Latest update January 20th, 2025 4:00 AM
Chiropractic medicine: Is there a role for it in pain management?
By Dr. Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine
Chiropractic is a treatment where a practitioner called a chiropractor uses their hands to help relieve problems with the bones, muscles and joints. It’s considered a type of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which means it’s not a conventional medical treatment. It has been around for a long time, but studies are now showing its benefit for patients with certain pains that are not too responsive to medications.
Dr. Zulfikar Bux, GPHC’s A&E Head
Today we will discuss how this alternative form of pain management can benefit those in pain.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BENEFIT FROM CHIROPRACTIC MEDICINE?
Chiropractic can mainly help with pain in muscles and joints, such as:
• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Elbow pain
There’s little evidence that it can help with more serious conditions or problems not affecting the muscles or joints, such as asthma, allergies and mental health problems.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT?
At your first appointment, the chiropractor will assess your symptoms to determine if chiropractic is suitable and what techniques are likely to help.
Chiropractors use different techniques to treat problems with the muscles and joints, including:
• Spinal manipulation – using their hands to apply force to the muscles, bones and joints in and around the spine
• Short, sharp thrusting movements
• Gradually moving your joints into different positions
• Pulling or stretching your muscles in different directions
Treatment isn’t normally painful, but some people experience a bit of discomfort. Tell your chiropractor immediately if you find it painful. You may need a few visits before you begin to see improvement.
ARE THERE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS WITH CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT?
Chiropractic is generally very safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor. Ensure you verify that the chiropractor is properly certified to perform chiropractic care.
Some people may experience side effects from treatment, such as:
• Aches and pain
• Stiffness
• Tiredness
These side effects are usually mild and pass in a few days. There is a risk of more serious problems, such as stroke, from spinal manipulation, but the risk is extremely small.
Not everyone responds to chiropractic adjustments. A lot depends on your particular situation. If your symptoms don’t begin to improve after several weeks of treatments, chiropractic adjustment might not be the best option for you. Speak to your doctor if you’re unsure whether chiropractic is right for you as it’s better to seek conventional medical care before resorting to chiropractic medicine.
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