Back pain is one of the most common ailments in the world. Whether you’ve got a mild ache or stiff muscles are preventing you from doing daily tasks, chiropractic treatment is always a good option. But one question that often crops up is ‘does chiropractic treatment hurt?’ However, the fear of pain should not stop you from getting the right treatment.
Here’s what you can expect from chiropractic treatment.
Is chiropractic treatment painful?
Everyone’s experience of chiropractic treatment is different and there are many factors that can contribute to how painful it may be. In most cases, although you may feel some pain it is more likely to feel discomfort as the practitioner adjusts your spine or works on sore muscles. After deep tissue work/ massage it is not uncommon to feel a sore/ bruised feeling in the muscles for a day or so. Although at the same time you are likely to feel the overall benefits of more relaxed muscles. It is important to remember that practitioners will always carefully consider their treatment choice and will not inflict any unnecessary pain.
What do adjustments feel like?
Adjustments aren’t usually painful. Instead, you’ll probably experience a clicking or popping sensation that occurs as a result of change within the joint fluid pressures as the joint is stretched quickly. Other treatments used may include joint mobilisation- more of a rhythmic pressure on the joint; drop technique- using the bench to assist a joint manipulation; instrument assisted eg: activator (a low-force technique applying a quick pressure to the joint in the direction to help achieve better function). Post-adjustment you may have some soreness, however, this is a completely normal part of the healing process and shouldn’t last too long.
Can you reduce treatment pain?
Sometimes it’s going to get worse before it gets better and a few minutes of discomfort can relieve long-term pain. Having said that, if you have a low pain threshold then there are a few things that you can do, such as:
● Let the practitioner know if the pain is too much - If the treatment is causing you too much pain then let them know. They can take one step at a time and go at a slower pace that is easier to tolerate.
● Relax your body - If you stiffen up then this may cause you more pain. It’s important to relax your mind and body so the practitioner can achieve the best results with the least force.
● Don’t let your symptoms progress - If you’ve been in pain for a long time then don’t continue to suffer. Your body tends to learn to compensate for problems if left a long time, allowing muscles to tighten further up or down the spine. You may also change the way that you function to avoid pain, this can place strain on other areas of your body. Seek treatment as soon as you can to relieve the problem and prevent it from getting worse as this is when it can become more painful.
At The Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic in Sheffield, we’ve been treating patients for over 25 years. From back pain to sports injuries, during your consultation, we’ll assess your condition and find a treatment option that works to relieve your symptoms. Get in touch for more information about our services today.
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