The Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Our spines are intricate and complex, and their functionality is essential for us to walk, stand and move. However, injuries to the spine, birth defects or falls can cause us to feel pain, stiffness and pressure in our bodies. One of the best ways to treat back problems and chronic pain is through chiropractic care, which uses spinal manipulations to put misaligned vertebrae and joints back into their correct positions. Learn how you can benefit from chiropractic care and what to expect during your first chiropractic adjustment with this guide!

The Importance of the Spine

Problems with the spine are a large contributor to the back pain that we experience. Scoliosis, injuries to the spine and lifting heavy objects can cause damage to our spines by misaligning vertebrae and joints, causing pain. Our spinal column provides the main support for our bodies, allowing us to stand upright, walk, twist and perform nearly all movements. The spine is composed of 33 individual bones stacked on top of one another, creating a natural curve. There are four sections of the spine: cervical (neck) spine and lumbar (lower back) have an inward curve while the thoracic and sacral (bottom of the spine) have an inward curve. These curves create the S-shape of the spine and provide support to the body, absorb shock and maintain balance. It would be impossible to hold up the weight of our heads, arms and torso without the help of our spines, plus they’re the only thing protecting the spinal cord from injury. Facet joints, nerves and intervertebral discs all provide the spine the support it needs to function day-to-day. Unfortunately, when we hurt our backs, it can restrict movement in the spine and make it difficult to function. Whenever this occurs, it is essential to be examined by a professional who can identify, diagnose and treat our pain so that our bodies can heal. Chiropractic care is one of the most important steps you can take to regain mobility in your back again.

What Chiropractic Care Involves

Whenever you hear the word “chiropractor”, most people think of someone who pops or cracks their back to make them feel better. Although adjusting the spine is one way to treat pain, chiropractors do much more than “popping backs”. Chiropractic adjustments, or spinal manipulations, involve manually applying a controlled force to joints and vertebrae that have become hypomobile, or restricted in movement, to restore joint mobility. By moving vertebrae and loosening joints, muscle tension can be relieved and the misaligned parts of the body can be placed back into their proper positions. Tissue damage is a big contributor to back pain, and it can be caused by lifting a heavy object, having poor spinal posture or injuries resulting from a car crash. Chemical and physical changes occur whenever tissue is injured, causing inflammation and pain. Spinal manipulations can relieve the pain that tissue damage has caused and help it heal.

While spinal manipulations are typically the most common form of chiropractic care, there are other options to treat the body’s muscular, skeletal and nervous systems. Many chiropractors use physiologic therapies, such as ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation and traction, combined with chiropractic adjustments, to readjust the spine. Chiropractic care focuses on using specialized techniques to improve the health of the nerves and spine, without relying on narcotic pain medications or surgery to relieve pain.

Active Release Technique Therapy

Massage therapy is often used to release tension in muscles and heal injuries, and Active Release Technique (ART) Therapy is a new way to provide gentle healing to your aching body. ART therapy works by breaking down scar tissue caused by injuries to the muscles, tendons, nerves, fascia and soft tissues. Scar tissue causes muscles to shorten, putting tension on tendons and trapping nerves. Injuries to these areas of the body can cause numbness, tingling, and aching symptoms that don’t go away without treatment. ART therapy uses directed tension with directed patient movements to break up the scar tissue and increase mobility. Some conditions that ART therapy can treat includes:

• Tendonitis
• Rotator Cuff Syndrome
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Ankle injuries
• Golfers and Tennis Elbow
• Hip pain
• Running injuries

Change Your Life With Our Help

If you’re struggling with chronic back pain or an injury that can’t seem to resolve on its own, call Texas Spine and Sports Therapy Center at (512) 806-0015 to schedule a FREE consultation! Our experienced team is dedicated to your physical health and can help you get your mobility and freedom back. Call today to begin your journey to a pain-free life!