Discovering Different Types of Chiropractic Treatments for Pain Relief

When you have chronic pain, simple tasks often feel unbearable. While prescription drugs offer temporary relief, they can also cause dependence and damage your liver over time. Chiropractic treatments are a great alternative for pain relief. In the following article, you will explore various types of chiropractic treatments that offer a natural and long-lasting way to alleviate pain. 

Spinal Manipulation Therapy

Spinal manipulation therapy is the most common form of chiropractic treatment. During an adjustment, chiropractors use their hands to apply pressure to the spine’s vertebrae, relieving pain caused by misalignments. Spinal manipulations improve your chiropractic health by physically realigning the bones in your spine and promoting healthy spinal movement. Although spinal manipulation is not recommended for people with certain health conditions, chiropractors can recommend alternative treatments that work best.

Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue therapy targets the muscles, tendons, and ligaments outside of the spinal area. It is also called ‘myofascial release’ because it aims to release the tension and tightness within the muscles and fascia. Techniques used in soft tissue therapy include deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, and stretching. These types of treatment can help improve flexibility and reduce scar tissue, promoting optimal muscle and joint health.

Instrument-Assisted Manipulation

Instrument-assisted manipulation uses specialized tools to aid spinal manipulation therapy effectively. Chiropractors use instruments such as hand-held devices, blocks, or wedges to help them apply specific types of pressure to the spine without causing discomfort to the patient. Because of their precision, instruments can be useful in treating patients with severe spine limitations.

Flexion-Distraction

Flexion-distraction therapy is a gentle, non-surgical method of adjusting the spine. Chiropractors use a specialized table that helps increase your spinal movement through traction and relaxation. Flexion-distraction therapy can relieve pain associated with sciatica, a herniated disc, or degenerative disc disease. Flexion-distraction therapy is a good alternative for elderly people or those who cannot undergo spinal manipulation.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

EMS, or electrical muscle stimulation, is an excellent chiropractic therapy used to reduce pain and increase the healing time. During treatment, small electrical impulses are sent to the affected muscle tissues, gently relaxing them and decreasing any tenderness. At the same time, the treatment helps to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Chiropractic treatments provide relief for pain and help prevent other health issues. These therapies and other techniques, including spinal manipulation therapy, soft tissue therapy, instrument-assisted manipulation, flexion-distraction, and electrical muscle stimulation, promote optimal wellness. By using an individualized approach, chiropractors provide safe, effective, and long-lasting pain relief. Schedule an appointment with your chiropractor today to see which types of chiropractic treatment can help reduce your pain.

To learn more about pain relief chiropractic treatment options, contact a local chiropractor.