Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on improving a patient’s overall well-being through the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of the spine, as well as other joints and tissue in the body. In comparison to taking pain medication, chiropractic is a more natural form of treatment with fewer risks and side-effects.
Pain medicine may provide short-term relief to treat symptoms of musculoskeletal problems, but it does not correct the actual source of the underlying issue. On the other hand, chiropractic aims to restore the proper function and alignment of the body, ultimately correcting the root cause of musculoskeletal issues. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to relieve pain and improve an individual’s joint mobility, muscle tension and overall health. These techniques include spinal manipulation, joint mobilization, and stretches. Through each session, the chiropractor works to improve biomechanical alignments, regulate homeostasis of the nervous system, and optimize the musculoskeletal system’s overall functioning. In addition, there are preventative maintenance techniques and home exercises that patients are educated on in order to promote long-term health and well-being, which is not the case for pain medication.