Between work, exercise, family life and stress, your back can give you some real pain to deal with. It is not uncommon for people to face ongoing pain that seems insurmountable. Chiropractic care can be a way to resolve many of the issues faced by back pain sufferers and this article can show you how.
Don’t just choose the chiropractor closest to you. It may be tempting to opt for the shortest drive, but it’s better to opt for quality instead. A good doctor is worth the extra time in your car. Too often people find that with just a little extra time they could have had a much better experience.
Call your insurance company before going to your chiropractor. No every insurance plan covers chiropractic care. Make sure you know what your insurance covers prior to being surprised afterwards. Be sure to also ask how many appointments you are allowed to have in any given year. There are often maximums.
When you are lifting items from the floor, you should never bend down with your back and pick them up. Doing this can cause damage to your back, so avoid it at all costs. The best method for picking up things is to bend your knees, squat and lift it up.
Even if you visit a chiropractor regularly, know that it’s a two way street. In other words, don’t expect your chiropractor to do all the work. He or she is likely to assign you a home exercise regimen, make dietary recommendations and possibly even start you on a heat/ice routine. Do your part.
Speak with your chiropractor and find out of if they offer discounts for patients who return for multiple treatments. Frequently, chiropractic treatment requires a series of visits. Sometimes, this may mean two to three weekly visits for multiple months. This can get costly. You may be able to receive a discount from the doctor if you are undergoing multiple treatments.
Look for a chiropractor that offers a free consultation. Since you may be having regular sessions with a chiropractor, it is a good idea to know what you are getting into. Use that time to ask any questions and gauge the type of provider they are. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, you should look for someone else.
Any chiropractor who is seeing you for the first time should take X-rays to determine if any bones are broken, and if there is a noticeable misalignment. The first appointment should also include history of your health and any ongoing problems, as well as a discussion about the planned treatment.
Be very specific when telling your chiropractor about your issues. The more information that you can provide the more likely it is that the doctor can pinpoint the problem. This will lead to a much more effective treatment. It’s really your job to not be shy about the problems you are having.
Your footwear can make or break you when it comes to chiropractic problems. Wearing the wrong footwear does not allow the spine to stabilize itself. In turn, this can cause a heap of problems in your back. Ideally, a good pair of sneakers is the way to go. Also, avoid heels at all costs.
Try using the “90/90 rule” when working at a desk. Knees and elbows need to be bent 90 degrees. Keep your feet on the floor directly under your knees instead of under the chair. This prevents hamstring strain. The computer monitor needs to also be at or above your eye level. If you have to, prop some books under it to view it straight ahead. Looking down at the screen can strain your neck.
If your chiropractor wants to put you through neck manipulation, ask him for a clear justification. Because neck manipulation puts you at risk of damage to the vertebral artery, it should be a last resort and should only take place when there is a pressing need, so if your chiropractor uses this for all patients, go to another one instead.
Never twist when you are lifting. Lifting can be hazardous to your spine, but twisting while lifting can be even worse. Twisting is one of the most dangerous movements a spine can make. Take care to lift with your knees and make sure that, when lifting, you avoid twisting your spine all together.
Did you know you can receive chiropractic care while your pregnant? Many women do not realize how beneficial this can be. The added pregnancy weight can put pressure on your back and neck causing discomfort. Studies have shown that manipulations by a chiropractor can relieve up to 85 percent of back pain associated with pregnancy.
As you know, much of life can be a pain in the back. You don’t need endless suffering with back pain on top of everything else you have going on. Now that you have seen some ways that you can approach getting chiropractic care, you can be confident in dealing with your pain.
