10 Secrets to Getting Rid of Your Whiplash Fast
By Dr. Brent Wells, DC
Safety is often very much on the mind of anyone who is seeking medical treatment. At the same time, we will often expect care to be safe without educating ourselves regarding the provider or the care itself. Genuine safety means that we must also seek methods that bring healing without causing harm to ourselves or others.
The methods of chiropractic care can be very beneficial for those suffering from back pain. Back surgery is no small matter. Ensuring that a surgeon and cooperative physicians will have a patient’s best interest in mind is not something many take lightly. If surgery is to be considered, a patient’s condition can be noted and observed in this regard.
Chiropractic treatments can help minimize or eliminate pain, sometimes even nullifying the need for surgery. Therefore, back pain sufferers may do very well from receiving chiropractic care prior to surgical activities. Be sure to inform your chiropractic physician if surgery has been discussed with you and another care provider. They may be able to work with you to minimize the need for surgery. Be specific when inquiring about what types of surgery are under consideration.
If surgery has already taken place, then you must begin by recovering from the surgery first. Time must be given for the body to recover from any surgical procedure. Specific lengths of time will vary based on the type and extent of the surgery.
While it may take six months for some chiropractic procedures to be considered safe for a postoperative client, initial care processes may be started prior to that time. Post-surgical recovery options will ultimately depend on a patient’s particular condition. It may not be the day after surgery, but at some point, chiropractic care may become a patient’s best friend.
If possible, speak with your chiropractic physician prior to surgery regarding any considerations that you may have about receiving chiropractic care after any surgical procedures. Post-operative care may include physical rehabilitative therapies, massage therapy techniques, in addition to chiropractic care. Be sure to include all prior surgical information when conversing with your chiropractic physician.
Is Going to a Chiropractor Safe?
The field of chiropractic is an extremely safe practice where patients can be confident in their care provider for reliable and safe health care. Chiropractic techniques have been in use for over a century. The modalities that are employed have helped patients recover from hundreds of types of ailments, injuries, and joint conditions. The American Chiropractic Association estimates that 30 million people are treated by doctors of chiropractic each year.
Those considering chiropractic care may be seeking alternate care for conditions that have not fared well in other settings. Alternatives may be sought if surgery is not a patient’s favorite idea. It may be the innate, long-term health benefits that attract some individuals to seek chiropractic treatments. All are viable reasons for seeking safe, effective medical treatments.
Risk to the body during chiropractic care is extremely low. Sprains and strains can occur but are just not very common with chiropractic. Experiencing a bit of soreness is to be expected with chiropractic care. Attending fitness classes should not be avoided simply because we may experience some level of soreness the next day. Risks are involved with most of the endeavors that we choose in life, medical or not.
Malpractice for chiropractors is unbelievably low, nearly three to four times less than that of general practitioners. Surgeons can be incredibly high in comparison to that of a chiropractor. What does this tell us? The risks of harm or injury during the course of chiropractic care are extremely low. Insurance companies are guarding their bottom line. Therefore, they will require a greater amount of pay when their own risks are increased in some manner.
Less careful chiropractic practitioners may give cause for a cartilage tear or disc herniation on occasion. Ensure that your provider is interested in taking time to get your care right with each visit. Like any field, you will find practitioners that may not quite work in a way that the profession actually expects. Fully trained, licensed chiropractic physicians should be what clients search for when seeking care.
Over the counter pain medications and elective surgeries pose greater risks than the field of chiropractic. Each of these has a measure of safety that is diminished due to improper usage. Taking medication in a manner that is not consistent with the instructions is not a safe practice. Requesting surgery without acquiring a basic understanding of the procedure and the needs of recovery is not advisable. Choosing not to follow post-op medical instructions places a patient at a greater risk as well.
The exact implementation of chiropractic techniques and processes will vary by facility. The basic concepts for safety, client health and wellness, and patient satisfaction are to be expected. It is not too much for clients to desire proper, safe care in a patient-focused environment. This should be expected, not left behind for something that is second best.
Understanding the Safety of Chiropractic
You should feel comfortable to make inquiries throughout your care. As the patient, you also need to feel comfortable with your part in the process, as well as your provider’s portion of the process. You will want to be sure that the care that you receive is that which you intend.
Understanding the type of care that you desire and your health needs is important. You will want to gain information that is relevant to your health conditions, physical limitations, insurance, and personal preferences. Chiropractic care by trained, licensed professional chiropractic physicians is extremely safe and beneficial for the body.
Chiropractic will often be recommended for injury recovery, pain management, and health benefits appropriate to each client. Here are a few of the basic reasons that professional chiropractic care is safe for these needs:
- Proper chiropractic training is required
- Knowledge of the body and its mechanisms
- Methods have been used and tested for over 100 years
- Patients can often avoid surgery, minimizing health risks
- Increased function in the body that helps to avoid injury
Doctors of Chiropractic must pass testing with the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Once coursework and testing are complete licensures may be sought. Chiropractic physicians must maintain regular continued learning practices. Knowledge of the body and its mechanisms keeps clients safe in the hands of trained chiropractic professionals.
Considerations for Safe Chiropractic Treatments
Treatments are made safe through appropriate care with professionally trained and fully licensed chiropractic physicians. Care plans should be tailored to each patient according to his or her own individual health needs. Treatments should include a focus on any personal injuries, ailments, and physical parameters that individual patients bring to the table.
If you are uncertain if these matters are being considered in your chiropractic care, be sure to inquire with your provider to ensure that proper attention is given to your particular needs. Reliable chiropractic physicians will most often welcome the collaboration of patients. Communication with your provider increases the efficiency of care, as well as the likelihood that you as the client will get what you are seeking out of the process.
Pain sufferers are not interested in adding more pain to their existing situations. Rather, you would likely desire to see pain diminish or go away altogether. Seeking safe and reliable care is completely reasonable – and doable. Chiropractic care providers will want to provide the best care that they can offer, but this will look different for different practitioners.
Just as with any profession, care providers will have varying levels of importance that they place on their services. Work to find chiropractic with whom you feel comfortable and with whom you can speak freely regarding your health and the care that is provided.
Safety Is Paramount in Alaskan Chiropractic Care
Professional, licensed doctors of chiropractic in Alaska are available through Better Health Chiropractic and Physical Rehab. Safety is paramount at Better Health Chiropractic. More than 10,000 Alaskans have received care through the four Alaskan chiropractic clinics. Our clients enjoy a gentle, safe method of treatments.
Better Health Chiropractic offers a measured approach for patients ensuring that safe and proper care is given. It is understood that the body is an intricate and finite series of mechanized parts that need specialized care. Trained professionals make up our team of highly qualified chiropractic physicians and technicians.
We expect that patients have come to us for looking for the highest level of care possible. Our techniques, technological benefits, training, and genuine care for our patients allow us to provide safe, effective chiropractic care – for each client.
Contact us today at 1.877.346.5255 and let us help you schedule your introductory appointment. We would be happy to discuss personalizing your care plan to fit your needs and preferences. Helping clients find safe, pain-free days is our specialty!
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About the Author
Dr. Brent Wells has been a trusted chiropractor since moving his family from Oregon to Alaska back in 1998 and founded Better Health Alaska – B.S. from Univ. of Nevada, Doctorate from Western States Chiropractic College, volunteer for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Foundation, and member of the American Chiropractic Association. As a chiropractor his focus is on family, including his 3 children and wife of 20+ years, his clinics, and ongoing education.
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- 8840 Old Seward Hwy E, Anchorage, Alaska 99515
- Phone: 907-346-5255
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