According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately 76.2 million people, that’s one in every four Americans, have suffered from chronic pain.Chronic pain is defined as any pain that last longer than three months. In a healthy individual, pain should cease after the underlying cause has been treated. However, for those who suffer from chronic pain, the pain remains after healing for no apparent biological reason. The most common cause of long-term disability, chronic pain is cited as the number one reason that Americans access the health care system, is the leading cause of disability and is a major contributor to skyrocketing health care costs. In addition, the far-reaching effects of dependence on opioid pain medications has added a tremendous cost factor to the realm of chronic pain, in both monetary and human costs.
Finding an alternative care plan for those who suffer from chronic pain, that does not rely on drug therapies or more invasive approaches including surgeries, has become a focus for many health practitioners and patients. Patient care is evolving in ways that were never deemed possible for past generations and finding innovative approaches to help patients realize a return to optimal health and well-being is easier to access now than ever before.
One such approach lies in the specialized field of Chiropractic Neurology. Chiropractic Neurologists have advanced knowledge of functional neurology, or the way that the brain and nervous system work in concert to affect overall health. Experts in “brain-based” therapies, the care plans designed and implemented by Chiropractic Neurologists are individual in nature and seek to find and correct the underlying health issue, not merely mask symptoms with drugs and other ineffective methods.
Disorders treated by Chiropractic Neurologists include Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, movement disorders, stroke, traumatic brain injury, phantom limb pain, neuropathy, migraine headache and yes, chronic pain. Treatment plans from your Chiropractic Neurologist are as different as each patient. Not a “one size fits all” treatment plan, the treatments are designed specifically for each patient. Some typical treatments include work with the joints, muscles, nervous system, chiropractic adjustments, auditory, visual or sensory systems and cognitive exercises.
Several studies have been conducted to determine the effectiveness of Chiropractic Neurology and the results are promising. In one study, 86% of the patients tested showed marked improvement and higher degrees of pain relief than found in any other treatment for pain. Additional studies both in and out of the United States have shown similar results. As this work continues, more and more patients are finding lasting relief from chronic pain through Chiropractic Neurology treatments.
If you or a loved one has a condition related in any way to the brain or nervous system, chiropractic neurology provides a new avenue of hope for successful treatment. The team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center is here to answer your questions.