Can One Be TOO Injured or Hurt for Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is about optimal health and functioning of the nervous system resulting in the greatest possibility for the highest quality of life. While chiropractic adjustments facilitate communication within the nervous system occurring without interference, very often a side effect to the adjustments are relief of pain and symptoms. People most often see a chiropractor because of pain and symptoms, then learn that chiropractic has much more to offer and, in fact, optimal health and communication is the focus.

Is one ever too injured or too hurt to go to a chiropractor or receive a chiropractic adjustment? Most often the answer no. Of course, there are exceptions, such as certain bone fractures (not all) or accidents (not all) or types of diseases (not all); however, it is entirely safe to go to the chiropractor for an examination and determination of whether you are a good fit for the adjustment as care.

Acute Stage

Acute stage of pain refers to pain that is sudden in onset and usually very sharp or intense. It is often in this stage when individuals are concerned as to whether or not they are too hurt or too injured to receive chiropractic care. If you have not had a traumatic injury that reasonably calls for an emergency room visit, it is a good option to get evaluated by a doctor or chiropractor for care.

Pain Generators

Pain generators are the structures that are involved in the brain perceiving and feeling pain. If a spinal joint is not moving properly and causing inflammation within the joint, and thus causing the individual to feel pain, the joint is then considered the pain generator. While one may have acute back pain, the pain generator may be a joint, a muscle, a ligament or numerous other structures.

When a chiropractor evaluates the patient, their spine, and the health and function of the spine, they will determine the restrictions and pain generator and care accordingly. Chiropractors are spinal specialists so they excel in determining the difference between pain generating structures. This is important when trying to decrease the pain most quickly and conservatively and removing the pain rather than masking it, such as with medication.

Care Rendered

There are many different chiropractic adjustment techniques. Chiropractors adjust infants and toddlers, adolescents, grown adults, and elderly. Not all people need, want, or can tolerate the same type of adjustments. During different stages of life, and injury or wellness, the body calls for a different approach. Chiropractors have the ability to utilize different techniques at different times to fit the situation.

An adjustment on an infant is quite different than a grown adult — much less is required for the same or greater results. The same goes for an injured or hurt person. There are techniques that use less force yet create significant results. Usually all chiropractors use at least one very light or gentle approach in situations in which patients are in significant pain. When one is in acute pain, it is interesting to note that much less intervention often creates much more profound results. Patients are often amazed that techniques that seem like they would do very little create massive results for folks suffering from significant pain.

The bottom line is this: if you are wondering if you are a good candidate for chiropractic care — whether hurt or not — schedule a consultation and evaluation with Dr. Zeh. Let the doctor determine whether you are, or are not, a good fit. They can and will refer you for additional diagnostic testing or specialists if need be. Chances are they can be of more help to you than not.