Most people do not think of chiropractors as natural pain management physicians and believe they only offer limited treatment options for pain. However, the horizon of chiropractor services is wide, and these professionals in fact do offer numerous treatments for natural pain management.
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 58.9% of American adults are living with some type of body pain; back pain is the most common at 39% of the reported pain. Chiropractic care can help address many of the issues that cause pain with effective natural pain management techiniques and holistic treatments.
This article explains how chiropractic care can help manage pain. You will learn what types of treatments are offered by a typical chiropractor, as well as why these treatments work so well in managing chronic pain.
Who Is a Chiropractor?
A chiropractor is a specialized doctor who is certified and trained to treat many conditions affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This includes common ailments such as back pain, leg pain, muscle cramps, headaches, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc., but it also extends to more serious problems like stroke rehabilitation, sports injuries, and even cancer therapy.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), chiropractors are considered primary healthcare providers because they can provide comprehensive, coordinated, continuous, and accessible care. Many also offer complementary care such as acupuncture, massage, nutrition counseling, and other wellness programs.
What Is Chiropractic Care? Does It Help with Natural Pain Management?
Chiropractic care or adjustment is a therapeutic treatment delivered by a licensed chiropractor. A chiropractor has specialized training in manual therapy (hands-on) and physical rehabilitation. This professional uses their hands and special instruments to manipulate different muscles and joints of the body in order to release stress and tension.
The care can help correct the body’s alignment, reduce pain, and improve the body’s physical functions. Chiropractors treat patients based on their specific condition and need, using various techniques and tools to diagnose and relieve pain. The focus is on finding the cause of the problem rather than treating symptoms alone.
10 Things that Chiropractors in Oak Brook Can Help Treat
Chiropractors treat multiple conditions related to the body’s structure without using any invasive techniques or pain medicine. Their goal is to help relieve chronic and acute pain while improving the body’s natural functioning.
Chiropractic care is not just limited to the lower back or neck. Here are some conditions chiropractors can address:
1. Neck Pain
The most common issue that chiropractors treat is neck pain. Using manipulations and adjustments, along with different therapeutic exercises, the pain doctors reduce the tension in the neck muscles to increase free movement while reducing pain.
Whether the neck pain is due to an injury or other factors such as age, chiropractors can help relieve it without using any medications.
2. Lower Back Pain
Research has proved the efficacy of chiropractic care for lower back pain. Spinal stimulation helps restore the original position of the spinal cord. Thus, it reduces muscle tension and helps you get relief from pain.
Patients with lower back pain that opt for chiropractic care also reported multiple benefits, such as improved range of motion. Another study suggested that visiting a chiropractor for the lower back can bring better results than any medical or surgical options available.
3. Sciatica Pain
Sciatica is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness in the lower back and legs, usually as a result of compressed nerve roots. Many people turn to chiropractors for help managing this painful condition, as these practitioners specialize in treating musculoskeletal issues.
Through a combination of manual spinal cord stimulation and massage, chiropractors can work to loosen stiff muscles and realign the spine, allowing the nerve roots to return to their natural position. They may also recommend exercises or stretches that can help to ease sciatic pain in between visits, helping patients get lasting relief from their symptoms. Ultimately, chiropractors are highly effective at managing sciatica pain and helping patients live healthier lives.
4. Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury that many people suffer after car accidents or other similar incidents. Symptoms of whiplash include pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back, as well as headaches, difficulty concentrating, and mood changes.
While most people only experience temporary discomfort from whiplash, some individuals experience chronic pain that persists for weeks or even months after the initial injury occurs.
If you have been diagnosed with whiplash, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified chiropractor who can assess your condition and provide customized care based on your specific symptoms and needs. With regular treatments, you can rapidly recover from your whiplash injury and return to full health in no time at all.
5. Herniated Disc Pain
When experiencing pain due to a herniated disc, it is important to seek treatment from a qualified chiropractor. A disc can sometimes slip out of place, causing pain and discomfort throughout the back and neck.
Chiropractors are trained to work with these types of injuries, assessing the condition of the discs and providing targeted manipulation techniques that can help restore proper alignment. Additionally, regular visits to a chiropractor can help prevent future issues by keeping the spine strong and resilient. Given their effectiveness in treating herniated discs and preventing further complications, it is clear that a visit to a chiropractor is always a smart choice for patients with this condition.
6. Shoulder Pain
There are four major shoulder pain categories: instability, fracture, arthritis, and tendon inflammation/tear. Common injuries to the shoulder are caused due to overuse of muscles or trauma. In addition, it might be caused by damaged ligaments and tendons, resulting in tenderness and pain.
Chiropractors use several physical therapies to alleviate shoulder pain and help in restoring natural movement.
7. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Problems
TMJ problems are further classified into three conditions, including discomfort/pain in the displaced jaw/disc, stiffness in jaw joints and muscles, and inflammatory disease of the TMJ. These problems can bring along shooting pain and difficulty in moving the jaw.
Chiropractic treatment is effective in relieving pain associated with TMJ. These treatments help relax the muscles while improving jaw joint motion. Furthermore, these treatments alleviate related symptoms of TMJ, such as neck pain, jaw locking, and ear pain.
