Chiropractic Care and Pain Management

Are you looking for a natural alternative to treat and manage your pain?

After being practice for nearly twenty years I am blown away by how many people needlessly suffer from chronic pain. While some patients may prove to be more difficult to treat due to auto-immune and chronic diseases such as Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Fibromyalgia and Lyme’s disease, others suffer from chronic pain caused by bulging discs herniated discs and simple misalignments which are far easier to treat.

How does a Chiropractor treat pain?

Chiropractors focus on the structure of the body, in particular the spine. We identify and adjust spinal misalignments know as subluxations to allow the body to heal itself. Some of these misalignments may cause enough pressure that leads to a bulging or herniated disc. These disc issues can lead to chronic and excruciating pain and inflammation. These misalignments can also put enough pressure on nerve roots through the neural foramina of the spinal column to cause pain and inflammation as well. By undergoing a course of chiropractic treatment, a patient can experience a reduced or pain-free existence.

While Chiropractors’ main treatment area is the actual adjustment, most of us also include other treatments, such as manual or manipulative therapies, therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular reeducation, postural and exercise education, as well as ergonomic training (how to walk, sit, and stand to limit back strain).

Supplemental nutrition as treatment.

In my office, I also offer supplemental nutrition to help treat chronic pain. This is mainly for my patients who suffer from the types of severe conditions I mentioned earlier. Most patients, when seen by their general practitioner for pain, are often given prescriptions for pain killers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories. While medicines may provide temporary relief, they often come with side effects such as stomach upset, fatigue and diarrhea. With long term use, patients often become dependent upon their pain medication. I like to offer alternatives to these types of medications. One such alternative is the supplement curcumin, in particular, Curcum-Evail™ by Designs for Health:

Curcum-Evail™ is a highly bioavailable formulation containing a unique combination of three health-promoting compounds known as “curcuminoids”. Curcuminoids are derived from turmeric root; curcumin, bisdemethoxy curcumin, and demethoxy curcumin. This comprehensive product also contains turmeric oil. Turmeric is a bright yellow-orange spice popular as the main ingredient in Indian curry powders, and its high concentration of curcumin underlies the centuries-old use of this root in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine.

Like other “warming spices,” such as ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne, turmeric’s complement of curcuminoids helps to support a healthy inflammatory response in the body. A wealth of scientific research supports the benefits of curcuminoid compounds for assisting with a healthy immune system, along with its ability to support the body’s natural defense against bacteria. Curcumin is known to be a powerful antioxidant. 

Curcum-Evail™ is unique in that it increases levels of a major metabolite of curcumin, known as “tetrahydrocurcumin”, which has antioxidant effects greater than those of curcumin alone. This is just one of several high-quality supplement products I have approved of for use in my office on a regular basis.

Other supplements I recommend for chronic pain and inflammation are Fish and Flax Oil, MSM, HLA, and Glucosamine Sulfate. There are many supplements companies out there unfortunately,  the quality is not always superior or even useful. It is important to find a doctor/practitioner who is knowledgeable so that you don’t use an inferior product. 

At McKenna Family Chiropractic, I successfully treat pain sufferers with a more natural method. In the chiropractic world, many patients prefer a more holistic approach to health and wish to avoid taking medications. As their doctor, I try to provide a path to relief that fits their needs.