October is National Chiropractic Health Month (NCHM). This year, its observance promotes better access to non-drug therapies. Furthermore, it reminds people that chiropractic care is on the frontline of drug-free approaches to pain management as a trusted alternative to potentially-addictive opioid medications.
What is National Chiropractic Health Month?
The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) created National Chiropractic Health Month “to raise public awareness of the benefits of chiropractic care and its natural, whole-person, patient-centered and drug-free approach to health and wellness.” Observed every October, it is a great time to learn what chiropractic treatment is, what it isn’t, and how it can alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life. For National Chiropractic Health Month in 2022, the special focus is chiropractic pain management.
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors use non-drug approaches to health and healing, deploying spinal and joint manipulations to correct your body’s alignment and improve physical functioning. In addition to adjustments, chiropractors may offer other non-invasive, drug-free treatments such as massage therapy, physical therapy, trigger point therapy, and cold laser therapy.
Many chiropractors also provide dietary, exercise, and other lifestyle advice to help patients attain and maintain optimal health. Often used as a complement to traditional medical care, chiropractic care can be a safe, effective way to improve your comfort, well-being, and overall health.
Can Chiropractic Adjustments Help with Pain?
Finding drug-free pain relief is more important than ever. The United States remains in the grip of an opioid crisis, made even more dangerous by the proliferation of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. As medical providers write fewer opioid prescriptions, pain sufferers often turn to illicit drugs like heroin or fentanyl, often with deadly consequences.
Pain management and pain reduction are among the primary goals of chiropractic care and the focus of this year’s NCHM observances. Chiropractic adjustments help reduce pain in your joints and muscles and provide secondary benefits to other bodily systems. Adjustments and other chiropractic techniques increase blood flow and nerve conductivity in areas that are experiencing pain. Studies indicate that patients with spinal pain who seek chiropractic pain relief are significantly less likely to fill an opioid prescription or seek illegal drug options. This is particularly true for those who saw a chiropractor within 30 days of receiving their pain diagnosis.
Are Chiropractic Adjustments Addictive?
There’s a common misconception that chiropractic care is addictive or habit-forming, but this isn’t possible because adjustments don’t affect your brain’s neurotransmitters, the mechanism by which addiction occurs. Treatment may create the desire to continue feeling your best, but no dependency or addiction is involved, just common sense.
Call Total Chiro to Learn If Chiropractic Care Is Right for You
Chiropractic treatment is a non-addictive, drug-free way to improve your quality of life. Total Chiro provides chiropractic care, physical therapy, and lifestyle advice that could help you to alleviate your chronic pain. We’ll work with you to find the best treatment tailored to your specific needs. Call us today at (631) 447-2299 to get started!