8. Fibromyalgia
This condition can cause fatigue, sleep problems, and memory-related issues characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Typically, women between the ages of 25 and 50 have a higher likelihood of developing fibromyalgia.
Chiropractors deliver treatments intending to improve blood circulation while restoring skeletal alignment. They also improve the functions of the nervous system. These trained professional pain specialists can provide a combination of massage therapy, chiropractic treatment, and acupuncture to help in severe cases.
9. Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve is a painful condition that can be caused by a number of underlying factors. In many cases, a pinched nerve can be resolved through chiropractic treatments, which involve manually manipulating the spine and other joints to relieve tension and pressure on surrounding nerves.
These treatments can provide immediate relief from pain and discomfort, allowing the patient to regain mobility and function more effectively. Additionally, regular chiropractic care can help to prevent the recurrence of pinched nerves by maintaining a healthy range of motion in the affected areas.
Whether you are experiencing acute pain from a recent injury or chronic aches from long-term conditions, seeking professional treatment from a qualified chiropractor can be an effective way to manage and treat your pinched nerve symptoms.
10. Knee Pain
Knee pain is a common complaint among people of all ages. Whether from overuse, injury, or a simply bad angle when walking, this discomfort can make it difficult to complete even daily tasks. A trip to the chiropractor is often recommended as one way to address knee pain, but what exactly does this treatment involve?
At the chiropractor’s office, patients generally undergo a series of specific adjustments and manipulations aimed at addressing the underlying causes of their knee pain. This typically includes targeted pressure on and around the knee, as well as stretches and exercises designed to strengthen the surrounding tissues and improve flexibility. In addition, many chiropractors may recommend different supplements or wearables that can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing. Overall, these treatment options can be an effective way to address persistent knee pain without having to rely exclusively on pharmaceuticals or surgery.
Whether you are experiencing any type of pain, there is no harm in seeking chiropractic care at a pain clinic like Oak Brook Medical Group. Our board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists will ensure that you receive the most efficacious form of treatment for your injury. Schedule an appointment online with us today!
Different Types of Chiropractic Treatments that Help with Natural Pain Management
The choice of technique and treatment largely depends on the affected area and the severity of the pain. If you have pain in any joint, muscle, or other parts of your body, chiropractors in Oak Brook can alleviate it using the following treatments.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are a key component of chiropractic care, offering a non-invasive approach to managing back and neck pain as well as other common complaints. Adjustments involve the careful movement of joints and intervertebral discs, helping to restore proper alignment and relieve symptoms. These adjustments can be performed manually or with specialized machinery, depending on the needs of the patient.
Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment for conditions ranging from chronic tension headaches to sciatica, making them an important part of many people’s healthcare regimens. Whether you are suffering from acute pain or simply want to maintain optimal alignment and health, it is important that you seek out a qualified chiropractor who can provide you with regular adjustments. With the right care and attention, you can enjoy better health and greater comfort over time.
Manual Joint Manipulation
Manual joint manipulation is a technique commonly used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and other health professionals to treat conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, manual joint manipulation has been shown to help improve the health of connective tissues, such as tendons and ligaments. This technique involves applying targeted pressure to specific areas of the body in order to gently realign joints, improve the range of motion, and reduce pain and inflammation.
Due to its effectiveness and safety, manual joint manipulation has become one of the most widely used treatment methods for relieving symptoms of back pain, arthritis, and joint injuries. Whether performed on its own or in combination with other treatments like massage therapy or physical therapy, manual joint manipulation remains an important tool for restoring healthy function to the body’s joints and tissues.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is a popular method for addressing pain and discomfort, and it is often used in conjunction with chiropractic care. The benefits of massage are numerous, ranging from reduced tension and anxiety to increased flexibility and blood flow.
At the chiropractor’s office, this form of therapy is typically performed by specially trained professionals who have extensive experience working with patients and addressing their specific needs. By combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the body’s movements and anatomy, chiropractors and massage therapists are able to help patients achieve pain relief as well as long-term health and wellness goals.
Whether you’re looking to break up scar tissue or recover from an injury, professional massage therapy at the chiropractor’s office can be an excellent choice to help you achieve your recovery goals.
Cold Laser Therapy
If you are suffering from chronic pain, cold laser therapy is a treatment option that has been shown to be highly effective in alleviating symptoms. This non-invasive therapy works by targeting specific areas of the body with an intense beam of light energy. The laser stimulates cell activity and can help to repair damaged or injured tissue, reducing inflammation and easing pain.
Cold laser therapy has been proven to be particularly beneficial for patients suffering from conditions like arthritis or back pain. So if you are looking for a safe and effective way to manage your chronic pain, talk to your chiropractor about the benefits of cold laser therapy.
Muscle Stimulation
Muscle stimulation is a common technique used by chiropractors to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This process involves passing a small, pulsing current through targeted muscles in order to stimulate healing at the cellular level. By increasing blood flow and encouraging increased nutrient supply to the muscles, muscle stimulation helps reduce pain and promote faster recovery from injury. Additionally, this technique helps to break up lactic acid buildup and promotes fluid movement in tight joints.
