Chiropractors tend to treat auto-accident related injuries, but there is much more to the scope of chiropractic care. Chiropractors offer alternative treatments for many common ailments without the use of medications that have undesirable side-effects or may even become addictive. Because each individual chiropractor has their own specialties and range in their practices, some chiropractic treatments may not be included in every practice. The following are the types of treatments that are common under the general umbrella of chiropractic care.

1. Injuries
2. Relief of pain
3. Anxiety and stress
4. Boosting Immunity
5. Preventative Measures
6. Multidisciplinary Care

Injuries

Chiropractors treat work-related, auto accident, and sports injuries as well as other injuries involving the neck and back. Although this is what chiropractic care is known for, most people don’t understand why. Spinal manipulation is the hallmark of chiropractic care and used by chiropractors to treat many injuries related to the back and neck. These types of injuries can cause constriction of the nerves running through the spine when it is out of alignment. Spinal manipulation realigns the spinal column. But chiropractic care involves much more than just spinal manipulation. Practitioners look for the root of the pain and may also use methods such as soft tissue modalities, hot and cold muscle treatments, and physical modalities when needed. The goal is to relieve the pain using a drug-free, non-surgical approach.

Relief of Pain

As you well know, not all pain is the result of an accident or injury. Some pain is almost inexplicable and seems to appear almost out of nowhere. Other types of pain can start small, but become persistent and debilitating over time. Even sleeping can become unbearable. Chiropractors also treat persistent or chronic neck and back pain that doesn’t have a known cause as well as sciatica, arthritis, and headaches and migraines. No one should feel they must just live with pain just because they can’t pinpoint the cause.

Treatment for Stress and Anxiety

Many don’t realize that chiropractic care also offers treatment for the relief of stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are physical manifestations of sensory overloads that are exacerbated by poor posture and back and neck pain. Physical discomfort increases tension which can create more stress and anxiety which leads to more tension in a self-feeding cycle. Chiropractic care works to break that cycle to offer the relief of tension to reduce stress and anxiety.

Boosting Immunity

Because chiropractic care involves a “whole body” approach, there are far-reaching benefits beyond just the relief of pain. With the spinal column aligned, the nervous system functions properly and experiences better communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Studies have shown a direct correlation between the nervous system and the neuro-immune-endocrine system. Spinal manipulation actually increases levels of the hormone cortisol which is activated by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and plays a role in reducing inflammation which in turn boosts immunity. In addition to that, the reduction of tension and pain causes many patients to also find improvement in their sleep and general well-being which plays a role in boosting immune health as well.

Preventative Measures

Some injuries are preventable through an increase in flexibility and mobility. When joints and muscles are tight, rigid, and immobile, the force of a fall or other type of impact can be jarring. Chiropractic care works to allow the body to move freely without restriction to decrease the likelihood of injury upon impact.

Multidisciplinary Care

Chiropractic care also incorporates relaxation techniques, stress management, dietary counseling, and physical therapy exercises which have many benefits related to a reduction in tension and pain. Many of these approaches are especially helpful for reducing migraines in their levels of pain, duration, and frequency.

Starkwood Chiropractic | Portland, Oregon

Here at Starkwood Chiropractic, our focus is on the gentle, safe, and effective removal of pain through our experienced approaches. We help patients who have sustained auto, work-related, and sports injuries as well as relieving back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and migraines. The services we offer include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, physical modalities, stretching and exercise programs as well as dietary and nutrition counseling. We use Thompson, Diversified, Activator, Arthrostim, Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy in a holistic, whole-body approach that effectively provides relief of pain rather than covering it up with addictive medications and pain relievers. We also use Zenith HyLo Elevation Tables, Therapeutic Ultrasound and Electric Muscle Stimulation, and Heritage10 Intersegmental Traction Tables. Rather than working independently, we communicate with your physician in a coordinated effort to find the best treatment plan. We accept insurance from commonly-used health insurance companies like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and many others.

Contact Starkwood Chiropractic Today

Starkwood Chiropractic has been providing chiropractic care in the Portland, Oregon, community since 1983. If you have pain, stress, anxiety, migraines, or any other ailment we can provide relief for, give us a call to ask any questions you may have and see if chiropractic care is right for you. We can discuss with you our approach and what treatment we have to offer for the relief of your suffering. And, of course, if you have been in an auto accident or have been injured at work or during a sports activity, don’t hesitate to call. We have many years of experience treating auto, sports, and work-related injuries. If you are in pain, don’t wait. Call us without delay and see how Starkwood Chiropractic can help you take that first step toward a pain-free life. Call us today.