Chiropractic care is suitable for a wide range of individuals, from children to seniors. Athletes often turn to chiropractic care to enhance their performance and prevent injuries. Pregnant women can also benefit from chiropractic adjustments to alleviate discomfort and ensure proper pelvic alignment. Furthermore, individuals with desk jobs or those who spend long hours sitting may find relief from posture-related issues through chiropractic care.
It’s important to note that not everyone is an ideal candidate for chiropractic adjustments; individuals with certain medical conditions such as severe osteoporosis or spinal cord injuries should consult their healthcare provider before seeking treatment from our Bowie, MD chiropractor. To see if you’re an ideal candidate for chiropractic care, contact or visit us at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic today. We offer walk-in and same-day appointments.
Why You Might Need A Chiropractor
The truth is if you are in pain, seeing a chiropractor can help you out. Most places have their hours listed for easy access and are often insurance friendly. Just why would you even need a chiropractor?
Back and Neck Pain
This is by far the most obvious reason you would want to see a chiropractor. If you are suffering from back or neck pain it can feel like it is never ending. There are many reasons you could end up with back pain. Falling asleep in the wrong position, scoliosis, disc herniations, poor posture, or even accidents can lead to pain. A chiropractor’s job is to help you minimize long-term damage from this pain and find a way to alleviate the pain. Sometimes there can even be a way to avoid surgery.
Headache Relief
If you’ve ever suffered from a headache or a migraine you know just how annoying they can be. They can interfere with your daily life and have you taking pain pills to ward them off. What if there was a way to do that without taking pain medication? Seeing a chiropractor can help you with that as sometimes the root of the issue is pressure on the neck and spine. Spine and neck manipulation can help relieve these headaches.
Better Sleep
Sleep can be evasive and even if you do sleep you could be suffering from poor sleep quality. Your body works all through the night and a misaligned spine can cause your body stress with pain and healing. Often a chiropractor will use manipulation therapy to increase blood flow in your body and align the vertebrae in your spine better.
Pregnancy Benefits
When a woman is pregnant the body goes through drastic changes. These fast changes can leave your body aching and in pain. There is a specialty for pregnancy in the chiropractic field that can help soothe these pains by making sure the bones in the body are where they are meant to be. This can help reduce headaches, back pain, and general discomfort from rapid changes.
Alternative To Medication
It is common for people to take over-the-counter pain medications but what if there was a way to use them less frequently? There is a way, and that is by seeing a chiropractor to make sure your body is in the correct alignment. Chiropractic care can help heal your back, improve your posture, and even relieve headaches if you have them.
If you are searching for a chiropractor in Maryland, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic today for answers to your questions.
Are you seeking pain relief and healthy living? Perhaps you’re interested in medical care that doesn’t involve several over-the-counter pain prescriptions. If so, then we at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic look forward to meeting with you. Our team of specialized back and reflexology doctors are committed to seeing your overall health improve and your ailments reduce, if not disappear altogether.
What Does A Chiropractor Do?
The Oxford Dictionary describes a chiropractor as someone who is “a practitioner of the system of integrative medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints.”
In other words, we are more than simply “back doctors” or “doctors who crack your back.”
Your joints play a vital role in your mobility and circulation. They affect your ability to exercise or conduct daily tasks, such as bending over to pick up a fallen object, stretching for a morning yawn, and reaching upward to open a kitchen cabinet to cook. When your joints aren’t healthy or are misaligned, anything from your fingers to your hips can struggle to function properly. Not to mention, joint pain can range from minor to very severe. Joints can become inflamed. They can even become infected. A good chiropractor will run tests, perform x-rays, and study your medical history to help you.
Furthermore, a good chiropractor, such as those here at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab and Chiropractic will:
- Assess the severity of your condition
- Study your posture, spine, and reflexes
- Offer advice on steps to take to reduce your pain or misalignment
- Perform therapeutic services to realign your spinal columns and more
- Refer you to other medical doctors when needed.
The latter is because some joint-related issues work in tandem with other medical ailments.
