Conservative care is an approach to pain management and healthcare that is non-invasive. Oftentimes patients make the mistake of trying more complex, risky treatments as soon as they experience pain. Medical research supports the opposite idea. Exhausting conservative approaches before attempting other riskier options is shown to be more beneficial to patients.
NECK PAIN
The seven small vertebrae at the back of the neck between the top of the spine and base of the skull are what enable us to move our head in any direction. The angles and speed of these movements, however, can sometimes be the cause of neck pain. Athletes can suffer from neck pain after straining or spraining muscles. Wear and tear from daily life, working in an office environment, aging, and accidents can also contribute.
Specific causes of neck pain include:
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Weak abdominal muscles
- Improper pillow support while sleeping
- Degenerative disorders (result of aging)
BACK PAIN
It used to be commonly thought that most pain back would resolve on its own without any medical interference. Though that is the case with many minor back injuries, recurring pain can be a problem many patients face. More than one third of people who experience back pain find it lasts longer than one month. If the pain is lingering, it is most likely due to a mechanical problem. Chiropractic doctors are trained in techniques that can improve pain levels shortly after implementation.
If it is not caused by strain, the pain might be a byproduct of arthritis or other diseases.
These include:
- Obesity
- Kidney stones
- Blood clots
- Bone loss
- Kidney infections
- Psychological stress
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Using conservative approaches to care has many benefits to patients physically. By taking as little medication as possible as well as avoiding surgery, you decrease your chances of experiencing the negative side effects associated with both. Opioid painkiller drugs (prescribed by medical doctors) are considered conservative in that they are non-invasive, but they are not free from problems. This particular type of painkiller is associated with a higher risk for overdosing and addiction.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
Conservative approaches to treatment are also more cost-effective. While prospective patients might worry about the cost of consistently seeing a chiropractor, studies have shown that conservative care is ultimately less expensive than seeing a medical doctor.
The reason that chiropractic costs are lower is the avoidance of expensive invasive procedures. Surgical procedures and the therapy that is required after to rehabilitate the neck or spine are expensive. Spinal manipulation, also known as adjustment, was shown to be just as effective. If chiropractic methods are similarly effective, less expensive, and less risky, conservative care seems like the obvious first choice for anyone experiencing neck or back pain.
EMPOWER YOURSELF
Conservative care encourages you to take your health into your own hands. Chiropractors can show you certain exercises that can strengthen your neck and back muscles. There are also lifestyle changes including eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking, or increasing the amount of physical activity you do each day that can lower your risk of developing these problems. If you are empowered to work towards making these changes and improving your pain with the help of a chiropractor, you can prevent dealing with risky and expensive treatments
About Discover Health & Wellness – Ken Caryl
Dr. Dale Zagiba of Discover Health & Wellness Ken Caryl is located just off West Chatfield Avenue and Shaffer Parkway and serves the communities of Littleton and Ken Caryl. Discover Health & Wellness offers patients a natural and holistic approach to health improvement and pain reduction. Services at Discover Health & Wellness include chiropractic care, spinal correction, corrective exercises, lifestyle advice, nutritional counseling, massage therapy, allergy treatment and spinal and postural screenings.
Visit http://discoverhealthandwellness.com/ for more information on hours, services and location.
Discover Health & Wellness, Ken Caryl
8081 Shaffer Pkwy, Ste B3
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 955-0570
kencarylchiropractor.com
