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Why Chiropractic Is A Better Choice Over Drugs & Surgery

Say you have neck or back pain. How will you treat it? Many people will go to a medical doctor who will look at the symptoms, such as pain, and treat it with prescription or over the counter medications. In some cases, they may recommend surgery to manage the pain or correct the problem.

However, an increasing number of people are foregoing the medical doctor and opting for chiropractic care for pain management – and often with very good results. So, what is it about chiropractic that people feel makes it a better choice than drugs or surgery for their pain or mobility issues? There is more to the answer than you may realize.

Drug Therapy

When it comes to certain types of pain, particularly neck pain, medication is not the best way to manage it. Studies show that patients who opted to undergo chiropractic treatments and exercise regularly were more than twice as likely to significantly reduce their pain or even eliminate it completely than those who choose to take medication.

Aside from efficacy though, many medications have unpleasant and even dangerous side effects. Even over the counter medications can cause problems.

For instance, acetaminophen has been linked to serious health issues like pancreatitis and impaired liver function. NSAIDs like ibuprofen can upset the stomach and can cause rebound headaches in migraine patients (studies show that chiropractic is extremely effective in preventing migraines).

Prescription drugs can be highly addictive and lead to overdose. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared opioid addiction and overdose in the United States to be an epidemic. They have set forth guidelines for doctors who prescribe opioids for chronic pain, but the epidemic continues.

Surgery

Any treatment that can help a patient avoid an invasive surgery is an optimal alternative and chiropractic care provides that. One study shows that patients who saw a medical doctor as their first treatment option when dealing with back pain were more likely to have surgery than patients who say a chiropractor first.

Almost 43% of the medical patients eventually underwent surgery while only 1.5% of chiropractic patients had surgery. This means that if you are a medical patient trying to resolve your back pain you are 28 times more likely to eventually have surgery for it than you would if you went to a chiropractor.

Aside from the obvious invasiveness of the procedure as well as recovery time and probable physical therapy that would be required as part of your after care, there are many other downsides. The time and money required for the surgery, pre-surgery appointments, post-surgery appoints, recovery, and therapy can be significant.

However, a major concern in hospital settings is the risk of C-diff (clostridium difficile). C-diff are bacteria that can cause C. diff colitis, an inflammation of the colon or large intestine that can make you very sick. It can be passed from person to person but can also occur in people who take antibiotics – which are often given when a person undergoes surgery.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care gets to the cause of the problem instead of treating the symptoms like most medical doctors. The whole-body approach also empowers patients to make lifestyle adjustments that aid in their care and healing. It allows them to take ownership of their own health and pain management so that they feel more in control.

Chiropractors take a natural, holistic approach to pain management by bringing the body back into alignment if necessary and recommending exercises. They may also recommend other activities to help patients regain their normal range of motion and flexibility . This can relieve not only the pain symptoms, but often correcting the problem that is causing the pain.

Call (780)455-2112 to schedule your chiropractic assessment with one of our wellness chiropractic doctors! Visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic and practitioners.

How Chiropractic Helps Resolve Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

As the weather warms and spring is in full swing, more and more runners are heading outside, hitting the pavement to train for upcoming races or to just step up their game after a long winter. While there are some die hard runners who don’t let even the most brutal winter stop them, most tend to retreat indoors, waiting for warmer days and a more pleasant environment. Unfortunately, increased activity can also lead to an increased risk of injury, particularly patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), also known as runner’s knee.

What is Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome?

Runner’s knee is often used to describe PFPS, but runner’s knee is actually a broader term describing several different knee injuries or ailments. PFPS is a painful condition that is caused when the tissue that is between the femur (thigh bone) and the patella (kneecap) becomes inflamed or irritated.

Most people will notice pain in the front portion or anterior part of the knee, but pain can be experienced in other parts of the knee and even back pain may occur. Running increases the discomfort, as does sitting for long periods and going up or down stairs.

The causes of PFPS can also vary widely. Overuse is often the first thing that people think, but a problem with the way the knee is aligned is actually the most common reason.

If the patella is not properly aligned, when it moves through the groove that is at the end of the femur, it causes irritation to the surrounding tissues. This usually happens because the muscles and joints are out of balance.

For instance, if the quad muscle on one side is weaker than the other side it throws the entire system out of balance, causing the knee to become misaligned. This leads to knee pain and discomfort.

Treatment for Runner’s Knee

When treating PFPS, rest is usually first on the list, followed by icing the area to reduce inflammation. Once the pain is under control, the next step is to determine what is causing the problem. It is important to rule out more serious conditions or injuries first in order to determine the best course of treatment.

