Spine and Sports Medicine Blog

Everything You Need to Know About Chiropractic Care & Pain Management

Dr. Dimitrios Lambrou Apr 30, 2019

"But my back doesn't hurt!"

"You'll make my pain worse."

"I'll get addicted to treatment and need it forever."

"Nobody can help me. My condition is too severe."

These are just a few of the excuses that prevent potential patients from visiting our offices. These statements often stem from a misunderstanding of chiropractic care and pain management services. Sometimes they also come from patients who have been mistreated or misinformed by other healthcare professionals.

But hey, no hard feelings. Our compassionate team is here to help you understand the pros and cons of our treatment options.

That's why we've created this quick guide to chiropractic care and pain management services. We want to help you make an informed decision about the services we offer, whether you suffer from debilitating sciatica or you battle regular flare-ups from psoriatic arthritis. Review our rundown of chiropractic and pain management services below and then reach out to us with any questions.

What Conditions Do You Treat?

Many patients mistakenly believe we only treat specific areas of the body, such as the neck and back. This prevents them from seeking care for other body parts, including their knees, arms and feet. We also treat conditions that affect the joints, nerves and muscles.

This is not an all-inclusive list of conditions we treat, but here are some of them:

Sciatica
Arthritis
Bulging discs
Herniated discs
Fibromyalgia
Bursitis
Asthma
Migraines
Menstrual pain
Sports injuries

If you've got pain in any part of your body, talk to us about it. We perform comprehensive exams prior to treatment, and we never use a cookie-cutter approach to wellness.

After your exam, we discuss what we can do to treat your pain. This may involve spinal manipulations, hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy, acupuncture or other services. We never perform any procedures you don't want, so let us know if any of our suggestions make you uncomfortable. We can explain how they are beneficial in a pressure-free way or offer alternatives.

Will Your Treatments Make My Pain Worse?

This is a common concern with patients considering chiropractic care or pain management services. The answer depends on the treatments you choose and the severity of your condition.

Treatment should never result in excruciating pain, but you may experience some discomfort. This is especially true during your first few visits. Even though the services we offer benefit your body, you may need time to adjust to the treatment.

However, our services are designed to reduce or eliminate your pain over time. Any discomfort you experience at our offices should only be temporary.

Can My Body Get Addicted to Pain Management Treatment?

We often have new patients voice concerns about becoming addicted to pain management services. Our treatment options generally do not revolve around medication. We focus on healing your body as a whole rather than simply treating your symptoms.

In fact, the American Chiropractic Association urges patients to seek treatment from chiropractors and similar specialists before resorting to prescription medication. We want to help you feel better forever, not just for a few hours.

There are also some misconceptions about how chiropractic care is habit-forming. Luckily, your body does not become dependent on chiropractic care the way it does on addictive prescription drugs. It's true that some patients require lifelong care, but you may only need to visit our offices once a month or even once every few months.

Is My Condition Too Severe for You to Treat?

Probably not, but we won't know until you come in for a consultation. Remember, we offer comprehensive exams for all new patients. Our staff never assumes you need services. We only offer treatments that are actually beneficial for your unique medical needs.

Many patients come to us as a last resort. We help them when nobody else can. If conventional methods have failed to reduce your pain, let us know. We're up for the challenge.

How Will You Make Me Better?

That depends on several factors, including your personal preferences and your medical condition. We offer numerous services for chiropractic care and pain management, including:

We participate in many popular insurance plans and also accept some medical spending cards. We can help you customize a treatment plan that addresses your pain without exceeding your budget.

Are Pain Management Services Dangerous?

Yes, if they aren’t performed correctly. That’s why our team only contains licensed medical professionals and experienced staff. A physician performs your initial exam, and then you may work with one or more of the following staff members:

Physical therapists
Chiropractors
Acupuncturists
Physician assistants
Advanced practice nurses
Surgeons
Sports medicine practitioners

Many new patients have more concerns about the safety of chiropractic adjustments than other treatment options. Luckily, research indicates that spinal manipulation is generally safe. In fact, more than 35 million Americans visit chiropractors each year.

Regardless of which pain management services you choose, we work hard to protect your safety. If a treatment carries risks, we inform you first. We also explain how you can minimize risks before, during and after treatment.

What is Spinal Manipulation?

Spinal manipulation involves a chiropractor using a controlled, sudden force to adjust your spine. This procedure helps decrease inflammation and reduce joint and nerve pain.

Some chiropractors perform manipulations with their hands while others rely on medical instruments. You typically sit or lie down during treatment so that a chiropractor can ensure your body is in the right position. This reduces the risk of injury.

Chiropractic care is often performed with other pain management services, including cold therapy and acupuncture. Our staff will help determine if you need any of these treatments for your pain.

How Long Will I Need Pain Management Services?

We don’t offer one-size-fits-all treatment plans, so your recovery time depends on your condition and your cooperation. If you frequently cancel appointments or skip at-home exercises, your recovery might take longer than expected. Some patients only require a few visits, while others need months of services.

Our goal is to help you feel better as quickly as possible, not transform you into a lifelong patient dependent on our care. We work hard to help you alleviate your pain so you can enjoy life and resume your regular routine.