Chiropractic care aims to treat muscles, nerves, and organs by targeting misalignments along the spinal column, hips, and lower body. In most cases, chiropractic care is safe and effective at restoring mobility, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. People of all ages and medical histories seek care from chiropractors.Skilled chiropractors – like the team here at Posture Works – are able to work around existing health concerns or physical limitations to develop a care and treatment plan that’s right for each patient. We use Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) to tailor adjustments specifically for our Lakewood, CO and San Francisco, CA patients. That said, there are some risks associated with chiropractic care – as with any type of medical practice. While chiropractors can treat most patients, there are some situations when a chiropractor may turn you away for the sake of your health.When to avoid the chiropractorWhile you can trust a chiropractor to work around preexisting conditions, there are some healthcare concerns that just can’t accommodate chiropractic adjustments.
Post-op patients
While chiropractic is often a great tool in rehabilitating patients after surgery, adjustments too soon after an operation can do more harm than good. This is why chiropractors always ask about recent medical history. Responsible chiropractors will reschedule adjustments for a later date, at a time when you’re cleared by your physician to resume regular activity.
Cancer patients
It’s not recommended for cancer patients to keep a standing appointment with their chiropractor. Treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can weaken bone structures. Without knowing about these treatments, a chiropractor could make adjustments resulting in discomfort. Not every cancer patient should avoid chiropractic, since adjustments may help alleviate some tension. It’s best to talk with your physician first.
Severe osteo patients
If you have severe osteoarthritis, don’t expect an adjustment from your chiropractor. While they can provide other services like nutrition counseling or gentle trigger point stimulation, chiropractors don’t usually adjust patients prone to bone damage.
A reputable chiropractor will always go over your medical history with you and learn more about why you’re visiting before doing any adjustments. In cases like the ones above, they may decline to adjust you, instead offering minimally invasive advice like a referral to a massage therapist or stretching exercises.
Choosing a chiropractor
If you believe chiropractic care is right for you, but you still have reservations, finding the right practitioner may help alleviate your concerns.One way to ensure you’re working with a trusted chiropractor is by asking your general practitioner for a referral. They may have a chiropractor that they’ve referred patients to in the past.
You may also search for chiropractors specializing in treating certain populations. For instance, some offices may offer more generalized chiropractic care, while others primarily serve pediatric patients, car accident victims or geriatric patients.Always examine a chiropractor’s website prior to visiting their office, and try to get a sense of the type of care that they provide. Some offices offer comprehensive, holistic care, while others provide a more focused type of chiropractic service. One type of care isn’t necessarily better than the other. Decide which type of care best meets your needs as a patient.
Keep the lines of communication open
No matter your reason for visiting a chiropractor, communication is key. Even if it means being turned away for an adjustment, know that it’s the best course of action for your body. Chiropractors are healers, which means always putting your wellbeing first. At Posture Works – a best chiropractor in San Francisco, this is the philosophy we extend to all our patients. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our approach to chiropractic, including our reliance on Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) for individualized care.
Chiropractic BioPhysics, or CBP, is one of the most scientific, researched, and results-oriented corrective care techniques. CBP-trained chiropractors aim to realign the spine back to health, eliminating nerve interference and addressing the source of pain, fatigue, and disease. As with all chiropractic care, CBP is gentle, painless, and non-invasive.