Seven Dos and Don’ts for Proper Spinal Care
- Do Participate in Simple Exercises To Strengthen Your Body: Make sure you’re only doing low-impact exercises so you don’t jar your spine. Your chiropractor may have a list of exercises they recommend. Things like swimming, bicycling, using an elliptical machine, yoga and tai chi are all examples of low-impact exercises.
- Do Cross Your Legs Only at the Ankles: Your chiropractor may tell you not to cross your legs at the knees because it puts undue stress on your back and hips, which can lead to pain or discomfort. Crossing your legs at your ankles doesn’t put that strain on your body.
- Do Get Plenty of Sleep So You Can Recuperate: If you’re like the majority of Americans, you probably don’t get enough sleep every night. Sleep is imperative for spine health, to give your back a chance to relax, rest and recuperate from the day’s work. Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic may recommend you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night.
- Do Use a Pillow That’s Not Too High or Too Low: You want to find what Goldilocks did — find a pillow that’s just right. If your pillow is too high or low, your spine will be out of alignment and may not get the rest or relaxation it so desperately needs. Your chiropractor may have specific pillows they suggest for patients.
- Do Sleep on Your Back or on Your Side: If you sleep on your back, place pillows beneath your knees. Sleeping on your side, put a pillow between your knees. Either of these positions will allow your back muscles to relax fully. Never sleep on your stomach; it can cause unnecessary pain in your neck and upper back.
- Don’t Read or Watch TV in Bed With Your Head Propped at a Sharp or Strained Angle: If your head is propped up incorrectly, you could be putting undue strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. If you need to, put more pillows behind your back and under your head so your back is completely supported.
- Don’t Bend or Stoop Sharply To Pick Things Up: Our Bowie chiropractor at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic can show you the right way to pick things up off the floor. You’ll want to squat without letting your knees go out past your toes while keeping your back straight. Make sure your motion is slow and controlled, and that you’re not bending your back.
Bowie Chiropractor Infographic
How To Get The Most Out Of Chiropractic Care
If you have chronic pain, it may be beneficial to see our Bowie chiropractor. However, in order to make a full recovery, you’ll have to be proactive in your care. Here are some tips to get the most out of chiropractic care.
- Be Patient
It’s likely that you didn’t develop your pain overnight. Therefore, it stands to reason that you won’t heal overnight. It may take some time for your nervous system and spine to recover. If you don’t see an improvement in a couple of chiropractic sessions, don’t get discouraged. Understand that the treatment takes time and continue to go to your appointments. Additionally, you may also find that you experience relief in stages. This is perfectly normal and it may take several more sessions before achieving a full recovery.
- Do Your Exercises
Your chiropractor may assign you various strengthening and stretching exercises to do at home to enhance your treatment. While performing these exercises may be tedious at times, they’re an essential part of your recovery. If you perform these home exercises consistently, you may recover faster.
- Relieve Stress
There’s a myth that back pain is only the result of injuries or medical conditions. However, you don’t need to be in an accident or have a labor-intensive job to receive back pain! Often stress can contribute to back pain. As such, finding ways to relieve stress can help prevent and ease back pain. Some treatments may include deep breathing exercises, indulging in a past or new hobby, changing careers, practicing meditation and yoga, seeing a therapist, etc.
- Be Honest With Your Chiropractor
Your chiropractor won’t be able to help you if he or she doesn’t know the truth. That’s why it’s important to always be honest with your chiropractor. If you haven’t been doing your exercises consistently or have poor posture, let your chiropractor know.
- Drink Plenty Of Water
By now, you’ve probably heard that drinking water is essential for your health. It’s definitely true. Staying hydrated will even help enhance your chiropractic treatments by keeping your joints lubricated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Eat A Healthy Diet
The foods you consume on a daily basis can also have an effect on your chiropractic treatments. Nourishing your body with nutritious foods will give it the strength to heal and function like it should. Fill your diet with wholesome foods, like chicken, fish, whole grains, fruit and vegetables.
