It is important to know the source of your chronic pain before seeking chiropractic care to help in addressing the problem. First, a chiropractor conducts physical examination and other tests in order to diagnose the source of the pain and then comes up with a suitable treatment plan. When treating chronic pain, a chiropractor can use any of the following methods.
FLEXION-DISTRACTION MANIPULATION
A chiropractor uses this method to treat chronic pain in the hip and lower back area. A patient is required to lie on a special treatment table that has a hydraulic system. Then the physician moves the table up and down while stretching the patient's joints. The physician uses a pumping, smooth motion to yield a distractive force using the table. This process helps in stretching distinct spinal segments.
Flexion-distraction manipulation is categorized as low-force, which means that it can be used on geriatric patients, spinal injuries, herniated discs, pregnant women, and pinched nerves. This treatment method is also suitable for patients with chronic lower back pain and related disorders.
MANUAL-JOINT MANIPULATION
This method is ideal for patients with chronic pain in their neck or middle back, as well as all the lower and upper extremities. A physician uses hands to shift, distract, or stimulate movements in a joint that does not move normally. Mostly, a chiropractor uses this treatment method to relax tight joints and muscles.
Relieving tight joints helps in reducing muscle spasms and nerve pain, and it also improves extremity and spinal function. Manual-joint manipulation is a good treatment option to assist you in resuming your daily activities that were hindered by the chronic pain. A chiropractor customizes this treatment method depending on the patient's needs, condition and age.
LOW-FORCE MANIPULATION
Chiropractors use this method to treat chronic pain, toddlers and infants, elderly patients, and patients with conditions like osteoporosis. In this method, a physician uses a less forceful method to manipulate joints or uses instruments that assist them to make the adjustments. Typically, this treatment method utilizes less pressure, which reduces pain and increases motion in joints, and relief comes immediately after the treatment.
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES
These involve a number of physical exercises or activities which focus on the restoration and maintaining of endurance, stability, balance, flexibility, and strength. Chiropractors use this process to restore a patient to full functionality in a pain-free state.
First, the chiropractor must evaluate the patient's physical capabilities, and this can be done through physical assessment or going through their medical history. Then the physician develops a treatment program, suitable for the patient's needs.
