The ACA (American Chiropractic Association) has declared October National Chiropractic Health Month! This year, the theme is “Conservative Care First.” For many of our patients and others out there suffering from back and neck pain (or other pain), the heath care treatment options involving chiropractic adjustments, exercise and stretching are safe and effective methods for helping with symptoms and reducing pain.
What exactly is “Conservative Care”?
For Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) conservative chiropractic care refers to non-invasive methods developed to promote healing throughout the entire body such as manual manipulation. Many treatments causing back and neck pain can be improved with safe, less costly treatments such as adjustments, exercise and stretching.
What are reasons to consider conservative care first?
Many patients suffering from chronic pain or pain from an accident or injury turn to prescription painkillers. These are not a solution as they mask the pain and don’t allow the body to recover. Avoiding use of painkillers to begin with will prevent misuse or addiction.
Also, it is important to try less invasive methods of treatment to fully understand the diagnosis and options for the future. Once you have tried options for pain management that are cost-effective and safe you can continue to explore the possibility that a more invasive option may be required (such as back surgery). It is a great idea to explore all other options before undergoing a risky and costly surgery that may not be needed.
What can a Chiropractor help with?
Chiropractors utilize a drug-free approach to treating a variety of chronic pain conditions and pain caused by accidents, injury or falls. They also can help make adjustments to a misaligned spine or pain caused by every day activities, sleep positions, office chair setups and aging.
You are your own advocate and your choices for health care are your own. Using a conservative care approach to pain management and for health purposes is an effective approach to health care. Find relief for your pain and injuries by trying chiropractic and other non-invasive treatment options before using invasive options such as prescription medicines and surgery.