Yes, you can take your child to a chiropractor. My name is Anna, and I work for a chiropractic medical office. Some people believe that children are not good candidates for chiropractic services because they are still growing. This is simply not true. Kids' bodies experience the same kinds of stress and pressure as adults' bodies do, and they can also benefit from the attention a chiropractor can give. This is especially true for children who participate in sports and other physically demanding activities. This blog will help you understand what a chiropractor can do for your child and why you should make an appointment to see one.
Neil Fuller
There's no denying that osteoarthritis is a health epidemic. It's estimated that 27 million Americans currently have osteoarthritis, so if you're one of them, you're not alone. Unfortunately, treatment options for osteoarthritis are limited, and there's no sure way of preventing the disease at this time. If you're currently struggling with osteoarthritis pain in your knees, there may be one treatment method that could potentially help you: acupuncture.
How Acupuncture Works
Those who study traditional Chinese medicine and those who study western medicine have differing opinions on how acupuncture works.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture works by channeling helpful energy known as qi to the parts of the body where it's most needed. In this case, acupuncture would send qi to the knees in order to support their healing process and reduce inflammation and pain.
According to western medicine, acupuncture helps by stimulating the body to produce natural pain-killing chemicals that relieve discomfort. However, certain aspects of acupuncture's efficacy aren't yet understood by western scientists and doctors.
Proof of Efficacy
Studies have found that acupuncture can be useful in treating osteoarthritis, particularly if your osteoarthritis affects your knees.
In one study, doctors administered acupuncture to patients with osteoarthritis for eight weeks, while two other groups received fewer acupuncture treatments and no acupuncture treatments, respectively. At the end of the eight week trial, they discovered that the patients who had received full acupuncture care had improved pain levels and flexibility in their knees in comparison to those who had received no acupuncture or fewer treatments.
Getting Help
Acupuncture may be a useful tool for patients struggling with osteoarthritis. However, it should be used as an addition to whatever treatment you're already seeking for your condition, rather than a replacement.
If you're interested in trying acupuncture, talk to your doctor to see if they have any recommendations. Some doctors are trained to perform acupuncture, so yours may be able to treat you directly. If not, you can rest assured that the person they suggest will have the skill and training you need.
If your doctor can't recommend anyone, search for an acupuncturist, like one at West Omaha Chiropractic & Sports Injury Clinic, that has received official certification from the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. These acupuncturists will have the practice and training to employ safe, effective acupuncture treatments.
Until a cure is found for osteoarthritis, sufferers should focus on treating it with every tool available to them. Give acupuncture a try and see if it helps improve your arthritis pain and stiffness.