Injury or trauma to the spine warrants the use of non-invasive procedures like chiropractic therapy, which is gaining rapid popularity in the US. The fact that US adults are seeking chiropractic treatment (especially for spinal problems) can be attributed to the multiple benefits of this therapy.
Improved recovery, enhanced blood flow, increased range of motion, and pain alleviation are the benefits of chiropractic treatment (to name a few). In addition to the boost in healing potential, chiropractic treatment prevents future spinal damage. Patients suffering from chronic degenerative spinal disorders or trauma/injury to the spine are prone to undergoing further spinal damage. However, precise chiropractic adjustments can save you from the grave consequences.
Causes of Spine Damage
A major cause of continuous spinal damage is injuries. Direct trauma to the spine can misalign the structures leading to severe symptoms and potential for further complications. Chronic inflammatory conditions also contribute to long-term obliteration of the spinal joints. The most common causes of spinal damage include:
- Roadside accidents RSA (Auto-mobile accidents)
- Falls (mainly in senile patients)
- Sports injuries
- Chronic disorders such as arthritis, spinal stenosis, and cancer
Injuries such as direct blows or gunshot wounds can also impact the spinal cord. All such patients can get help from a chiropractor.
Chiropractic Treatment Prevents Consequences
There are multiple ways in which a chiropractor can help save you from spinal damage. The most frequently adopted treatment modalities include:
Manual Adjustments
Most chiropractors perform manual, hands-on spinal adjustments on the affected part of the spine. Disc bulges and protrusions put pressure on the nearby nerves and vessels, leading to back pain. A constricted blood supply (due to disc slippage) leads to delayed healing and greater chances of muscle weakness. Thus, to boost recovery, patients seek chiropractic treatment as soon as possible. Depending on your condition, your chiropractor may opt for instrument-aided spinal adjustment. Activator adjusting instruments have shown promising results in spinal injuries.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Another method of managing symptoms and limiting spinal damage is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). In this non-invasive procedure, the health professional applies an electrode to the affected area which releases low-intensity electric waves. The main aim of this step is to reduce spasticity and minimize muscle cramps. Studies show that it is effective in reducing pain and enhancing the natural healing potential of the body.
Diathermy
Many patients use alternating hot and cold therapy to rid their soft tissues of inflammation and tightness. Diathermy generates deep heat within the body via electromagnetic waves which enhances mobility and accelerates tissue repair. Clinical studies show that microwave diathermy is effective in short-term management of musculoskeletal injuries. It strengthens soft tissues and prevents damage.
Ultrasound Therapy
Therapeutic ultrasound is helping many patients regain their lost joint mobility and muscle strength. The heat generated by ultrasound waves increases the “stretchiness of the spinal muscles” and boosts blood flow to the tissues. The stretchy muscle is less likely to get injured and thus, it prevents spinal damage.
Other effective techniques to protect the spine from disintegration include:
Spinal Damage Prevention at The Legacy Clinic
The Legacy Clinic of Chiropractic is dedicated to ridding you of your pains and incapabilities. If you have sustained a spine injury (or suffering from a chronic inflammatory disorder) and fear that it might further damage your spine, visit the Legacy clinic ASAP!
The experienced professionals at the facility not only provide custom-tailored treatment (spinal adjustment, massage, acupuncture, etc.) but also take necessary steps to strengthen the body from within. This prevents further spine damage and improves generalized health.
Final Word
Injuries to the spine and chronic painful conditions increase your chances of spinal damage. Timely chiropractic treatment helps realign spinal misalignments, strengthens joints, and improves muscular stretchiness. Therapies like manual adjustment, diathermy, TENS, and ultrasound therapy, etc. have shown good results in preventing spinal damage.
References
- Adams, J., Peng, W., Cramer, H., Sundberg, T., Moore, C., Amorin-Woods, L., … & Lauche, R. (2017). The prevalence, patterns, and predictors of chiropractic use among US adults: Results from the 2012 National Health Interview Survey. Spine, 42(23), 1810-1816.
- Huggins, T., Boras, A. L., Gleberzon, B. J., Popescu, M., & Bahry, L. A. (2012). Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 56(1), 49.
- Vance, C. G., Dailey, D. L., Chimenti, R. L., Van Gorp, B. J., Crofford, L. J., & Sluka, K. A. (2022). Using TENS for pain control: update on the state of the evidence. Medicina, 58(10), 1332.
- Giombini, A., Giovannini, V., Cesare, A. D., Pacetti, P., Ichinoseki-Sekine, N., Shiraishi, M., … & Maffulli, N. (2007). Hyperthermia induced by microwave diathermy in the management of muscle and tendon injuries. British medical bulletin, 83(1), 379-396.