If it is indeed PFPS, strengthening the muscles in and around the knee is generally the first step in treatment. It is important that the muscle strength is balanced so that the knee can be properly aligned. Getting a good pair of running shoes is also recommended so that future injury can be prevented.

Chiropractic for Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee, or PFPS, responds very well to chiropractic treatment. The chiropractor is able to do a complete exam and find the cause of the problem, then tailor the treatment accordingly. This is typically done on a case by case basis with treatment that is based on the individual’s unique needs. The chiropractor may do various chiropractic alignments and manipulations on the spine, hip, ankle, and knee in order to bring the body back into proper balance.

The chiropractor may also recommend other complimentary treatments including special supplements, dietary adjustments, and an exercise plan. The chiropractor may also recommend certain stretching exercises to aid in healing. Kinesio taping is another common treatment that may be used in conjunction with chiropractic care. It is particularly beneficial when there is a muscular strength imbalance. The tape can help support the weaker muscle group.

Chiropractic care is a very effective treatment for patellofemoral pain syndrome and the associated knee pain. It works to correct the problem by bringing the body back into proper alignment, allowing it to function as it should.

Call (780)455-2112 to book your assessment or visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic and practitioners!

How Chiropractic Benefits Those That Suffer From Migraine Headaches

January 21, 2019/0 Comments/in Chiropractic, Chiropractic Blog /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

If you have ever had a migraine before then you know that it is much more than a simple headache. The symptoms of a migraine can be debilitating, lasting hours and even days. According to the Migraine Research Foundation, it is the eighth most disabling disease in the world.

According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine headaches are extremely difficult to treat and even more difficult to control. This is mainly due to the fact that doctors still don’t know exactly what causes it. This leaves it undiagnosed in many patients and often terribly under-treated in those with a diagnosis.

The best many doctors seem to be able to do is prescribe pain medication that has undesirable side effects in an effort to manage the symptoms. However, chiropractic has been shown in several studies to not only effectively manage the pain of migraines, it also helps stop and prevent them.

Anatomy of a Migraine Headache

There are two types of migraines, those with an aura and those without an aura. An aura can appear up to an hour before the onset of a migraine. It is a warning sign that usually presents as a disturbance that is either visual or olfactory. The person may see flashes of light or smell particular odors before the headache begins. About one in six migraines are preceded by an aura.

Once the migraine itself begins, the pain is typically on one side of the head, although this is not always the case. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to noise, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to smell. Some patients experience an inability to concentrate, hot or cold flashes, stiffness in neck or shoulders, slurred speech, loss of coordination, and in rare cases, loss of consciousness.

The migraine can last several minutes, hours, or even days. Afterwards the patient may feel fatigued or washed out. They may be unable to concentrate and either lethargic or extremely energetic.

Studies Show: Chiropractic as a Migraine Treatment

There have been several clinical studies on chiropractic as a treatment for migraine headaches. The results of one study reported that 22 percent of patients who received chiropractic treatment for their migraines reported that their attacks were reduced by more than 90 percent. Additionally, 49 percent reported that the intensity of their migraines was significantly reduced.

Another study randomly assigned people with migraine headaches several different treatments. One group was given Elavil, a daily medication, another group was given chiropractic treatment and a third group received a combination of the two treatments. The results showed that chiropractic was as effective in reducing migraines as the medication and it had fewer side effects. Other studies have also found that chiropractic is as effective as medication for the treatment and prevention of migraine or tension headaches.

Chiropractic for Migraines Headaches

Spinal adjustments are very effective as a treatment for migraines. The whole body approach of chiropractic also utilizes dietary recommendations, including foods to avoid, as well as lifestyle changes.

The patient may be counselled on managing stress, advised to engage in exercise, and given supplements. The treatments may be used to reduce the pain and severity of a migraine once it begins or it can be used to prevent migraines and reduce their frequency.

Chiropractic is a safer treatment with fewer side effects than prescription medications. Chiropractic is quickly becoming the treatment of choice for many migraine sufferers. As the studies show, it works!

So if you or a loved one suffer from migraines, give us a call. Our Doctors of Chiropractic are here to help! (780)455-2112 or visit www.ocwc.ca to learn more about our clinic.

