One of the common misconceptions surrounding chiropractic care is that you have a regular exercise regimen, you don’t need an adjustment, but this isn’t the case. While getting regular exercise at the gym has numerous health benefits, it does not help you avoid back problems entirely. In fact, some exercise – such as yoga – can even create back problems. Here are some reasons why an adjustment can be better for your back pain than just a workout.
Chiropractic Care Basics
Chiropractic care is administered by a licensed medical professional who uses gentle movements and manual manipulation to help improve back pain and joint function. Chiropractic care is considered to be a form of holistic, or integrative medicine. It is founded on the basic principles of the conservative care of the spine and soft tissues surrounding the joints. Many Americans see chiropractors seek relief from conditions such as:
- Whiplash
- Neck pain
- Sciatica
- Back pain
While you may feel it’s a good idea to try to use workouts to help find relief, there are a few things to consider before you completely rule out a visit to the chiropractor. This includes determining whether or not you can get the relief you desire on your own or if it would be better to get professional help.
Targeted Treatment
While certain exercises certainly can move spinal vertebra and joints to increase flexibility, they do not target specific areas of pain. For example, stretching your neck will move all the vertebrae, not just the ones causing the problems. Additionally, if a few of your vertebrae are frozen in place, a good stretch won’t help align them or bring relief to the specific problem. A chiropractor, however, is able to use subtle movements to specifically align and target vertebrae which are the cause of the pain.
Muscle Control
One of the reasons chiropractic care results in relief is because your chiropractor can manipulate joints and muscles that won’t move on their own. This includes certain muscles that can’t necessarily be targeted by lifting weights or cardio training. There are 24 vertebrae in the spine and chiropractic care can specifically target each one of them. This can result in relief that just can’t be replicated by going to the gym.
Exercise and going to the gym are definitely things that should be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. It promotes manageable weight loss, heart health, and many more benefits. If back pain or joint pain is troubling you, however, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor, like a chiropractor in Mesa, AZ, to see what he or she can do for you.
Thanks to Lifecare Chiropractic for their insight into the importance of chiropractic adjustments.
