The Chiropractor

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

8 in 10 people will throw out their back at some point in their life. When this happens it can cause severe pain throughout the entire body and can even prevent people sitting upright or walking. Roughly 6% to 12% of United States citizens use chiropractors for back or neck related pain and discomfort. Today on Make-It-Safe Monday we are going to cover the chiropractic industry and discuss how it may help you relieve back discomfort.

The study chiropractic was founded in 1895 by magnetic healer Daniel Palmer in Davenport, IA. It was not long after that he opened the Palmer School of Chiropractic. Palmer’s son Bartlett eventually took over the school and helped to promote chiropractors and increase the school’s attendance. Chiropractors have consistently been at odds with the medical community because there is no scientific evidence that proves its effectiveness other than patient’s claims. It did not help that it was originally touted as a cure all for the human race. For years medical professionals have looked at chiropractic as a pseudo-science and have accused chiropractors of being quacks committing fraud. Even if there is no scientific evidence millions of people will tell you that the pain relief provided by a chiropractic adjustment is very real.

Chiropractors are not medical doctors but do receive Doctorate in Chiropractic and are required to be licensed by the state in which they do business. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation to treat patients with back or neck pain. It is universally believed by chiropractors that there is a direct relationship between the nervous system and the spine. When vertebrae in the spine become misaligned it causes pressure on nerves that cause shooting pain through the back, limbs, and head. Spinal adjustments are a rapid low pressure jolt meant to push the spine past the typical range of movement, but not to the point to cause damage. The movement is meant to realign the spine and repair the structure of the spinal column. Chiropractors have multiple techniques to adjust the spine to relieve the pressure. Some of the most common techniques for joint manipulation involve relaxing of muscles, controlled breathing, specialized drop tables, spring loaded tools and pressure applied with the hands to “crack” or “pop” the spine.

Spinal adjustments are considered generally safe when done by a trained chiropractor. People with pre-existing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, unstable joints or spine and neck injuries should always consult their physician before seeing a chiropractor. Prices for a single adjustment typically range from $40 to $60. This can be a very cost effective for someone that throws out their back and only requires 2 or 3 adjustments. If your chiropractor is suggesting 20+ appointments to eliminate your pain it may be in your best interest to contact an orthopedic doctor. Your pain may be caused by damage to disks or ligaments that a chiropractor is not qualified to diagnose.

Next time you are in too much pain to roll out of bed grab your phone and schedule an appointment with your local chiropractor. Pain relief may be faster and cheaper than you could have ever imagined. The best way to stop back pain is taking preventative steps by stretching, regular strengthening exercise, practicing proper lifting techniques and taking advantage of tools such as the Lift’n Buddy.

Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s make it safe this Monday

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company