- Practice Good Posture
Maintaining good posture for a long time can be tricky, especially if you work a desk job. However, slouching too much can put stress on your spine. Start being more mindful of your posture. Try to always sit up straight with your shoulders pulled back.
- Don’t Push Yourself Too Hard
As you’re experiencing relief, you might be tempted to immediately go back into your old physical or become inspired to work out more. While this can be good, you won’t want to push yourself too hard and instead ease into things. Additionally, communicating with your chiropractor can help determine the new speed you can go at.
- Get Proper Rest
Sleeping at least eight hours a night is also important for your overall body function. To make it easier to fall asleep, avoid drinking caffeine in the evening and do something relaxing before bedtime.
The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care During A Pregnancy
Because when you are pregnant the body is undergoing physiological and endocrine honorable changes that are going to change your spinal and pelvic alignments, chiropractors may be able to help with pregnancy pain. Furthermore, when you are pregnant, hormones are going to be loosening the ligaments in the body and the baby’s weight can create stress for the mother to these loosened ligaments and a lowered center of gravity.
If you are wondering if prenatal chiropractic care is safe, most chiropractors, if not all of them, are trained to treat pregnant women safely. This is because there are special chiropractic tables to account for the physical changes that happen during pregnancy to the female body, and they will be able to keep you from lying flat on her back and still work with you.
A chiropractor can relieve pain, however, if you’re pregnant a chiropractor has the added benefits of helping with nausea, reducing the time of labor and your delivery, reducing lower back pain, neck pain, and joint pain, help prevent a C-section, lower risk-return delivery, reduce the need for pain medication during delivery of pregnancy, and help you speed up your recovery time. Obviously, not every issue in pregnancy can be resolved with a chiropractor but it’s a holistic, nonsurgical, and noninvasive way to try before turning to medication or surgeries.
A chiropractor can even help you to restore your pelvic balance which is essential, the idea that everything changes from the way you walk to the way you sleep while you are pregnant. This is because your center of gravity, ligaments, and more are changing to allow that child to grow in your womb. Chiropractic care will to be able to help you with discomfort due to posture changes, help you adjust the body for optimal health realign the spine restoring the public balance after these changes have taken place, and chiropractic care can naturally and safely help you with many of the aches and pains that are associated commonly with pregnancy.
Chiropractors can also help you to maximize space for the child, by restoring pelvic balance. Ensuring that the spine is realigned in public balance has been restored will allow for more space in the uterus, and it can even help the child move into position to allow for the best possibility of natural delivery.
This is because when the pelvis is not aligned properly the space the child has in the womb is going to be limited. And this can cause the child to be unable to move into position for delivery which may lead to a C-section.
If you have any questions about seeing a chiropractor while pregnant, ask your doctor and talk to your chiropractor. Your chiropractor should be willing to walk you through every step they would take with you, and explain the safety measures they would take and the risks of any procedure they do.
Myths About Chiropractic Care
If you have been experiencing chronic pain, you may want to see our Bowie chiropractor at Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic. We can perform manual adjustments and other non-invasive treatments to alleviate your discomfort. Here are some common myths about chiropractic care that you should not believe.
Chiropractic Adjustments Are Painful
Chiropractic adjustments can cause popping and cracking sounds, so some people assume that they are painful. That is why they may avoid getting an adjustment altogether. However, adjustments are designed to alleviate pain, not cause it. You may feel some pressure during the adjustment and soreness afterward, but you should not experience significant pain.
Chiropractic Care Isn’t Safe
As long as they are performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor, adjustments and other chiropractic treatments are considered very safe. They are actually safer than surgeries and medication because they do not come with harmful side effects.
Chiropractors Just Treat Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common conditions that chiropractors treat, but it definitely isn’t the only one. Chiropractors are trained to treat a wide range of other conditions, including neck pain, headaches, fatigue, allergies, sciatica, and pregnancy-related discomfort. If you are not sure if a chiropractor treats a certain condition or not, do not hesitate to give the professional a call.