3 Types of Massages That Are the Ultimate Remedy for Curing Pain

December 18, 2017/0 Comments/in Chiropractic Blog /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Do you ever feel that your body is being overused? When you lay down on your bed at the end of the day, it feels like your whole body collapses in a heap of exhaustion. Sometimes overworking the body can cause pain in muscles. You’ll have all sorts of aches, pains and stiffness throughout the day. Luckily, we have a solution for you! Massage, and the right kind of massage, can give your body the boost it badly needs.

Massage is known as the oldest way of healing. Documents from almost three thousand years ago state how massage was used to relieve pain. It is a great way to relieve stress, tension, and aches that you have every day – aches that can lead to disease and illness in the long term. With so many different types of massages offered now, the benefits are endless.

Cure Pain With These Massages

1. Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage is helpful for relaxing and easing tense muscles, and repairing the damaged tissues in your body. During this massage, smooth, flat, hot rocks are placed on your body, on points where you have the pain.

Heat is known to ease tension, promote blood flow and reduce pain. The hot stone massage has the ability to reduce any muscular spasms that you may be suffering from, and will increase your overall flexibility too. Depending on your condition, cold stones can also be used as they reduce inflammation.

With muscle tension, it is hard to move your joints. The heat in the stones will relieve the pain, as it will relax your muscles. This massage is best for those who are suffering from joint disorders or severe muscle strain.

2. Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage is a massage therapy in which your therapist uses firm pressure and slower strokes to reach the layers deep in your muscles and fascia. This therapy is ideal for chronic pains and aches, which can cause stiffness in your neck and upper back, lower back and shoulders.

This massage is used to heal any scar tissue and to breakdown muscle “knots.” Muscle knots are bands of painful and firm tissue that disrupt blood circulation and cause increasing pain. They limit your range of motion and cause inflammation.

In short, there are two distinct techniques used in deep tissue massage i.e. stripping and friction. Stripping releases pain in the muscle fibers, and friction is the pressure used to realign tissue fibers.

3. Relaxation Massage

A relaxation massage is a massage that uses smooth and gentle strokes to help you relax. The main purpose of this massage is to relax your body, which allows its natural healing and rejuvenation process to set in. This massage helps you bring your stress levels down because the massage therapist will not apply hard pressure.

Gentle strokes help stimulate the sensory nerve endings that are in your skin. They then convey messages to our nervous system, which cause the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. They stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, decrease blood pressure, lower the heart rate, and increase digestive activities.

Which One Will You Choose?

Before getting any type of massage, you should consult the masseuse so he/she can give you their best opinion with your condition in mind. Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic offers quality massage therapy services in Edmonton. Give our office a call @ 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today.

Why Chiropractic Is Preferred For Spinal Disc Problems

December 11, 2017/0 Comments/in Chiropractic /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Chiropractic care for spinal disc problems is steadily increasing in popularity. As more and more research proves the effectiveness for chiropractic for these types of problems, doctors and therapists are incorporating it into treatment plans for their patients.

Spinal disc problems can be debilitating, causing significant pain and severely limiting mobility. Degenerative disc disease is one of the most common spinal problems, causing back pain that, like other spinal conditions, can extend into the hip and leg or even the arm and hand.

It is caused by degeneration or thinning of the spinal joints or discs which can disrupt the mechanics of the spine and contribute to bulging discs that press on spinal nerves. Traditional treatment of this condition usually consists of strong pain medication and sometimes surgery.

Patients who are dealing with pain from discs that are bulging or ruptured as well as herniated, or slipped discs, do respond well to chiropractic care. Where surgery has long been a primary medical answer to pain relief for these spinal conditions, chiropractic treatments offer a nonsurgical alternative that has been shown to be very effective.

Most spinal or disc problems are marked by a specific set of symptoms including neck and back pain, stiffness, arm pain, leg pain, and tenderness in the spinal muscles or the spine itself. Other more serious symptoms can present at the onset of the condition or over a period of time. These symptoms indicate a dangerous problem that could even be life threatening; they include:

Back pain accompanied by fever
Loss of control of bladder or bowel
Severe weakness that inhibits the ability to use arms, legs, walk, etc.
Loss of sensation in both arms and/or both buttocks
Inability to defecate or urinate

More serious or life threatening symptoms may require medical intervention, but most spinal conditions can be helped or even corrected with chiropractic care.

Through the careful, precise manipulation of the spine, a chiropractor can make adjustments to the body that help relieve the pain and pressure. This treatment can halt the debilitating progression of certain spinal problems while relieving pain and increasing mobility.

