Chiropractic care — like many health treatments — is not for everyone.
The people who are most likely to benefit from chiropractic care are:
- People who have been experiencing pain for three weeks or less
- People who have no damage in the nerves leading from the spine to the legs
In general, chiropractic treatments are very useful for treating back pain and addiction. However, there are some conditions that don’t mix well with spinal adjustment. Avoid (or postpone) visiting a chiropractor if you:
- Have an infection. Wait until you’re healthy before seeing a chiropractor.
- Are experiencing inflammation. Again, wait until you are back to normal before your spinal adjustment.
- Have joint instability. An adjustment can worsen joint instability.
- Have a malignant disease like cancer, especially in the vertebrae.
- Are considered at high risk of stroke.
Chiropractic treatments can be beneficial for many different health issues — when your spine is aligned, your nervous system has a better chance of working at peak efficiency. However, there are some health issues where chiropractic care is considered controversial. Think twice about seeing a chiropractor for:
- Asthma
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Menstrual irregularities
One more thing to note: if you take oral contraceptives or blood thinning medication, neck manipulation can be risky. It may be wise to avoid chiropractic treatment if you are taking either of these types of medication. Neck manipulation can also be dangerous for people with high blood pressure and people who are at high risk for stroke.
Talk to your general practitioner before you schedule your first chiropractic treatment. Your doctor will be the best person to ask whether or not a chiropractic treatment is right for you! Discuss any concerns you may have about how a treatment can benefit or aggravate any existing health issues you may have. You should also inform your chiropractor of any existing health issues prior to treatment.