For many health conditions, pain is the most difficult symptom to manage. Even mild pain, if it occurs frequently enough, can have a major impact on quality of life and comfort.
Healthcare treatment that focuses on alleviating pain—rather than resolving the condition that’s causing it—is called pain management. Medication and therapy are two common forms of pain management, but chiropractic care and acupuncture may offer benefits for those looking for alternative options.
Common Strategies for Pain Management
Several health conditions are commonly associated with severe chronic pain, including:
- Arthritis
- Migraines
- Sciatica
- Overuse injuries
- Sports injuries
- Whiplash
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
If you are experiencing a health condition that causes severe or chronic pain, discuss options for pain management with your doctor. The best choice for your situation will depend on several factors, including the specific condition, your lifestyle, allergies, and expected recovery time. Common strategies for pain management include:
- Physical therapy
- Hot and cold therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
- Massage therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Acupuncture
Risks Associated with Pain Management
When considering the pain management strategy that’s right for them, associated risks are a deciding factor for most people. Non-invasive pain management typically involves less risk than surgery, but for certain conditions, it may also be the most effective treatment. Surgery often makes people hesitate due to potentially serious complications, such as infection, hemorrhaging, allergic reactions, blood clots, or shock.
Pain relievers, which may be over-the-counter or prescription, can also come with potential risks such as side effects, pregnancy complications, substance abuse, or allergic reactions. As such, many people search for pain management with fewer or less serious risks.
Chiropractic Care as Pain Management Treatment
The Joint Commission, a non-profit organization that accredits healthcare institutions, clarified its standards on drug-free pain management care in 2015 when it added chiropractic care to its pain management standard. For many patients, chiropractic care is an appealing strategy, whether used on its own or in conjunction with another form of pain management. People often seek out chiropractic care to avoid the risks associated with pain management options like surgery and medication.
Chiropractic physicians focus on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Through hands-on manipulations, also called adjustments, they help improve alignment, range of motion, and physical function. Chiropractic care can offer effective pain management for a variety of health conditions, and it’s a frequent choice for relief from:
- Physical trauma
- Emotional stress
- Inflammation
- Chemical imbalances
- Stiffness, aching, or pain in the muscles or joints
- Muscular dysfunction
Acupuncture For Back Pain in St. Cloud
Acupuncture is the process of inserting needles into the skin at various pressure points throughout the body, carefully placed by professional acupuncturists so they don’t cause pain or discomfort. Stimulating these areas can relieve pain, release tension, increase blood flow, and re-balance the body’s energy flow.
About 8% of all American adults experience chronic back pain. In addition, back pain is the top-reported reason for seeking acupuncture.
In a study published in 2012, about 20,000 people with chronic pain were given acupuncture, placebo acupuncture, and no acupuncture treatment at all. The group that received acupuncture reported a 50% improvement in their chronic pain.
Visit Crossroad Chiropractic Clinic for Pain Management
Crossroads Chiropractic, located in St. Cloud, offers chiropractic adjustments specifically for relief from conditions that cause chronic pain. Our experienced team also provides acupuncture to patients as an effective pain management treatment for back pain.
The benefits of chiropractic adjustments and acupuncture extend well beyond pain management, promoting overall health and wellness. If you are experiencing chronic pain, especially in the neck or back, contact Crossroads Chiropractic today for a consultation to discuss chiropractic care and acupuncture. Together, we’ll develop a pain management plan that places you back on the path to a pain-free life.
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