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Combining Chiropractic Adjustments and Physiotherapy in Managing Chronic Pain

A young woman having a chiropractic

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects day-to-day work and life activities for many individuals globally. More than 50 million or 20.9% of adults in the United States experienced chronic pain in 2021, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Chiropractic care and physiotherapy are two widely used modalities for treating patients with chronic pain. Combining chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy is an even more practical approach to alleviating chronic pain at once.

Continue reading to learn more!

Understanding Chronic Pain and Its Challenges

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which is a normal response to a sudden injury, chronic pain is often linked to underlying conditions. Acute injuries may also cause chronic pain even after they’ve healed.

Chronic pain may range from mild to severe and affect one or multiple parts of the body. An individual with chronic pain may describe it as aching, shooting, burning, stiffness, stinging, or throbbing. 

Below are the common causes of chronic pain.

A man with a chronic pain
  • Musculoskeletal pain originates from muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, or joints. It’s often related to conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia or injuries such as sprains, fractures, or strains.
  • Neuropathic pain results from damage to the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Common causes include conditions such as diabetes or nerve compression.
  • Inflammatory pain is caused by the body’s immune response to tissue damage or an autoimmune condition. It occurs when inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis affects the body's tissues.
  • Psychogenic pain is pain that is influenced by psychological factors without a clear physical cause. While the pain is real, its source may be linked to emotional or mental health issues, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.

Living with chronic pain presents numerous challenges. Physically, chronic pain can limit mobility and make everyday tasks, such as walking, lifting, or even sitting, difficult. This often leads to fatigue, muscle weakness, and a reduced quality of life. Emotionally, the ongoing discomfort can lead to feelings of frustration, helplessness, or isolation. Over time, this strain can contribute to mental health issues that can amplify the perception of pain.

The Need for a Multidisciplinary Approach

Chronic pain often requires a multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of pain. Integrative treatment can go beyond simply managing symptoms by improving function and quality of life.

Combining chiropractic care with physiotherapy, in particular, provides a holistic approach to managing chronic pain. Chiropractic care focuses on aligning the spine and musculoskeletal system, relieving tension, and improving mobility. Meanwhile, physiotherapy works on strengthening muscles, enhancing flexibility, and restoring function through exercises and targeted therapies.

The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments in Managing Chronic Pain

Realigning the Spine and Joints

A woman having a checkup with her spine

Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine and joints to alleviate pressure on the nerves, a common source of chronic pain. Misalignment in the spine can lead to nerve compression, causing discomfort and disrupting normal nerve function. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic care helps reduce this pressure, allowing the nervous system to function more effectively.

Reducing Inflammation and Muscle Tension

Chronic pain is often exacerbated by inflammation and muscle tension, which can develop as the body compensates for misalignment or injury. By reducing inflammation and easing muscle tension, chiropractic care helps restore normal function to affected areas, allowing for greater mobility and improved range of motion.

Enhancing the Body’s Natural Healing Process

One of the key benefits of chiropractic care is its ability to support the body’s natural healing processes. Chiropractic adjustments improve circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are delivered more effectively to injured tissues. Through regular treatments, chiropractic care not only addresses immediate pain but also helps prevent its recurrence by keeping the spine properly aligned and reducing strain on muscles and joints.

The Role of Physiotherapy in Managing Chronic Pain

Strengthening Muscles and Improving Flexibility

A woman having a physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain by strengthening muscles in the affected area and enhancing flexibility. Stronger muscles are better equipped to absorb stress and support movement, reducing the strain on joints and tissues that can lead to pain. Additionally, improved flexibility allows for a greater range of motion, which helps prevent stiffness and reduces the risk of future injuries.

Rehabilitating Injuries and Promoting Recovery

Injuries—be they from accidents, surgeries, or repetitive strain—can be significant contributors to chronic discomfort. To rehabilitate these injuries, physiotherapy employs a range of techniques such as targeted exercises, stretches, and manual therapy. These interventions are designed to facilitate healing, improve function, and minimize pain.

Personalized Exercise Programs

One popular aspect of physiotherapy is the development of personalized exercise programs. Physiotherapists conduct thorough assessments to understand the individual’s pain triggers, limitations, and goals. This ensures that the exercises prescribed are both safe and effective. Adhering to these tailored programs helps achieve the best outcomes and empowers patients to take control of their recovery journey.

The Benefits of Combining Chiropractic Care and Physiotherapy for Chronic Pain

Complementary Approaches for Comprehensive Care

Combining chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy provides a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain. While chiropractic care primarily focuses on spinal alignment and nerve function, physiotherapy emphasizes building muscle strength, improving flexibility, and rehabilitating injuries. Together, these disciplines address different yet interconnected aspects of pain, allowing for a more effective treatment plan.

Enhanced Pain Relief and Recovery

Physical Therapy Back Massage

Patients who engage in both physiotherapy and chiropractic adjustments for chronic pain management often report experiencing faster pain relief and shorter recovery times. Additionally, this integrated treatment plan can lead to better long-term outcomes, reducing reliance on medications and minimizing the risk of pain recurrence.

Addressing the Root Causes of Pain

One of the most significant advantages of combining chiropractic adjustments with physiotherapy for chronic pain management is the ability to target the root causes of chronic pain rather than merely managing symptoms. As both therapies address the mechanical and functional aspects of chronic pain, patients achieve relief from their current discomfort and lasting improvements in their overall quality of life.

What to Expect from Combined Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Treatments at More Life Chiropractic

Initial Assessment and Treatment Planning

When you begin your journey at More Life Chiropractic, you can expect a comprehensive assessment conducted by Dr. Bijan Nowzari, who specializes in both chiropractic care and physiotherapy. This thorough evaluation will take into account your specific pain condition, medical history, and treatment goals, allowing Dr. Bijan to develop a tailored treatment plan just for you. 

Coordinated Care and Regular Monitoring

Chiropractic Arm Massage

During your visits to the clinic, Dr. Bijan will provide hands-on care. Each chiropractic and physiotherapy session is designed to complement the other for a cohesive approach to your treatment. Regular monitoring is crucial, as it allows Dr. Bijan to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. 

Open and honest communication with him is essential. Share how you feel and if there are any changes in your condition to empower him to optimize your care for the best possible outcomes.

Achieving Long-Term Pain Management

To maintain the benefits of your treatments and prevent the recurrence of chronic pain, follow-up appointments and at-home care are essential. Dr. Bijan will work with you to develop strategies for ongoing management, ensuring that you have the tools and knowledge to support your recovery between sessions.

Takeaway

Chronic pain can be debilitating and impact every aspect of your life. Fortunately, combining chiropractic adjustments and physiotherapy can set you free. 

Dr. Bijan Nowzari of More Life Chiropractic specializes in treating chronic pain through a holistic approach that incorporates both chiropractic and physiotherapy techniques. His expertise ensures that you receive the comprehensive care needed to enhance your quality of life and promote long-term healing.

Book an appointment now to take the first step toward relief!

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