Depending on the patient’s individual needs, a doctorof chiropractic will develop a program of care thatmay combine more than one type of treatment insteadof using drugs and surgery. The treatment plan mayinclude spinal manipulation, mobilization, or mas-sage, as well as procedures such as electric stimula-tion, rehabilitative exercises, advice on nutrition, andsuggestions for posture modification.

Let’s look at each of these treatment options a bitmore closely.

SSppiinnaall mmaanniippuullaattiioonnChiropractic spinal manipulation is a “hands-on”approach in which doctors of chiropractic manuallyadjust spinal structures in an attempt to restore backmobility.

AAccuuppuunnccttuurreeDuring this procedure, adapted from Chinese medi-cine, specific body parts are pierced with very fineneedles in an attempt to relieve pain. People useacupuncture for various types of conditions that resultin pain. Back pain is the most commonly reporteduse, followed by joint pain, neck pain, and headache.

EElleeccttrriicc ssttiimmuullaattiioonnAlthough many types of electrical therapy treat pain,doctors of chiropractic often use a small device isoften used that sends low-voltage electrical currentthrough the skin, using electrodes (small, flat adhe-sive discs) placed near the source of the pain.

HHeeaatt aanndd iicceeIce packs and heat pads are among the most com-monly used treatments for musculoskeletal injuries.Ice treatment is most effective for acute injuries. Ifyou have a recent injury (within the past 48 hours),ice packs can help minimize swelling. On the otherhand, heat treatments should be used for chronic con-

ditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimu-late blood flow to the area.

It is unnecessary to apply either heat or ice for morethan 20 minutes at a time. In fact, ice used for toolong a period can cause frostbite. Ice and heat shouldalways be applied with at least a towel between theice/heat and the patient.

JJooiinntt mmoobbiilliizzaattiioonnJoint mobilization consists of small passive move-ments, usually applied as a series of gentle stretchesin a smooth, rhythmic fashion to individual joints.Joint mobilization has been shown to improve mobili-ty, as well as assist in relieving pain and releasingtension from areas such as the head, neck, ankles,feet, pelvis, wrists, ribs, and spine.

Healthy LivingPatient Information from the American Chiropractic Association

Chiropractic Approach to Pain Relief, Rehabilitative Care

Healthy LivingPatient Education: Pain Relief and Rehabilitative Care

MMyyooffaasscciiaall rreelleeaasseeMyofascial release is a highly specialized stretchingtechnique used in an attempt to end pain and restorejoints’ range of motion by focusing on fascia, a typeof connective tissue that covers organs, muscles, andother soft internal structures. Similarly, a chiropracticoffice may employ Active Release Technique®(ART), Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation(PNF) stretching, or trigger-point therapy.Instrument-assistant mobilization is also offeredthrough Graston Technique®, ASTYM, etc.

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SSuupppplleemmeennttss aanndd hheerrbbaall rreemmeeddiieessIt’s important to note that some medications mayinteract with supplements or herbs to produce sideeffects. Some supplements or herbs may interferewith absorption of prescription medications. Talk toyour doctor of chiropractic about any supplementsand medications you take, to rule out possible nega-tive interactions.

OOrrtthhoottiiccssOrthotics are custom-designed shoe inserts that mayhelp to correct an abnormal or irregular walking pat-tern.

PPoossttuurree mmooddiiffiiccaattiioonnssGood posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie inpositions that place the least strain on supportingmuscles and ligaments during movement. Your doc-tor of chiropractic can assist you with proper posture,including recommending exercises to strengthen your

core postural muscles. He or she can also assist youwith choosing proper postures during your activitiesthat may help to reduce your risk of injury.

OOvveerr--tthhee--ccoouunntteerr ((OOTTCC)) mmeeddiiccaattiioonnssPatients often rely on OTC medications to treat acuteand chronic pain, but they should always check witha doctor first. Certain medicines, even those sold overthe counter, are unsafe during pregnancy, may con-flict with other medications, may cause side effectsincluding drowsiness, or may lead to liver damage.

PPoosstt--iinnjjuurryy rreehhaabbiilliittaattiioonnAfter the reduction of your pain or ache, your doctorof chiropractic may design an individual programthat will include a series of rehabilitative exercisesperformed both in the office and at home to strength-en and stretch the affected muscles, ligaments, andtendons. Your doctor’s goal is to provide you withlasting pain relief and to educate you on how to pre-vent recurrence of the problem.

SourcesYour Total Health, http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.comSpine Universe, www.spineuniverse.comSpine-Health, www.spine-health.comLow Back Pain Fact Sheet, National Institute ofNeurological Disorders and Stroke

For more information on preventionand wellness, or to find a doctor ofchiropractic near you, visit ACA’s web-site at www.acatoday.org/patients.

This patient information page is a public service of the Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. Theinformation and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not asubstitute for a diagnosis by a specialist. For specific information concerning your health condition, consult yourdoctor of chiropractic. This page may be reproduced noncommercially by doctors of chiropractic and otherhealthcare professionals to educate patients. Any other reproduction is subject to ACA approval.

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