Chiropractic is a complementary medical practice that relies on hands-on manipulation of the body’s musculoskeletal system to restore proper alignment to the spine and promote healing without surgery or medication. While many people believe that spinal adjustments are solely used to treat back pain, there is much more that this practice can do for your health and wellness. Here are 13 surprising benefits of chiropractic adjustments:
Reduced inflammation: A chiropractor’s manual manipulation of the spine can help reduce the inflammation that’s linked to many common ailments such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. The reduced inflammation can also improve your mobility and flexibility, and it can make it easier for you to perform your daily tasks.
Improved sleep: A well-aligned spine can improve your ability to relax and achieve restful, quality sleep. This can result in improved mood, higher energy levels, and better overall health.
Boosted immune system: Chiropractors are often called “bone doctors” for their skill in treating spine-related conditions such as vertigo and dizziness, but the truth is that even just a slightly misaligned spine can disrupt your immune function. A poorly aligned spine can cause the nervous system to become overworked, which can contribute to lowered immunity and an increased risk of infection. Regular chiropractic adjustments can prevent this from happening, allowing the body to fight off infections and illnesses more easily.
Better athletic performance: A recent study found that spinal manipulation can improve the agility and flexibility of professional athletes. This is likely due to the fact that chiropractic treatments can help to improve spinal alignment, reduce tight muscles, and decrease inflammation.
Lower blood pressure: One study found that a cervical adjustment (a chiropractic treatment for the neck) can be as effective at lowering blood pressure as a prescription drug. This is likely because a properly functioning nervous system can lower stress, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure.
Enhanced mood: A chiropractic adjustment can be as effective at reducing depression and anxiety as certain antidepressant medications. This may be because a chiropractic treatment for depression and anxiety can help to improve mobility, increase circulation, and boost the immune system, all of which can lead to an overall improvement in a person’s mood.
In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors can also use therapeutic modalities such as cold laser therapy and ultrasound to reduce pain and improve muscle movement. However, people with inflammatory or herniated discs, spinal cord compression, and some types of cancer should not undergo spinal manipulation, and it’s always a good idea to get clearance from your medical doctor before visiting a chiropractor. It’s also important to work with a reputable Atlanta family chiropractor who has experience treating patients with chronic pain. This way, you can rest assured that you are getting the best treatment possible.