We all know that if we cut our skin, we first get a scab that forms a scar and then our normal skin tissue gradually heals and comes back. Internally, if we injure our neck or lower back, a similar healing process occurs. This article will describe what happens in the event of a spinal injury and how chiropractic care can enhance the healing of the neck and back spine.
Most neck and back injuries involve a slight tear of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These are called strains and sprains. As a consequence, our bodies react by creating inflammation and swelling. A swollen area contains fluid. Inside the fluid are microscopic fibers. These microscopic fibers deposit a type of scar tissue or patch within the muscle, tendon, and ligament tear to begin the repair process.
Problems arise if there is excess inflammatory fluid and if scar tissue is prolonged. If the fluid from the inflammation and scar tissue persist too long, the healing process becomes obstructed and can be interrupted. Profuse swelling and scarring of soft tissue can lead to adhesions, tendonitis, and fasciitis. Post-traumatic scar tissue is not as flexible or strong as normal muscle, tendon, or ligament tissue and can lead to chronic pain, loss of range of motion, and loss of function.
This can lead to an inability to perform activities of daily living. Many spinal injuries result in the inability to perform daily activities, such as going to work, taking care of the house or garden, not being able to care for family, or the inability to participate in social activities. We all know famous athletes whose careers ended due to a serious spinal injury.
To prevent the development of chronic scar tissue, the scientific literature indicates that early and controlled movement of the injured area should be used. Chiropractic care is an excellent form of treatment to introduce and provide a variety of movement applications.
Doctors of chiropractic are experts and experts in the care of patients with spinal injuries of the soft tissues of the neck and back. Gentle and safe chiropractic manipulation for an injured and sprained area helps scar tissue to repair itself and transform into normal soft tissue. A chiropractor may also use cold packs on areas to reduce and improve the removal of inflammatory fluids. Electrical muscle stimulation is another modality that a chiropractor can use to help with the remodeling of scar adhesions into normal tissue.
The number of treatments and visits a patient will need to achieve healing from their neck and spinal injury will depend on the severity and the patient’s natural healing ability. Obviously, a younger person usually heals faster than an older person. An area that has been previously damaged will take longer to improve than a new injury.
Chiropractic care provides a safe and gentle approach that many patients prefer. No drugs or surgery are needed when chiropractic care is used and most patients who undergo chiropractic care appreciate this natural and holistic form of medical care.