Chiropractic Care Is Very Costly
This could not be further from the truth. When compared to more traditional treatments, like surgery, chiropractic care is much more affordable. Many health insurance companies nowadays also recognize the benefits of chiropractic care and cover it in their plans.
You Will Have To See A Chiropractor Forever
Some people worry that once they start seeing a chiropractor in Bowie, MD, they will not be able to stop. However, how long you see a chiropractor will depend on the severity of your condition. After an initial evaluation, a chiropractor will estimate how many sessions you will need.
Kids Can’t See Chiropractors
Many people still assume that chiropractors only treat adults. However, they can treat people of all ages, including children. Many kids can actually benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can treat sleeping issues, digestive problems, colic, behavioral disorders and weak immune systems.
Chiropractic care may still be widely misunderstood, but it can benefit many people. If you have additional questions about chiropractic care, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with a chiropractor in Bowie, MD.
Chiropractor Statistics
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration, there have been 108,656 total auto accidents in Maryland in 2021. If you have been involved in an accident, auto or otherwise, there’s a good chance chiropractic care can help relieve the pain you’re experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common treatments for back pain?
Many clients explore chiropractic treatments and therapies because they suffer from back pain. It is one of the most common types of pain that many patients report having. Chronic back pain can develop as a result of repetitive motion injuries, poor posture, accidents, and overuse. Seeing a chiropractor can help you understand what exactly is causing your pain and how it can be treated. There are many options that a chiropractor can consider for your treatment program, such as spinal manipulation, massage therapy, electrical stimulation and physical therapy. The program that will be most effective for you will be dependent on factors such as your medical condition, severity of your pain, and your nutrition.
Can I benefit from massage therapy?
Many patients do not know that therapeutic massage is one of the treatments that our chiropractors are knowledgeable about. Massage therapy is highly effective because it can reduce inflammation, relax the muscles, alleviate pain and improve circulation in the body. If you suffer from sore muscles, frequent injuries, and daily pain in your back, neck and shoulders, you may want to see if massage therapy is right for you by speaking with a trained and experienced chiropractor. They can examine your condition and see if massage therapy will help address your symptoms and bring you the comfort and relief that you are seeking.
Will chiropractic care alleviate my pain from a car accident?
Another reason that many patients go to a chiropractor is because they have recently been in a car accident where they have suffered many injuries. Recovering after a car accident is hard, and it can take weeks or months for your body to feel better again. Chiropractic treatments such as spinal adjustments and physical therapy have shown to be highly effective at promoting healing after an accident. Seeing a chiropractor for treatment can help to facilitate your recovery, and enable your body to get back to normal again. Chiropractic care can restore your body’s muscles, eliminate nerve pain, and improve your flexibility and range of motion.
Can I see a chiropractor for headaches?
Not many people know that in addition to back, neck and shoulder pain, chiropractors can also treat headaches and migraines. If you are someone who suffers from chronic headaches, chiropractors can treat you and mitigate the severity of headaches as well as reduce their frequency. Many headaches are caused by pressure along the neck and spine. A chiropractor can promote circulation in your body, and reduce tension and inflammation in these areas so that headaches will be less painful and happen less often.
Services Offered By Chiropractors
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. They focus on spinal alignment and overall body health to improve well-being and alleviate various conditions. Beyond just treating back pain, they offer a range of services to enhance your physical health and overall quality of life. In this listicle, we’ll explore six essential services a chiropractor can offer to promote optimal health.
- Spinal adjustment, also known as chiropractic manipulation, is the cornerstone of chiropractic care. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to realign the vertebrae, addressing subluxations or misalignments that can cause pain, reduced mobility, and nerve interference. By restoring proper spinal alignment, they can help patients find relief from various conditions, such as lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more.
- Chiropractors often prescribe specific corrective exercises tailored to a patient’s individual needs. These exercises help strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper posture. By incorporating corrective exercises into their routine, patients can not only accelerate their recovery but also prevent future injuries and maintain optimal musculoskeletal health.
