When it comes to how chiropractic helps patients, most people think of headaches, neck pain, and back pain. While chiropractors certainly treat these ailments, there are many other substantial benefits to receiving chiropractic care.
Research has shown that chiropractic not only helps with pain management, but also has a variety of other health benefits. Keep reading to learn more about how chiropractic helps the body heal and function and the many benefits associated with receiving chiropractic care.
After seeing the benefits of chiropractic care, many patients are aware of how chiropractic helps the body. But why do patients typically seek chiropractic care in the first place? There are many different reasons patients choose to visit a chiropractor. A few common reasons are:
Many patients visit a chiropractor for acute or chronic low back pain. In fact, back pain is something that frequently comes to mind when people think of chiropractic or receiving chiropractic care.
According to the Journal of the American Medicine Association (JAMA), 73% of back pain sufferers who received chiropractic care reported their symptoms were completely gone or much better compared to only 17% of back pain sufferers who received standard medical care. [1] Chiropractic adjustments improve both the pain and function of individuals experiencing low back pain. [2]
In addition to relieving pain and improving function, chiropractic has also helped patients minimize their use of prescription medications. One study shows that patients who seek a chiropractor as their initial provider for low back pain see a significant decrease in early and long-term opioid use. [3]
Headaches are another common reason patients seek chiropractic care. While the frequency and severity of headaches in individuals may differ, as many as nine out of 10 Americans mention they suffer from headaches. [4]
The most severe headaches are known as migraines. Symptoms of migraines include nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. According to a 2012 study, 14.2% of adults say they have experienced severe headaches or migraines within the last three months. [5] Migraines are a leading cause of both outpatient and emergency room visits.
“Migraine and headache are leading causes of outpatient and ED visits and remain an important public health problem.” - American Headache Society, 2015
One out of every five patients who visit a chiropractor states headaches are their chief complaint. [6] Research shows that many individuals notice a significant improvement in migraines and headaches after receiving chiropractic care. [7]
A study of patients with chronic neck pain showed that chiropractic care improved function and reduced pain after 12 weeks of receiving care. [8] Other research shows that chiropractic can improve both acute and chronic neck pain. [9]
Not only do patients with neck pain experience a significant improvement, but the treatment is cost effective. [10]
Many patients choose chiropractic care as a way to maintain their overall health and wellness. Receiving chiropractic wellness care has a plethora of benefits. One study of 881 children between the ages eight and 17 whose parents brought them in to a chiropractor for wellness care demonstrated that children were less likely to report symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and pain after receiving chiropractic care. [11]
Patients who visit a chiropractor for pain and wellness often notice a variety of other benefits after receiving chiropractic care. A few of these benefits include:
The National Sleep Foundation stated that, “Booking a visit with a chiropractor won’t just soothe your achy back—it may also improve the quality of your shuteye.” [12] Improved sleep is a benefit experienced by many infants, children, and adults who receive chiropractic care.
A study was conducted in 1988 to determine the effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure. The results of the study supported the hypothesis that blood pressure is reduced following chiropractic treatment. [13] Since then, additional studies have been conducted showing that chiropractic has a positive effect on blood pressure. [14]
Patients receiving chiropractic care often report a lower incidence of depression, anxiety, fatigue and pain. [11] As a result, their overall mood is improved.
When pain is decreased and well managed, individuals are sleeping well, and mood is improved, patients often experience a reduction in stress and an improvement in their overall ability to relax. This is one of many benefits associated with receiving chiropractic care.
You might be reading wondering why you are learning about how chiropractic helps patients on a website dedicated to alternative non-invasive scoliosis care. Well, it’s because chiropractors can help scoliosis patients, too. And, the great news is, regardless of the reason a patient entered a chiropractic office, they receive the same amazing benefits when it comes to their overall health and wellness.
While chiropractic in general is beneficial for your health, we recommend scoliosis patients see a chiropractor with advanced and specialized training in alternative scoliosis treatment. At CLEAR Scoliosis Institute, we have developed a specialized chiropractic treatment protocol that helps scoliosis patients improve their condition and curvature without surgery. In a study of scoliosis patients, 95% of patients reported positive results after receiving chiropractic treatment at a CLEAR Scoliosis Center. [15]
CLEAR-certified doctors are chiropractors who have received an extensive number of hours of training on non-surgical scoliosis care. While many CLEAR-certified doctors specialize in scoliosis patients, they often see patients for a variety of other reasons, including those mentioned in this article. If you choose to visit a CLEAR-certified doctor, you’ll be visiting a highly trained chiropractic professional.
When it comes to how chiropractic helps patients, the benefits go on and on. Patients visit chiropractors for a variety of reasons including chronic pain, headaches, neck pain, and overall health and wellness. There is a significant amount of research showing the considerable benefits of receiving chiropractic care.
These benefits aren’t only related to pain management. Many chiropractic patients notice improved sleep, enhanced mood, reduced blood pressure, and an overall reduction of stress. Scoliosis patients also benefit from receiving chiropractic care.
Whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain, headaches, neck pain, have recently received a scoliosis diagnosis, or simply want to pursue wellness and learn how to maintain your best health, visiting a CLEAR-certified doctor is a great step in the right direction.
[1] JAMA recommends chiropractic as first means of back pain treatment
[2] Review of Spinal Manipulative Therapy as a Treatment for Acute Low Back Pain
[4] Surprise: Chiropractors Can Treat These 5 Conditions | For Better
[7] A randomized controlled trial of chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy for migraine.
[9] Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain.
[12] Chiropractic Sleep Relief
[13] Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial.
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Thanks for the great article..
Also the photo's are awesome.
Great points made about Chiropractic…makes me proud to be one!
I loved that you mentioned chiropractic care can help you to reduce chronic pain and headaches. My husband and I are thinking about how to help my husband with his migraines problems, and we are looking for advice. I will let him know about your recommendations to understand the benefits of chiropractic care to help him.
You caught my attention when you stated that Chiropractic care can help with increasing someone's sleep quality. Getting better sleep has always been on my list of things I wanted to focus on during the upcoming vacation period, and I wanted to know what are the best ways to do this. Along with getting new beddings and mattresses, I'll start looking for Chiropractors in the area that can get me any treatments they see fit that can improve my sleep.
It's awesome that you mention that going to a chiropractor can help people who suffer from neck pain. I've been having a lot of neck pain ever since my car accident last December, so I'm thinking about visiting a chiropractor next Tuesday. I'm going to see if there's a good provider of chiropractic care in my area that I can use.
It's terrific that you point out that chiropractic care can help relieve pain in the lower back. I've been having lower back pain ever since my car accident last month, so I'm considering going to a chiropractor this weekend. I'm going to see if there's a good chiropractor in the area that I can use.
It's great that you pointed out how chiropractic care has helped patients in reducing their use of prescription medication. My mother has been complaining about chronic back pain for quite a while now and I am starting to get worried about it. It would be quite inconvenient for her if left alone so she should definitely consult with a chiropractor soon.
It's valuable that you mention that chiropractic care can help reduce your stress levels. I've been under a lot of stress the past several weeks at my job, so I'm thinking about going to a chiropractic centre this Friday. I'm going to search for a reputable chiropractic centre in my area to use.