Spinal problems are usually diagnosed by a combination of complete physical examination and a thorough patient history. During the examination the patient’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems are carefully assessed. A doctor of chiropractic will examine the patient by moving the patient into different positions using their legs, arms, and back while applying pressure to the joints. Other diagnostic tools include x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The preferable course of treatment for spinal problems is more conservative in nature. The earlier the problem can be diagnosed and treatment can begin, the better. There are several different treatments that a doctor of chiropractic may do to control and treat the pain. Modalities such as heat and ice applied to the affected area have been proven effective in controlling injury related pain in the lower back.

Movement is also crucial to healing and the sooner the patient gets back on their feet, the better. For most injuries or back problems, those problems are exacerbated when the patient stays in bed or coddles their back instead of walking and moving. It can result in long term back problems.

Spinal manipulation by a doctor of chiropractic has been proven to be an effective, safe treatment for disc problems and associated pain. In some cases therapeutic exercise may be added to the treatment and this too has been shown to be very effective.

In most cases, chiropractic care is sufficient and surgery of the spine or injections are unnecessary to manage the problems. In fact, these more invasive therapies often create more problems than they cure. Chiropractic care should be the first course of action for spine related pain, injury, or problems. So if you or a loved one are suffering from spinal disc problems, make sure you give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112. We’re here to help!

How Acupuncture Has Changed the Perception of Healthy Living

November 20, 2017/0 Comments/in Acupuncture, Chiropractic Blog /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Acupuncture is a universal healing technique that comes from the ancient and rich shores of China. A mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine, it is the practice of inserting thin needles into your skin to stimulate points. It helps improve the body’s overall functioning and promotes the self-healing process.
Like other therapies, acupuncture involves a plethora of different techniques. The most commonly used method is the one where very thin, sterile needles are inserted into your skin to stimulate acupoints. Pressure, heat or electrical stimulation may also be used to enhance its effects.

Does It Hurt? When you think about needles being inserted into your skin, you’re bound to feel a little scared. However, surprisingly, treatments are actually pain free. The most popular uses are to reduce chronic pain in your body – so the question of it causing pain never really arises.

1. It Reduces Headaches!

After much research, it has been proven that acupuncture is the best way to get rid of chronic, tension-related headaches. Although many in the medical fieled refuse to acknowledge acupuncture as a treatment, no one can deny that it works.
During the treatment, the therapist will insert needles in specific areas of your body, which will give you a relief in migraines and headaches. It not only reduces the frequency but also the intensity the headaches come with.

2. Get Rid of Chronic Pains

Chronic pains are the worst! If you’re a young guy or girl, these pains will make you feel old and drain the life out of you. When you are experiencing pains in your back, neck, or knee, life becomes a hassle. Acupuncture has been proven to be the most effective treatment for back pain.
As mentioned before, many studies prove that these treatments an cure chronic pain for good – something not many traditional medicinal practices can boast of. In fact, acupuncture is fast becoming a referral option for many open-minded doctors as well.

3. Sleep Well

Sleep deprivation can lead to a very moody day, week, month and even life. A study showed that people that were taking medication for sleep got much better, peaceful sleep when they added acupuncture to their regime. Many sleeping pills come with side effects, while there are none with acupuncture. Which is the better choice – you decide!

4. Helps Cancer Recovery

Acupuncture can stimulate immunity and speed-up recovery for cancer patients. Treatments can enhances the immune system, increases platelet count and prevents the destruction of healthy cells that comes with chemotherapy. On top of that, chemotherapy is a painful process. Acupuncture goes a long way in easing that pain.

5. Prevent Cognitive Decline

Acupuncture has showed effectiveness for Parkinson’s disorder too. Treatments help generate neural responses in some areas of your brain, more specifically the putamen and thalamus that are the most affected by this disorder. A study shows that 20 patients were treated with 16 acupuncture sessions and they had significant improvements in their everyday life because of it.

If you are interested in booking your session. Give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 and our staff will be happy to help you.

5 Reasons Whiplash Sufferers Should Choose Chiropractic Care

November 13, 2017/0 Comments/in Chiropractic Blog /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Our neck is a busy body part. It holds up and turns our head, allowing us to see, hear, and speak in the direction we choose.

Although the neck is a real “team player” it’s a bit of a diva, meaning it’s fairly delicate. There are many ways everyday motion injures the neck, ending up causing pain, decreased mobility, and varying degrees of short and long-term misery.

How Chiropractic Helps Relieve Sacroiliac Joint Pain

October 16, 2017/0 Comments/in Chiropractic Blog /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

How can a body part you have probably never heard of hurt so BAD? This is a common question we hear from individuals suffering from sacroiliac joint pain.

