3 Natural Remedies That Your Chiropractor May Recommend
Posted on: 8 October 2018
If you have back problems, you may have visited a chiropractor for a spinal adjustment. While this is one of the most common chiropractic treatments, there are other natural remedies and lifestyle treatments that your chiropractor may recommend. Here are three natural remedies that your chiropractor may recommend for various health conditions and how they work to relieve symptoms:
Magnesium
Your chiropractor may suggest that you consume more magnesium-rich foods if you suffer from back pain, including almonds, avocados, dark chocolate, and spinach. While you can get your recommended daily allowance of magnesium through dietary measures, your chiropractor may also suggest that you take supplements.
Magnesium is very effective in relaxing muscles, enhancing circulation to painful areas, promoting mobility, and may even help prevent insomnia and anxiety. While magnesium has many positive health benefits, it can interact with certain medications. If you take prescription anticoagulants, or if your doctor recommended that you take an aspirin a day to lower your risk for heart attack or stroke, tell your chiropractor. Taking magnesium with anticoagulants or aspirin may heighten your risk for abnormal bleeding.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Another natural remedy for pain and stiffness that your chiropractor may recommend is consuming more foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Fresh water fish, such as salmon, are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, and may help prevent morning stiffness in people with arthritis. If you are unable to eat salmon or other fresh water fish, talk to your chiropractor about taking fish oil or omega-3 supplements.
Other beneficial health effects from fish oils and omega-3s include mood enhancement, decreased systemic inflammation, relief from spinal pain, and enhanced mobility. Like magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids may interact with the blood-thinning properties of prescription anticoagulants and aspirin, so be sure to talk to your chiropractor before taking supplements or increasing your intake of fatty fish.
Therapeutic Massage
A chiropractic therapeutic massage can do wonders for spinal pain, limited range-of-motion, joint inflammation, and lower back pain. Not only can massage help relieve muscle and joint pain, it can also help promote relaxation and restorative sleep.
During a massage, your body releases "feel good" chemicals known as endorphins. Endorphin release can provide you with a sense of well-being, and may also decrease your perception of pain. There are few, if any, contraindications to therapeutic massage; however, if you recently had surgery, make sure your incision has completely healed prior to getting your massage.
If you are seeking natural treatments for pain, insomnia, or systemic inflammation, make an appointment with your chiropractor. He or she will explain the benefits of natural therapies so that you can make an informed decision about which ones you feel comfortable with.
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