The backbone of good health has a lot to do with proper spinal alignment. That’s because the central nervous system, which routes through our spine, touches every part of our bodies. When spinal alignment is out of whack and not communicating properly, you can feel it — in the form of headaches, mental fog, neck and joint pain, sciatica and even acid reflux.

That’s where chiropractic adjustments can help. Read on to learn the benefits of chiropractic care.

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals trained to perform non-invasive manipulation of joints, soft tissue and spine to put the body in a position to heal itself — focusing on holistic methods instead of prescription medicine and surgery. If you’ve never visited a chiropractor, chances are you know someone who has. According to a 2017 study by the National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health, about one in 10 U.S. adults use chiropractic treatment for their musculoskeletal health. And more than half of all NFL teams now have a chiropractor on staff.

The benefits of chiropractic alignment

Chiropractic adjustments have been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions. The number one reason people turn to a chiropractor is for neck and back pain. In fact, according to a Gallup survey conducted by Palmer College of Chiropractic, more people visit a chiropractor for neck or back pain (53%) than a medical doctor (47%).

Chiropractic manipulations have also been shown to improve blood pressure, headaches, neurological conditions, sciatica and athletic performance.

What to expect at your first chiropractor visit

Chiropractors will conduct a thorough exam, sometimes using diagnostic imaging to confirm a visual diagnosis before a treatment plan is created. Chiropractors may also check for low bone density before starting treatment and then adapt as needed.

The chiropractor will likely perform the first adjustments, which involve pressing a joint until it pops to relieve pressure and allow for better movement. Many people notice an improvement after the first visit. Repeat chiropractic visits will help build new muscle memory and train joints to hold proper alignment over time.

Is a chiropractor safe?

People with certain health conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer or inflammatory arthritis, should check with their doctor before seeing a chiropractor. While chiropractic care has been proven to be one of the safest approaches to treat many conditions, some physicians advise that patients avoid one particular maneuver, high-velocity neck manipulations, due to an increased risk of stroke.

Ready to complement your health care with holistic, chiropractic treatments? The first step is finding a licensed chiropractor, and CareCredit can help. Also, since insurance coverage for chiropractic care varies widely, especially for wellness treatments, the CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for chiropractic treatments.* Search the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby chiropractor who accepts the CareCredit credit card.