The joint is formed by the sacrum and the ilium where they meet on either side of the lower back, with the purpose of connecting the spine to the pelvis. This small joint is one of the most durable parts of the human body, and it is responsible for a big job.

The unassuming little sacroiliac joint withstands the pressure of the upper body’s weight pushing down on it, as well as pressure from the pelvis. It’s basically the cushion between the torso and the legs. As such, it handles force from pretty much every angle.

While immensely strong and durable, this joint is not indestructible. Sacroiliac joint pain usually crops up as lower back pain, or pain in the legs or buttocks.

Weakness in these areas may also be present. The typical culprits in causing the sacroiliac joint to exhibit pain are traumatic injuries to the lower back, but more frequently develops over a longer period of time.

Sacroiliac joint pain is often misdiagnosed as soft tissue issues instead of the joint itself. Doctors may rule out other medical conditions before settling on a diagnosis that includes a sacroiliac joint problem.

If you have suffered an injury, a degenerative disease, or otherwise damaged the sacroiliac joint, there are treatments available to help manage pain, promote healing, and lessen the chances of recurrence. Here are a four helpful guidelines to assist in effectively handling sacroiliac joint pain.

First, rest and ice the area. Avoid exaggerated movements of your lower back in order to relieve some of the body’s pressure on the sacroiliac joint. Also apply ice wrapped in a towel periodically to soothe the area and minimize the pain.

A second way to handle sacroiliac pain is with therapeutic massage. Tightness around the joint is a common cause of discomfort and pain. Professional massage serves to loosen and relax the lower back, buttocks, and leg areas, offering relief from pain.

Third, consider chiropractic and seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractic treatment, known as adjustments, not only provides great options for pain relief but also helps promote the healing process of this joint.

A chiropractor is specifically trained to guide you through several phases of care. They don’t focus just on pain relief but are primarily interested in helping you fix the problem.

They’re also very well trained in rehabilitation of the spine. This approach will help loosen the muscles surrounding the joint as well as strengthen them. This will decrease the risk of pain returning down the road.

Finally, in very rare cases, doctors will choose to apply an injection to the area to alleviate pain and inflamed tissue. Obviously, the injection won’t fix the problem but may give the patient relief temporarily. Surgery is rarely a viable option.

If you show symptoms of sacroiliac pain, it’s important to see a Doctor of Chiropractic so he or she can perform tests to correctly diagnose your condition. It could very well be another type of lower back problem. So quit suffering and give us a call!

This article is copyrighted by Blogging Chiros LLC for its Doctor of Chiropractic members and may not be copied or duplicated in any manner including printed or electronic media, regardless of whether for a fee or gratis without the prior written permission of Blogging Chiros, LLC.

6 Tips Chiropractic Patients Must Observe If They Are Victims of a Car Crash

September 25, 2017/0 Comments/in Chiropractic Blog /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Few instances shatter our normal world into pieces more quickly than an automobile accident. Never expected, a wreck causes bodily injury, stress, and, in some cases, ongoing financial litigation issues.

Unfortunately, the vast number of vehicles on the road today, as well as drivers’ penchant for distracted driving, dramatically increases an individual’s chances of being involved in a crash. If you already suffer from an injury or medical condition, you must do your part to ensure it is not aggravated or exacerbated.

If a car crash happens to you, it’s essential to recognize and follow these six tips to keep you safe and your injuries to a minimum.

Immediately take stock of the situation

The way you react seconds after a crash impacts the situation tremendously. Determine what area you are injured, and if you are in imminent danger in the vehicle.

For example, if the automobile is on fire, or you are sinking into a lake, rescue yourself as quickly as possible. Otherwise, stay inside your vehicle.

Analyze your injured areas

How injured do you appear to be? Keep in mind you are not a doctor. So, even if you feel fine, your neck or back could still have been impacted. Identify which areas of your body hurts, and the intensity of the pain.

Wait for the authorities

Stay calm inside your vehicle and wait for the police and ambulance to arrive. This is imperative if your vehicle has flipped and you are hanging from your seatbelt.

Many head and neck injuries result from automobile occupants releasing their seat belts after a crash that has left them upside down.

Inform the emergency technicians

Once help arrives, it’s vital to explain to them, if you can, the areas of injury. If you have previously suffered from injury or medical condition to your neck, back, or spine, let them know that, too.

This information helps them formulate the form of extraction and emergency treatment that minimizes the chance of creating further harm. Be calm and specific when you relay the information, using simple language and the 1-10 pain scale to describe your level of discomfort.

