People experiencing severe pain due to an acute injury or chronic condition sometimes prefer to see a chiropractor. Chiropractors are great at relieving any kind of pain and helping to speed up recovery. They believe in using drug-free and natural techniques, and their chiropractic adjustments can help improve body functions.
Can Chiropractors Write Prescriptions?
In the US, chiropractors are not licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical drugs or perform surgery. Their practice focuses on manual adjustments and other non-invasive therapies.
Here are some examples of the treatments they may recommend or refer patients to:
Can Chiropractors Write Prescriptions – Some treatments that they can prescribe
- Physical therapy
- Massage therapy
- Joint braces or tape
- Ice or heat therapy
- This point should be omitted entirely, as chiropractors in the US typically do not prescribe medications, including herbal Chinese medicine
- Acupuncture and many more
Different insurance companies can cover the cost of these treatments. However, you must submit these prescriptions or referrals to receive that coverage.
How the Chiropractor Practitioners Actually Work?
Chiropractor medicines are often referred to as alternative medicines or natural medicines. Most chiropractors believe that the human body can heal itself in most conditions. According to them, drug intake for every big or small problem can be alarming for your body.
Doctors often prescribe opioid medications for pain. An overdose of opioids can be quite harmful to your body. According to chiropractic philosophy and practice standards, the approach is drug-free and non-surgical. The practitioners use some non-surgical and physical adjustments to help their patients.
Their primary goals are:
- Relieve pain
- Increase stamina
- Improve function
- Improve flexibility
- Reduce the emotional and physical stress of pain
Chiropractors recognize the value of medication in certain cases and may collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care. Some people can get relief from severe pain using medication. Many chiropractors prefer to work together with the patient’s physician.
Together, they can make an effective pain management plan that includes prescribed drugs and chiropractic treatments according to the patient’s needs.
Chiropractors commonly refer patients to or collaborate with other health professionals, including those specializing in physical therapy, naturopathy, and massage, to complement chiropractic care.
Popular Pain Management Techniques Used by the Chiropractors
Here are four popular pain management techniques used by chiropractors.
1. Chiropractic Interventions
A chiropractor takes care of your musculoskeletal system, such as neck pain, lower back pain, headache, shoulder pain, and more. They try to ensure that all your joints move properly and your muscles are well-functioning and strong. Their primary goal is to find the root cause of your pain. It helps them initiate the appropriate treatment method and helps you recover fast.
Different Techniques of Chiropractic Interventions:
1. Manual Adjustment
Chiropractors use pressure with their hands to correct misalignment and move joints effectively. This process is called the manual adjustment technique. The experts perform manual adjustments with quick motions, which does not cause much pain.
However, the patient may feel a cracking or popping sensation. This is an ideal method to maintain your body function at the highest level and without any pain.
2. The Graston Technique
Other than chiropractors, some professionals may use Graston therapy to treat their patients.
- Physical therapists
- Athletic trainers
- Osteopathic doctors
- Massage therapists
This technique is also called soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization. The experts use specialized instruments to gently scrape or massage your skin and identify the restricted areas in your body.
The primary goals of this technique are:
- Break down scar tissue
- Stretch connective tissues
- Lose fascia restriction associated with acute soft tissue injuries
3. Activator Adjustments
It is often considered a softer chiropractic technique. The activator is a handheld and small device. The experts use this device to deliver low-force impulses to your spine. This technique can make your body muscles not tense up in response to pressure.
This is an appropriate technique for patients nervous about receiving manual adjustments.
4. Interferential Current Therapy
It is a type of electrical muscle stimulation that can help relieve chronic pain caused by injury, surgery, or trauma. It is painless, noninvasive, and safe. Experts use a machine to deliver a small amount of electrical stimulation to damaged tissues.
It can increase blood flow and promote the production of your healing hormones. As a result, IFC can boost your body’s healing ability. This method can treat muscle strain, joint pain, sports injuries, and more.
5. Kinesiotaping
It is a type of taping that can lift fascia and skin, increase blood flow, and boost the healing process. This method can be used to treat several conditions.
- Mechanically block the unwanted movement.
- Add stability while maintaining or increasing the range of motion
- Facilitate proper firing sequences of your muscles through a neurological stimulation
2. Acupuncture
It is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. Experts insert thin needles through the patient’s skin at various depths and at different points of their body. This practice can release endorphins, which can help relieve pain.
3. Herbal Medications
Some herbal medications effectively treat neuropathic and inflammatory pain, including joint pain, muscle strain, nerve pain, and more.
4. Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can relieve stress, joint pain, muscle fatigue, tension, and chronic headaches. It is generally the manipulation of soft tissues that include:
- Tendons
- Muscles
- Skin
- Ligaments
- Connective tissues
Conclusion
Chiropractic practitioners can offer you multiple treatment methods to offer relief from pain. They can not prescribe any drugs for your treatment. They believe in natural healing without any drugs. However, they can prescribe different treatment methods or services like massage therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, etc.
See Also
Can You Prescribe for Yourself
Can Nurse Practitioners Prescribe
Do Chiropractors Go to Medical School
How Much Does a Chiropractor Cost Without Insurance
What Prescription is Legally Blind
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