There is a lot of confusion surrounding the way a chiropractor helps with injury recovery, pain relief, and wellness. This is because the science behind chiropractic treatment isn’t simple. However, this approach has proven to work when it’s performed by a properly trained professional. To help you understand why treatment may solve your problem, the team at West Chiropractic Clinic in Soldotna, AK, have shared a basic explanation of how it works.

A Scientific Guide to Chiropractic Treatment

What It Is

Chiropractic treatment is an alternative, natural treatment provided by a chiropractor. These specialists have an in-depth understanding of the body’s musculoskeletal structure — especially the spine — and they use that knowledge to treat injuries, increase mobility, boost healing, and provide pain relief. During a consultation, a chiropractor will get a medical history, do a physical exam, and conduct any necessary tests to create a targeted treatment plan. They then use techniques such as hands-on manipulation, reflexology, and massage therapy to reach the patient’s goals.

Why It Works

The spine is a string of bones and nerves designed to hold up the body’s weight by stacking up perfectly on top of each other. Issues such as an injury or poor posture can throw it out of alignment and put a significant amount of pressure and strain where it shouldn’t be. This leads to pain, limited mobility, and other problems. A chiropractor gently manipulates the spine to properly align it and trains their patients on how to keep it that way. Because the spine is a vital part of the central nervous system, keeping in in good condition also boosts the body’s effectiveness in healing quickly as well as improving general wellness.

The technique used by chiropractors is called spinal manipulation. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a range of studies on this method have proven that it works just as well as pain medication for mild-to-moderate pain relief. They also found it is as effective as many other treatments for improving function. According to a review in 2010, spinal manipulation has been proven to help with lower back pain, neck pain, migraines, joint conditions, and whiplash. 

The professionals at West Chiropractic Clinic understand that everyone is unique, which is why they create customized treatment plans for each of their patients. You don’t need to live with limited mobility or pain — just call (907) 262-9171 to schedule an appointment. You’ll soon discover how chiropractic treatment can change your life. For more on their treatment options, visit their website.