Visit your chiropractor

If your injuries are deemed minimal and you are released, be happy and grateful that you were not hurt worse! Then, make an appointment with your chiropractor, and explain the nature of the wreck.

Certain injuries take a few days to show up, and the crash could have impacted bones, joints, and ligaments that went undiscovered during the initial after-crash exam. Ask for a complete examination, and talk with your chiropractor about any treatment deemed necessary.

Minimize the chances of another automobile accident

While you cannot control being in a wreck, you can take measures to guard against the occurrence, and give yourself a greater chance to avoid injury. Always wear your seatbelt, avoid distracted driving (this means your cell phone), maintain your vehicle’s brakes and tires, and understand the current traffic laws. Commit to driving at a safe speed depending on the weather conditions, and never, ever drive after imbibing alcohol.

Being in an automobile accident is scary business, and we hope it never happens to you. There is increased risk to individuals who already deal with medical conditions or bodily injuries from sports, work, or falls.

However, by maintaining a clear head and following these six tips, you can minimize the chance of being seriously injured in many car wreck situations and return to your normal life quickly, putting this awful incident behind you.

How Fibromyalgia Sufferers Can Benefit From Chiropractic Care

June 29, 2017/0 Comments/in Chiropractic Blog /by Dr. Kent Ferguson

Fibromyalgia is one of today’s most common chronic pain conditions. According to the American College of Rheumatology, around 1 in 50 Americans currently suffer from fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, the condition is difficult to diagnose, and, being chronic in nature, can linger for several months or even years. Fibromyalgia typically causes pain throughout the body and creates areas so tender that the slightest pressure hurts.

Patients diagnosed with the condition have both traditional and alternative treatment options available to them. Traditional approaches to managing the pain and treating fibromyalgia are anti-inflammatory prescriptions, sleep medications, and muscle relaxers. Patients frequently choose natural remedies instead of or in addition to traditional medication, such as vitamin therapy, acupuncture, and meditation. One of the most common treatments is chiropractic care.

The main ways chiropractic care benefits those who suffer from fibromyalgia are:

Reduces pain levels

The most difficult issue to deal with for fibromyalgia sufferers is the constant pain, which often affects the entire body for weeks or months at a stretch. Although these patients initially seek care for the pain they’re experiencing, they soon realize that chiropractic also helps restore overall health and aids the body in self-healing.

By adjusting the spine to improve alignment, as well as incorporating some form of soft tissue work, chiropractors can assist fibromyalgia patients in minimizing their painful pressure points. Many who suffer with this condition look for relief with chiropractic treatment options, and experience a decrease in the tender spots.

Increases range of motion

Chiropractors are also able to adjust the body’s joints and help loosen them. For fibromyalgia patients, this can sometimes increase their range of motion and allow them to move more easily.

Sometimes it takes several treatments to see significant results, so it’s important to note that chiropractic treatment of fibromyalgia takes a commitment from the patient. The effects, however, are well worth the time invested.

Boosts sleep quality

A common by-product of the pain associated from fibromyalgia is lack of sleep. As anyone knows, being unable to snag several hours sleep can leave you feeling tired, foggy, and irritable.

By working with a chiropractor to loosen their joints and manage their tender points, patients suffering from this condition can enjoy a deeper sleep, and stay asleep longer.

Complements other treatments

Sometimes medicines counteract with each other, or mix together and cause side effects. A big advantage of chiropractic care is it can be utilized in tandem with medications or other remedies, whether traditional or natural.

An individual who is diagnosed with this condition should speak to his or her chiropractor about the various ways to treat it, and remember that there is not a one-stop solution. A treatment regimen should be built on a case-by-case basis tailored to the specific needs of that patient.

Empowers the patient

Individuals who must cope with painful, chronic illnesses can become exasperated with treatment options, and feel as if they have no control over their situations. Unfortunately, these feelings can bring on stress and depression, which only works against getting better. By working with a chiropractor, patients can feel more in charge of their pain management and more optimistic in their recovery.

People who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia need to understand that there are options available to them for pain management, and they may decide to try more than one at a time. Chiropractic care is a valuable tool to treat the symptoms of fibromyalgia, and patients who will commit will see the benefits of less pain, greater mobility, and better sleep. And, perhaps the best benefit of all, they can take control of their circumstances and be a vital part of managing their personal well-being.

If you or a loved one are suffering from fibromyalgia, don’t do it alone. Our chiropractor has a passion for helping sick people get well. So contact us today to schedule an appointment.