Back, neck, and spinal problems not only cause extreme pain, they can also affect almost every other system of the body, resulting in additional health problems. Anyone suffering from temporary or chronic back, neck, and spinal pain knows how difficult it can be to go about simple every day activities. As a result, most will seek some type of immediate care, most commonly in the form of pain killers and anti-inflammatory pills. There are alternative, natural treatment options in the form of chiropractic care and massage therapy; in some cases, a combination of these methods are the best approach to completely healing the back, neck, and/or spine.

Some patients have at least heard of or undergone chiropractic care and massage therapy, but they may not be aware of how these treatments can improve overall body function and reduce back pain.

Basics of Chiropractic Care

With chiropractic care, doctors focus on maintaining a proper balance between the spine and the nerves. With chiropractic treatment, chiropractors work to correct misalignment issues with the spine, vertebrae, and the nerves surrounding the spinal area. When the spine and nerves are moved back into place, it relieves pressure and improves nerve communication. In addition, a spinal adjustment can reduce or eliminate pain in other parts of the body, and treat other health problems such as migraines.

Basics of Massage Therapy

With massage therapy, the focus is on the muscles throughout the body; therapists work on muscles that are too tight or have undergone some type of stress. Relieving the stress on the muscles can help a patient’s muscles function properly and return to their normal healthy state. Massage therapy is ideal for patients whose bodies have undergone some type of trauma that results in an abnormal tightening of the muscles. Working out too hard and sports injuries are common causes of sore, stressed muscles. Massage therapists relieve muscle tension and work the toxins out of the muscles to restore optimal body function.

Why Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy

When patients with back, neck, or spine trouble experience pain, they may wonder why both chiropractic care and massage therapy are recommended for treatment. Often with back, neck, or spinal pain, more than one area of the body is the cause of the problem. As a result, it’s important to treat each area of the body. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure the spine is aligned and that there is no nerve damage. Once the spine is in place, separate muscles may need to be treated with massage therapy. When both techniques are used together, the body can naturally heal. These techniques also help correct any nerve impulses and improve blood circulation.

For any patients seeking help with back, neck, or spinal pain, it is important to discuss all possible options with an experienced chiropractor such as Dr. Nathen Horst. Each patient should go through a thorough consultation and evaluation so a treatment plan can be developed. Contact Horst Chiropractics today.