Chiropractic care is often seen as alternative medicine, a phrase that tends to make some people apprehensive. Interestingly, people are willing to put things into their body knowing of severe risks associated with over-the-counter or prescription medicines. However, the uncertainty of alternative medicine is what scares them the most. The safety of chiropractic care is questioned by those who are unsure. So how do you decide if chiropractic care is safe and right for you?
Risks of Medicinal Treatments
When a person is treated for back pain, neck pain, or headaches, the treatment often consists of a variety of OTC or prescription medicines. Taking an abundance of anti-inflammatories, analgesics, or muscle relaxants have associated risks, including but not limited to:
- Increased risk of heart failure
- Gastrointestinal damage
- Renal failure
- Dry mouth
Additionally, leaving back pain or other similar ailments untreated can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, depletion of energy, increase in sleeping, depression, and other physical and social constraints.
The Safety of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a safe alternative to medicinal treatment. There have been several studies outlining the lack of risks involved with chiropractic care. One Ontario study reports that no clinical or case studies have shown or even implied that chiropractic care is unsafe. Of course, with any medical treatment, there are risks, albeit, lower than traditional medicine. Risks associated with chiropractic treatment include:
- Temporary headaches
- Temporary discomfort in the body parts that were treated
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health discusses the emphasis on the safety of chiropractic care in ongoing research. Minor side effects of spinal manipulation is relatively common, but the risks of serious side effects have been proven to be very low.
Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs?
There are very few risks associated with chiropractic care. Complications from taking prescription or OTC medicine are far more serious than those received from spinal manipulation. Yet, 39% of people in the US still take more than the recommended dosage of pain relieving drugs. With chiropractic care, there is no risk of drug dependence or side effects like constipation that are associated with narcotic pain relief. Long-term use can result in organ damage or failure. Side effects of chiropractic adjustments are similar to those you might experience from massage. Minor side effects are preferential to the long-term consequence of medication or surgical procedures.
If you are interested in getting safely treated for back pain, neck pain, headaches and/or migraines, call Dover Chiropractic and Rehabilitation to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members. Anyone on our team will be more than happy to answer any other questions you may have about the safety of chiropractic care. Call today to start your journey to long term wellness and a pain-free life!