Working Out vs. Chiropractic Adjustment
Almost 20% of the U.S. population works out every single day. It’s no surprise that working out has become something of an American pastime. Workout junkies continue to get on their leg workout routine. Then commit to the workout plan that they have been looking into for months, and finally get their workout done.
As someone who regularly visits the chiropractor, I began to wonder if my daily workouts could replace these visits. After some research, I was able to conclude.
Is a good workout the same as getting adjusted? Many workout addicts might view workouts as the only thing that they need to do to change their bodies. Others people might wonder if a workout can equate to receiving a chiropractic adjustment. The answer is yes!
Workout enthusiasts will be happy to know that working out can equate to receiving a chiropractic adjustment. However, a workout cannot equate to receiving a chiropractic adjustment unless the workout plan that you are following includes working on the correct form of posture.
Can Working Out Replace Your Need For Chiropractic Visits?
For a workout to equate to a chiropractic adjustment, it must be in the correct form. A workout enthusiast who is working out incorrectly may still have orthopedic issues that need adjusting.
If someone with back pain were to work out without correcting their workout plan, then they would go on feeling the same discomfort when the workout is over.
When a workout plan includes the correct form of workout, then it can equate to a chiropractic adjustment. These workout plans include Pilates and Yoga.
These workout options offer classes that will help an individual perfect their workout plan so they can achieve the desired results from each workout session, rather than causing additional pain in the long run.
Your workout should include some forms of exercises designed to stretch muscles and improve posture at the same time. If your workout does not involve stretching or improved posture during any point in your workout, you may want to consult with your doctor on how best to continue working out without suffering further orthopedic issues as time goes on.
Different Types of Workouts That Can Help Back or Neck Pain
There are many different workout options available for individuals who suffer from back or neck pain, but is there one workout that’s better than the rest?
While each workout can help in its way, getting your spine checked regularly by a chiropractor is one of the best ways to fight back against back and neck pain.
North Central San Diego chiropractors Dr. Matt Mendoza and Dr. Kevin Vaughen say that weight lifting, swimming, walking, biking, and yoga are all good workout choices for people with neck or back issues.
They also point out that what matters most is not necessarily what workout you do, but that you engage in some kind of workout as part of your routine.
Weight Lifting
Getting a workout in the form of weight lifting has some great benefits for your neck and back. Exercising with weights strengthens your muscles, which can help protect you from injury. Weight-lifting exercises will help to build up your muscles so that they’re not as prone to pain or injury.
If you have neck or back issues, be sure to avoid exercises where you twist your neck to the side. Instead, you should work out your upper back muscles with exercises like pull-ups or rows. You can work out your lower back with exercises like deadlifts.
Yoga
Yoga has become a hugely popular workout choice in recent years. A workout routine will help strengthen the muscles in your back and neck, which can help decrease pain and stiffness in these areas.
Start your workout routine with a 10-minute workout using an exercise ball as a chair. This will help strengthen the muscles in your core and back, which can help decrease symptoms of neck and back pain.
Swimming
According to North Central San Diego chiropractors Dr. Matt Mendoza and Dr. Kevin Vaughen, swimming is a workout that many people enjoy since it’s a workout that doesn’t involve putting stress on your joints.
As with any workout, be sure to talk with a doctor or physical therapist before starting to ensure that you’re healthy enough for the workout in question.
Walking
If you don’t want to do anything more strenuous than walking, this workout is perfect for you. To get the most benefit from this workout, make sure your pace is brisk (three miles per hour), and focus on proper form: keep your chin parallel with the ground, your arms at a 90-degree angle from your body, and your feet pointed forward.
Biking
Whether you use a stationary bike or want to ride a real one as part of your workout routine, studies have shown that cycling is great for those dealing with neck pain. Cyclists tend to keep their necks in a straight, upright position which is great for those with neck issues.
As with many workout routines, you must consult a doctor or physical therapist before the beginning just to be sure that there aren’t any underlying conditions that could lead to further injury.
Can I Workout After a Chiropractic Adjustment?
A workout is considered any intense physical activity that makes your body sweat. This can be running, dancing, jumping on a trampoline, or even pushing your lawnmower around the yard.
After having a chiropractic adjustment you might think it’s okay to workout since you feel good and no pain is present. However, it’s always important to know the facts of chiropractic care and workout safety.
Many people work out after their chiropractic adjustment, but is it safe? Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who help correct misalignments in your spine for overall health quality.
If you work out after receiving a chiropractic adjustment, this can put a lot of stress on your spine that was just previously misaligned. If this workout causes an additional misalignment, then there’s nothing a chiropractor can do to fix it since the body is already healing itself.
Many people work out after receiving a chiropractic adjustment and have no problems, but this may depend on the workout they choose to do, how long they work out for, and if it’s strenuous.
It’s always important to ask yourself if the workout you want to perform is worth the risk of doing after your chiropractic adjustment. A good workout focuses on low-impact exercises such as walking or swimming laps in a pool. These are great alternatives that don’t overload your spine.
Chiropractic care is meant to help correct misalignments so you can live your best life possible, but it’s always important to work out safely and consult with the chiropractor before doing any workout after an adjustment.
Is Getting Adjusted Good For You?
Getting adjusted is a chiropractic technique that chiropractors use to correct misalignments in your spine. Chiropractors believe that if your back is out of alignment, then you have nerve interference which will result in symptoms such as pain and stiffness.
Getting adjusted can bring relief for some people but there are also risks involved with chiropractic adjustments. Many chiropractors believe that once you have been adjusted, it is important for you to get regular chiropractic care to prevent the misalignments from returning.
Many people choose chiropractors because they want a natural treatment option. They are concerned about taking medicine and would rather not subject themselves to potential side effects that come with prescription medications.
Chiropractic care has been used to treat children and infants for problems such as colic, bed-wetting, and asthma. There is also chiropractic care specially designed for pregnant women. Some women want to make sure their unborn baby remains healthy throughout the pregnancy.
Whether you choose chiropractic care because of a specific chiropractic problem or chiropractors have worked to relieve your pain, chiropractic treatment can have benefits for you.
How Often Should You Visit a Chiropractor?
A chiropractic visit is recommended once a month for the first three months, after which you should visit about twice a month.
How often you need to visit beyond your initial period will be determined by your specific chiropractor and case details. How often you need to see a chiropractor is based on many factors such as the state of your health, how long it’s been since your last treatment, and any feedback or suggestions from healthcare professionals who’ve seen you in person.
Note: All the above information results from research only; please consult with your doctor before starting any new treatments. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions. It is meant only for informational purposes.
Conclusion
Working out is beneficial for your health. Getting an adjustment by a chiropractor is an added benefit. Choosing between the two can be a challenge. I would suggest choosing to work out because it will not only benefit your body but also save you money that you would otherwise spend on appointments with a chiropractor.
Everyone has individual preferences and unique circumstances, so what works for one person might not work for someone else. I encourage you to make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
