do other forms of therapy. One example of this is working with functional nutrition. Functional nutrition involves doing bloodwork to identify the deficiencies in your system, then prescribing a supplemental treatment.
They can even do neurofeedback. This is a treatment that involves analyzing brain patterns, then trying to reprogram the “bad” ones into healthier patterns.
Find a Chiropractor in Littleton, CO
Chiropractic care is about treating musculoskeletal issues without resorting to addictive medication. Instead, a chiropractor uses spinal manipulations to help the body to heal naturally. It is safe, but for those still skeptical, you can always try KST–which may be more effective for you anyway.
Dr. Dody is a chiropractor in Littleton, CO, who can help you with your chiropractic needs. Check out his services today and schedule an appointment.
