From credible clinical researches, it is estimated that 35% of the American adult population (22 million) people visit their doctors with pain complains every year. While most of these pains are because of common issues like overworking, wrong posture while sitting or sleeping, some of these signal serious structural problems. In addition to pain relief pills, people are now exploring safer and risk-free treatment. At the center of these alternative options, is chiropractic care and massage therapies. While massage focuses on easing muscle and tissue pain, chiropractic therapy aims to correct structural problems that affect the spine in a bid to treat pain.
A combination of these two works best for pain treatment. So now the question remains; how does that come about? This article explains how a combination of these two therapies aids in treating pain.
Chiropractic Treatment for Pain
Increased Neurotransmitters
Both modalities trigger the enhanced production of neurotransmitters including endorphins. Such neurotransmitters are responsible for the enhanced parasympathetic activities for instance improved digestion, reduced blood pressure and heart rate. All these have the effect of taking away blood from the nerves hence the pain relief that is experienced after massage and chiropractic care. As tissues and blood vessels are manipulated through massage, blood and healing nutrients are effectively distributed throughout the affected parts. With improved circulation, affected areas are supplied with healing properties and thus accelerated recovery from pain symptoms.
Pain Relief
A little misalignment in the body structure can wreak havoc as it leads to debilitating back pain. Sore and tight muscles and tissues also lead to pain that manifest as a burning sensation in the affected areas. Massage eases soreness and tightness in the muscles, thereby directing blood and healing nutrients to those specific areas and as a result, relief from pain is achieved. As spinal structures are brought back to alignment through chiropractic care, one of the major effects is relief from back pain.
Pain Prevention
Most people seek these modalities for treatment of various ailments including pain; a big mistake. The modalities, especially massage should be sought after even for pain prevention purposes. With regular massage sessions, tightness and inflammation in muscles is less likely to bother you. Blood, together with healing materials like lymph fluid will flow effectively thereby keeping you safe from muscle related pain. Regular chiropractic care will keep your structure in proper alignment and thus preventing structural related pain from bothering you.
Accelerated Recovery
The combination of massage and chiropractic care can significantly accelerate healing in the treatment of pain by addressing both the structural and soft tissue components of the body. By releasing tension, reducing inflammation and improving circulation, massage creates a more receptive environment for chiropractic adjustments. These adjustments in turn, align the spine and joints, alleviating pressure on nerves and restoring proper function. This synergistic approach not only provides immediate pain relief, but it also enhances the body’s natural healing process, leading to faster recovery times.
Increased Circulation
Tensed and stiff muscles hamper the free distribution of blood and healing properties that include lymphatic fluid and leucocytes. Similarly, misalignment in the structural arrangement for instance spinal discs also contribute to hampered circulation of materials throughout the body. A combination of massage and chiropractic care comes to release tension, restore alignment, and reduce inflammation in the muscles, thereby restoring free circulation. As free flow of materials is restored, you experience relief from pain symptoms while materials such as lymphatic fluid provides the affected areas with leucocytes for accelerated healing.
Reduced Stress Levels
When a person is under stress, especially chronic stress, the body experiences increased cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is responsible for most body ailments including indigestion, lack of sleep, anxiety and pain. Massage helps correct this by providing relaxation, release from tension and inflammation. The result of this is the reduced cortisol, something that also reduces stress levels. This way, you are able to lead a happier life that is free of pain related issues.
While massage is sought after, more often than chiropractic care, integrating these modalities can provide patients with a more comprehensive and sustained reduction in pain, improved mobility and overall better physical health. While some people might argue that the integration of these two is a little expensive, the benefits outweigh the little cost by far. Due to the delicate nature of blood vessels, muscles and the spine, a lot of care has to be taken when performing these therapies. Highly skilled and licensed therapists are the only ones who can guarantee side effect and risk-free therapy.