If you struggle with a physical handicap, a stressful job or do a lot of physical labor chances are you get aches. If your pain is interfering with your life, we are willing to bet you have some issues with your back.

Luckily, there are professional chiropractors that can help relieve this pain, as well as prevent it in the future. But what should you know before you decide to see a chiropractor?

Here are some helpful tips.

Does it Really Work?

There is less research on chiropractic practices than on any other type of medicine. This can make people skeptical of its healing effects. While the research out there now does show that chiropractic care can effectively relieve back pain, results for other conditions, like insomnia or anxiety, vary across the board and even can make you taller to some extent.

What Kind of Chiropractor Should I See?

There are many different kinds of chiropractic care you may want to consider for your pain. A place like Advanced Chiropractic Center, a chiropractor in Asheville NC who gets results, is qualified in functional neurology and chiropractic care. This means that physical disorders and mental disorders can be treated under one roof. This kind of treatment may be a great option for those who need treatment for more than one ailment.

You may also choose your chiropractor based on the amount of force the chiropractor uses during their treatment. For those with conditions like osteoporosis, low force may be better for you than direct thrust techniques.

Some chiropractors may also specialize in massages as well as treatments for the bones in the back. You can relax your muscles as well as your bones. This treatment is great for people who tend to tense up, participate in heavy lifting, or those with anxiety or depression as well.

Will I Need a Recommendation from a Doctor?

Fortunately, you do not need a doctor’s referral to seek treatment at a chiropractic center.

Chiropractors do not have to go to medical school. However, they do go through certification courses and attend their own schooling for their practices. When you visit a chiropractor, they often have their own initial screening where they can see what treatment will work best for you.

The initial screening often consists of paperwork, much like a doctor’s office. As well as this is there is a consultation with the chiropractor. They will ask what kind of physical activity or disorders you may have to find the best course of treatment. They then may also conduct x-rays or other tests to determine what will be best for you.

Is Going to the Chiropractor Safe?

Like all kinds of medical treatment, you should always seek out a licensed professional for your care. People who boast convenience and low cost as their main pros for their treatments are often lower quality. It can result in a higher chance of injury than chiropractors with an established practice.

The majority of practices are safe. A survey by the Palmer College of Chiropractic found that 77% of people who have seen a chiropractor since 2011 have said that their treatment was highly effective.

However, there are some risks, specifically in neck manipulation techniques. When done wrong they can a stroke or even death. If you are worried about these risks, you can ask your chiropractor to steer clear of the neck when they are treating you.

In Conclusion…

Chiropractors can be very effective in treating pain in the spine and back. As with all medical treatments, there will be some risks. Consult your chiropractor if you have any concerns and they should be able to help. Chiropractors are a non-invasive and predominantly safe way to treat any amount of pain.