Whether you are recovering from an injury or experiencing chronic pain, muscle stimulation can be an excellent way to achieve improved mobility and get relief from discomfort. So if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to manage pain, talk with your chiropractor about incorporating muscle stimulation into your treatment plan.
Trigger Point Injection
Trigger point injection (TPI), is a treatment procedure useful for treating pain. The treatment works well, especially for the muscles that contain several knots or trigger points that form when the muscles do not relax.
Most of the time, these knots can be felt under the layers of skin and may irritate the surrounding nerves, leading to severe pain which you may feel in other parts of the body.
What Happens During the Trigger Point Injection Treatment?
During the TPI treatment, a certified chiropractor inserts a small needle into the trigger point of the muscle. The injection contains saline or local anesthetic, which may also include a corticosteroid.
The injected liquid helps in making the trigger point inactive. It alleviates the pain and gives you instant relief. The chiropractor may inject the solution into several body parts after assessing your body.
How is a TPI Treatment Useful?
Trigger point injection is useful for relieving pain in multiple muscle groups, especially those in the lower back, arms, and neck. Moreover, this treatment is suitable for treating tension headaches, fibromyalgia, back, and neck pain. It is a good option if your body does not respond to other treatments.
Are you experiencing muscle pain due to trigger points in the muscles? Contact Oak Brook Medical Group for Illinois’s best trigger point injection treatment. Call us at 630-317-7478 for more information, or fill out the new patient form.
Viscosupplementation Injection Treatment
Most treatments and physical medicine won’t work if the pain is due to osteoarthritis. In this case, chiropractors may recommend viscosupplementation injection treatment. One thing to note here is that the treatment does not help cure osteoarthritis, but rather only addresses the pain.
It also improves the lubrication of the knee joint for better mobility and a more comfortable level of activity.
What Happens During the Viscosupplementation Injection Treatment?
During the treatment, a trained professional will administer three to five injections into the affected area. You can expect these injections one week apart from each other. The benefits of the treatment may vary from patient to patient, such as the relief in the severity of pain.
How is a Viscosupplementation Injection Treatment Useful?
The treatment is beneficial for osteoarthritis, as it helps restore the lubricating properties, improving the range of motion of the knee joint with reduced pain. Chiropractors in Oak Brook combine this pain relief treatment with physical therapy for better results.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
Sometimes pain is due to damaged tissue that fails to heal. In such cases, the patient may not get immediate and long-lasting results even after several physical therapy sessions. PRP treatment is highly beneficial for these patients, as it helps heal damaged tissues.
PRP can treat several pain conditions, such as mild to moderate osteoarthritis (ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder), plantar fasciitis, and more.
What Happens During the PRP Treatment?
During the treatment, a certified professional takes your blood and processes it in a centrifuge to extract the platelets. These platelets are then injected into the affected area. The administration of the dose depends on the severity of the issue and the recommendation of a medical practitioner.
How is a Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment Useful?
PRP treatment works well for a wide variety of issues, such as epicondylitis, Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and anterior cruciate ligament/ medial collateral ligament (ACL/MCL) sprains. The treatment works by improving muscle repair and health.
If you are experiencing pain because of the above-mentioned or other musculoskeletal problems, you can opt for PRP treatment in Oak Brook.
If you are looking to receive effective relief from chronic pain, then look no further than our natural pain management specialists in Oak Brook. When you visit us at our medical center, we will identify the underlying cause of your condition and provide you with a holistic approach to treatment.
Our multidisciplinary approach means that we can treat complex issues like arthritis, herniated discs, knotted muscles, whiplash, and much more. Call us at 630-317-7478 to request an appointment now!
How Effective Are Chiropractic Treatments for Natural Pain Management? When Can I Expect Results?
More than 22 million Americans see chiropractors each year, proving the effectiveness of these non-invasive treatments. A study found that 77% of the people that receive chiropractic treatments describe it as “very effective” or “somewhat effective”.
However, there is no rule of thumb for measuring the efficacy of chiropractic treatments because the results vary from patient to patient and largely depend on the severity of the condition.
In addition, the pain relief depends on the type of chiropractic treatment suggested to you and how religiously you follow the exercises recommended by the practitioner.
Contact Oak Brook Medical Group today, and get your issues assessed by our trained chiropractors. We will suggest the best treatment plans that provide immediate and long-lasting results.
Check out this video to learn how we can help you in treating body pain.
Get Relief from Your Chronic or Acute Pain With Oak Brook Medical Group
If you are experiencing any type of pain, including pain in the neck or joints, chiropractic treatments can help. At Oak Brook Medical Group, we deliver a wide range of holistic chiropractic treatments and other natural pain management services that are non-invasive and work well for alleviating pain.
Our certified chiropractors create an individualized treatment plan depending on the need of every patient. Moreover, we assess your condition precisely to ensure the suggested chiropractic treatment works well for you.
Don’t let pain stop you from enjoying life. Contact us today with any questions about our various chiropractic techniques, which have proven to be successful in eliminating pain.
For more information on how chiropractic care can help you, call us at 630-317-7478 or fill out a new patient form to schedule your appointment.