The number of Australians suffering from chronic pain is rising—approximately 1 in 5 Australian adults over 45 experience persistent ongoing pain. Many seek non-invasive holistic treatments as an alternative to surgery or opiate medications. Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment for various health issues and is an excellent option for many suffering from various forms of pain.
Chiropractic in Australia is one of the fourteen health professions regulated by the government. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive health care approach focusing on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders.
Proponents of chiropractic care believe that misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can lead to various health problems. Chiropractors use manipulation techniques to adjust the spine and other joints to relieve pain and improve function.
Although chiropractic is often associated with back pain relief, the treatment is also effective for headaches, neck pain, and joint dysfunction.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic care can be effective in treating certain types of back pain, such as those caused by herniated discs or pinched nerves.
Chiropractic treatment for back pain focuses on spinal manipulation and realignment. This can help to relieve pressure on the nerves and improve circulation. It may also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Chiropractic treatment is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. Side effects are usually mild and temporary and may include soreness or tenderness in the treated area. More severe side effects are rare but could include herniated discs or spinal cord injury.
As with any medical treatment, some risks are involved with chiropractic treatment. It’s important to discuss these risks with your chiropractor before beginning treatment. Together, you can decide if chiropractic is right for you and develop a treatment plan to minimise your complications risk.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Other Pain?
While not suitable for everyone, chiropractic treatment can be an effective way to find relief from pain and improve overall health and well-being.
Though many associate chiropractic care with back pain, chiropractic treatment can also be effective for treating headaches, neck pain, posture issues, rotator cuff injuries, and foot pain.
Chiropractors use various techniques to treat these conditions, including adjustments, manual manipulations, and massage therapy. All therapies performed by chiropractors are safe and regulated by governing and regulatory bodies to ensure quality and efficiency. While any medical procedure has some risks, organisations like the Australian Association of Chiropractors have worked hard to ensure all chiropractic treatment is safely performed.
Who Should Avoid Chiropractic Treatment?
The manual adjustments and manipulations to correct alignment issues in the spine and other joints are generally safe for most people. However, some people are unsuitable for chiropractic treatment. These include:
- Pregnant women
- People with osteoporosis or brittle bones
- People who have undergone surgery recently
If you are unsure if chiropractic treatment is right for you, it is best to consult with your family physician before making an appointment.
Scientific Evidence to Support the Efficacy of Chiropractic Care
The treatments performed by chiropractors have been scrutinised by the medical community. Through their studies and inquiries, research indicates that chiropractic treatment is a safe, effective treatment for low back pain.
Specifically, a 2020 systematic review concluded that chiropractic care is effective as a short-term treatment for acute, sub-acute, and chronic low back pain.
A growing body of evidence still under peer review suggests chiropractic care might effectively treat neck pain and headaches.
Is Dry Needling a Safe and Effective Treatment Option?
Dry needling is a relatively new treatment option that is becoming increasingly popular among medical professionals and is often used to complement other chiropractic care techniques.
The procedure involves the insertion of thin needles into trigger points on the body to relieve pain and improve function. A trigger point is where tight bands of muscle fibre tend to restrict the range of motion in addition to causing pain or discomfort.
The theory behind dry needling suggests the insertion of a needle at a trigger point increases blood flow and temporarily reduces any soreness or pain. This is similar, but not the same as acupuncture, which has been used for thousands of years as part of Eastern medicine and is considered safe.
Some people report feeling minor pins and needles sensation during the procedure. Though as with acupuncture, most patients feel little or nothing when the health care worker inserts the needles.
The procedure is safe and relatively effective for many people. Dry needling is also typically gentle and does not require medication or surgery.
Dry needling can be used to treat back pain and other types of pain. Dry needling can also relieve myofascial pain. It is ideal for people looking for an alternative to more invasive treatments.
Safe and Effective Chiropractic in Carlton NSW
CEN Chiropractic Services is a leading provider of chiropractic treatment in Carlton, NSW. We provide a range of safe, effective, patient-focused care plans that work to relieve pain at the source.
Our qualified and certified practitioners can work with you to create a bespoke treatment plan for your needs and can advise you on healthy living strategies and preventive care options. They will walk you through all treatments that might be right for you and can answer any questions if you wonder if chiropractic is safe. Make an appointment today to learn more.
References
Chiropractors
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/chiropractors
Chiropractic
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/chiropractic
About ACA
https://www.chiro.org.au/
Dry Needling
https://www.ais.gov.au/position_statements/best_practice_content/dry_needling