www.wnewsj.com

CHRIS STROMBERG
Chiropractic column

          “According to the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research, chronic pain affects a very large amount of Americans. Chiropractic has the advantage of working to address the cause of pain, rather than simply masking the pain itself. According to the American Chronic Pain Association, Chronic pain is “pain that continues a month or more beyond the usual recovery period for an injury or illness of that goes on for months or years due to a chronic condition.”

          Others define “chronic” differently, with a problem not becoming chronic until three months or even one year after onset.

          When reading the definition for chronic pain like this, one would hope that it is a rare condition affecting only a few. Unfortunately, these sobering statistics from the American Pain Foundation suggest otherwise:
 

• Pain causes 1 in 3 American adults to lose 20 or more hours of sleep each month.

• 50 million workdays are lost each year because of pain.

• Only ¼ of those with pain get adequate treatment.

• More than 20 percent of those over 60 have chronic pain due to arthritis, joint, or back pain.

• More than 50 million Americans have chronic pain.

• Headache and back pain are the most common types of pain in the US.

          Those suffering from chronic pain are often faced with frustrations that exceed the pain - they may have difficulties just getting a diagnosis and may undergo numerous tests, sometimes to be told the problem is psychological or “all in the head.” Sadly, in some cases, chronic pain can lead to psychological problems, such as depression, which can in turn lead to more pain complaints. It is important for the patient - to recognize that pain is the primary concern, however.

          Chiropractic has the advantage of working to address the cause of the pain, rather than simply masking the pain itself. The doctor of chiropractic has been educated as a diagnostician in a manner very similar to the medical doctor.

          Every new chiropractic case begins with a complete and thorough physical examination that may include orthopedic and neurological examinations, palpation, x-ray or another type of advanced imaging if clinically necessary, range of motion tests and or other diagnostic tests.

          The adjustment is a treatment used almost exclusively by chiropractors. It is a procedure that involves precise pressure applied to specific points on the body. The areas to be adjusted are determined by the doctor of chiropractic after the physical examination. It is extremely important that only those who have had the extensive training in adjustment/manipulation techniques be allowed to provide adjustments. It is part of the Chiropractors education is being able to recognize situations and conditions where manipulation is not advised.

          Your doctor of chiropractic may also use other treatment methods to help manage your chronic pain. These physical modalities may include ultrasound, electric muscle stimulation, massage, heat, ice or others. These treatments my work to relieve pain, relax muscles and improve function.”

          -To schedule a free chiro exam please visit Free Chiro Exam and schedule yours today.

Categories: Chiropractic Information