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the true benefits of chiropractic care

Chiropractic treatment can be beneficial in so many ways. When a person thinks about chiropractic care, usually they think about aches and pains being cured by an adjustment. The truth is, chiropractic treatments can do much more for the body than simply provide pain relief. The fact of the matter is, chiropractic care can improve the body's immune system and help a person feel better overall. This blog contains information about the many ways that proper chiropractic treatment can benefit the young and the old when regular appointments are made and kept. After you have read through this blog, you will have a better understanding of the true benefits of chiropractic care.

the true benefits of chiropractic care

How Does Heat Therapy Help The Back?

by Bilel Nissen

Heat therapy is one of the major services that can be provided by a licensed chiropractor. It involves taking a heated item, such as a heating pad or a heating wrap, and applying it to the lower back. A chiropractor will also be able to provide a hot bath or heated gels in order to correctly perform the treatment. Although many people have reported a great deal of relief after this treatment, they usually don't know why it works. There are three main reasons why applying heat to a lower back can reduce its pain level.

1. Dilates Blood Vessels

One of the main things that heat is able to do is cause the blood vessels in the muscles near the spine to dilate. This means that they get bigger and are able to take in more oxygen and other nutrients. This is particularly helpful near the lumbar area of the spine. With these added nutrients and increased oxygen levels, the muscles that are causing the pain can heal more quickly, allowing the pain to be resolved.

2. Aids With Stretching

Heat is known for making everything more flexible. It allows the skin, the muscles near the base of the back, and the connective tissue to all increase their capacity for movement. One of the main reasons why a person suffers back pain is because these three factors are all stiff and resist movement. When heat is applied, they are able to move more easily and therefore are not as painful. Having a flexible back will also help a person avoid future injuries.

3. Decreases Sensory Receptor Ability

There are a great deal of sensory receptors near the lower back. These receptors are the reason why a person feels pain when the back is injured. When a person puts a heating pad on his or her back, these sensory receptors suffer a dulled ability and will send fewer transmissions to the brain. This means that a person will experience less pain when the back has been properly heated. Although this is not a permanent fix, it can allow people temporary relief from their pain.

Utilizing heat therapy by visiting a chiropractor like one from Fish Creek Chiropractic can greatly speed a person's healing process and make it easier for activities of daily living to be carried out. Although heat therapy is not a complete treatment for pain in the lower back, it can be a huge part of an overall therapy program.

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