- In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may offer soft tissue therapies to address muscle tension, inflammation, and scar tissue. Techniques like myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and Graston technique can help alleviate discomfort and enhance overall range of motion. Soft tissue therapy is especially beneficial for athletes and individuals with repetitive strain injuries.
- Chiropractors often provide lifestyle and nutritional guidance to promote holistic well-being. They assess a patient’s diet, physical activity, and stress levels, offering personalized recommendations to improve overall health and support the body’s healing process. By addressing lifestyle factors, they empower patients to take an active role in their health and prevent future health issues.
- Chiropractors play a vital role in the rehabilitation process following injuries, such as sports-related injuries, car accidents, or workplace mishaps. They create comprehensive treatment plans to aid recovery, restore function, and prevent long-term complications. Chiropractic care during the rehabilitation phase can enhance healing and help patients return to their daily activities faster.
- Beyond treating specific conditions, chiropractors emphasize the importance of wellness and preventive care. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help maintain spinal health, improve nerve function, and boost the immune system. Many patients choose to continue chiropractic care even after their symptoms have resolved to enhance their overall well-being and prevent future health problems.
Chiropractors offer a diverse range of services aimed at improving physical health, enhancing recovery, and promoting overall wellness. From spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy to corrective exercises and lifestyle counseling, chiropractic care focuses on addressing the root cause of health issues rather than just masking symptoms. By seeking the expertise of a chiropractor, individuals can experience pain relief, enhanced mobility, and an improved quality of life while actively taking charge of their well-being. Remember to always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
Chiropractic care is a healthcare discipline that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, primarily those related to the spine. It is based on the principle that the proper alignment of the spine and other musculoskeletal structures is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Chiropractors use a hands-on approach to manipulate and adjust the spine and joints, aiming to improve alignment, alleviate pain, and enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
The Benefits Of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a range of benefits that extend beyond simply addressing back and neck pain. Many patients report improved mobility, reduced muscle tension, and increased joint function after undergoing chiropractic treatments. Additionally, chiropractic care can have positive effects on various bodily systems, including the nervous system. By ensuring that the spine is properly aligned, nerve pathways are optimized, facilitating better communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This can lead to improved overall health, better sleep quality, and even enhanced immune function.
When To Seek A Chiropractor
Knowing when to seek chiropractic care is important. It’s recommended to consider chiropractic treatment when dealing with conditions such as chronic back pain, neck pain, headaches, joint pain, and limited range of motion. Additionally, individuals who have been involved in accidents or experienced injuries that might have affected their musculoskeletal system can benefit from chiropractic evaluation and care. Chiropractors can provide personalized assessments and treatment plans to address each patient’s specific needs.
Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic
4201 Northview Dr #101, Bowie, MD 20716
Preparing For A Consultation
Before scheduling a consultation with a chiropractor, it’s helpful to gather relevant information about your medical history and any current symptoms. This may include previous injuries, surgeries, or conditions you have been diagnosed with. Additionally, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the specific issues you’re facing, such as the location and nature of your pain or discomfort. During the consultation, the chiropractor will likely conduct a thorough examination, which may involve physical assessments and potentially diagnostic imaging, like X-rays. This information will guide the chiropractor in developing a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to improving musculoskeletal health and overall well-being. By focusing on spinal alignment and joint function, chiropractors aim to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and promote the body’s innate ability to heal. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, aiming to prevent injuries, or looking to optimize your athletic performance, chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to your healthcare regimen. To ensure a productive consultation, it’s important to provide accurate medical history and symptom information to the chiropractor. With its patient-centered approach, chiropractic care continues to be a sought-after option for those seeking natural and effective ways to manage their health.
Contact our team at Mid Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic to set up your consultation. We look forward to meeting you and providing the relief you deserve.
Client Review
“I came in with excruciating pain on my lower back and was seen by Dr. Marc G. at this practice. Dr. Marc was very thorough and worked his magic, all better now. Strongly recommend. Plus excellent customer service, thank you Laura!”
K Matta