Chronic Pain (and many other ailments): Relieved by Chiropractic Care

Dr Dave agrees that: Chiropractic treatment for health problems is not always considered when it comes to healing, but you may be surprised to find that relief from some of most chronic pains could be helped by a few chiropractic sessions.

As an alternative form of medical treatment, chiropractic care is generally geared towards helping patients with back, neck and joint pain. Dr. Hamza Saif, an Ottawa-based chiropractor at the Hunt Chiropractic Clinic, says the treatment can also improve symptoms and effects of common illnesses to improve overall quality of life.

“While we don’t claim to cure organic diseases, we can improve the quality of life of patients dealing with them,” said Saif.

Saif gives the example of asthma, which often causes mid-back pain due to constant coughing. Chiropractors can’t cure asthma, but they can relieve the back and muscle pain caused by it, he says.

According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, the treatment is gradually gaining popularity. The association reports that 53 per cent of Canadians had visited a chiropractor for treatment at some point in their lives in 2009, compared to 49 per cent in 2005.

Even as it gains popularity, there is pushback to the alternative treatment by medical doctors and patients alike, who say there is little medical evidence for chiropractic solutions. One of the major risks often associated with chiropractic care is the potential for increasing the risk of strokes. However, a study published by the European Spine Journal in 2008, found that there were no links between the two.

Saif says much of the controversy surrounding chiropractic treatment is often due to a lack of education, especially in older doctors who weren’t formally taught it in medical school (chiropractors get their degrees at separate chiropractic colleges).

“The best place to start is a consultation with a licensed chiropractor. Skeptical people are usually the ones who haven’t seen a chiropractor.”

As Dr. Saif mentioned, chiropractic treatments won’t cure anything, but they might able to work in conjunction with other medical care to help. Check out these ailments that have been found to benefit from a chiropractor:

Migraines: According to migraines.com, a number of studies have proved that chiropractic treatment can lower the frequency and pain intensity of migraines.

Cerebral Palsy: Individuals with cerebral palsy often have “dysfunctional muscles”, which cause other muscles to work extra and strain. Chiropractic treatment can help reduce stress on these muscles, says Saif.

Parkinson’s Disease: While it’s unknown exactly what causes this disease, studies have linked it to accidents causing head traumas and spinal misalignments, according to Yourspine.com. Chiropractic treatments can correct these misalignments and remove pressure on surrounding nerves.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Saif says most people over 50-years-old have some signs of joint degeneration, which causes pain and stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments can help joints feel less sore so they move more freely.

High Blood Pressure: According to Saif, studies have shown that just one chiropractic session can keep blood pressure lowered for several weeks. He recommends seeing a NUCCA specialist, a specific type of chiropractor that deals with upper neck adjustments.

Cancer Pain Relief: The effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy can often leave patients feeling extreme fatigue and soreness to the point they are bedridden. With chiropractic adjustments, some of this pain can be relieved so they have a better quality of life. says Saif.

Strengthen Immune System: While there is little research to prove this, Saif says studies are being done to prove what many patients already feel. Regular chiropractic patients often report better overall immune systems and wellness levels.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome often feel itching, burning or soreness in parts of their body, after doing constant, repetitive movements. Chiropractors can help by providing posture-related advice, suggesting stretches and doing adjustments, says Saif.

Reduce Anxiety And Depression: Although chiropractic care doesn’t claim to treat the physiological effects of these mental illnesses, Saif says it can help with physical effects such as lethargy, which often causes soreness and pain, worsening physiological problems.

Chiropractic care is a powerful tool to use to support your health.  Be sure to check in with Dr. Dave and make an appointment for an evaluation.  Dr. Dave has the training and the intuitive instincts to understand your problem and can quickly make an evaluation for a care plan that will work for you.

Huffpost article, customized for Dr. Dave by Larry Heinrichs

Tags: alternative medicine benefits, chiropractor treatments, Neck Pain is a pain