Does Chiropractic Care Just Work For Back and Neck Pain?

As a chiropractor, I am always asked "Does chiropractic really work?" This is not only an unfair question; it is also a loaded question. Chiropractic care is a very effective form of treatment for some traditional symptoms like neck pain and back pain and not for others.

Being a Chiropractor in San Diego, I see sports related injuries all year round. Running injuries, falls from bicycles or rollerblades, golf injuries, basketball injuries - you name it and most likely we have seen it. More often than not these injuries result in typical sprain / strains that result in neck pain, back pain, sciatica etc.

The types of injuries that I just listed are a few of many joint injuries / symptoms that chiropractic care is very effective in treating. You might say that chiropractic care was made for such injuries. The reason that I convey this is because of the nature of these types of injuries.

The typical sprain / strain injury usually results when a fall or an accident forces a joint through an excessive or abnormal range of motion. This type of injury stretches the ligaments and muscles that move and support the spine. The result of this type of injury is irritation and inflammation of the joint and scar tissue formation.

Without chiropractic treatment, the scar tissue from sprain / strain injuries restricts and or alters normal joint motion which can cause pain and stiffness. Chiropractic manipulations help to restore full, normal joint motion by breaking down scar tissue that would otherwise cause stiffness and pain.

Chiropractic care is an excellent form of therapy for reducing the effects of postural stress from sitting at a computer, poor lifting habits, poor posture and a variety of other stresses that we expose ourselves to on a daily basis.

So, does chiropractic work?

The only way to know is go visit one and see. Chiropractors want their treatment to work and are reluctant to take on cases that may not properly respond to their therapy. No doctor that I know wants to have unsuccessful treatment sessions during the course of their work day.

A good chiropractor can look at your history, perform an examination and make a sound determination on how well you will respond to care. That being said, we are known as the "back doctors" so if you have neck pain, back pain or any spinal related pain, a visit to the chiropractor may be just what you need.

Author: Dr. Steven R. Jones DC (Steve), is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. Dr. Jones completed his pre-med education at California State University Hayward. He finished his doctorate work at Palmer College of Chiropractic-West. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice "Jones Chiropractic Clinic". He holds a U.S. Patent on the ergonomic device, the "Ergo Nav", the only fully adjustable mouse platform on the market.

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