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Chiropractic Care or Pain Relief Patches?

Discover the pros and cons of chiropractic care versus pain relief patches for various types of pain. Make an informed decision for lasting relief and improved well-being.

Addressing Back Pain
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Deciding between chiropractic care and pain relief patches for pains and aches

When it comes to alleviating pain within your body, it is important to understand the various tools and care that’s available. Pain relief patches are non-invasive and can often provide immediate relief, but they are not to be mistaken as a solution to pain.

Chiropractic care focuses on alleviating pain at its source through non-invasive spinal adjustments which promotes your body’s natural function to heal itself. Let’s explore how pain relief patches supplement chiropractic care to resolve pain and enhance your wellness. 

backpain

What are pain relief patches?

pain relief patch

Pain relief patches are adhesive patches applied directly to the skin. They contain medication that penetrates the skin to provide localised pain relief. Commonly used for muscle and joint pain, these patches are designed to offer temporary relief from discomfort.

How do pain relief patches work?

Pain relief patches are a popular method for managing pain due to their ease of use and effectiveness in delivering medication directly to the affected area. Pain relief patches work through transdermal delivery, which means the medication is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, which allows for a steady and controlled release of medication.

The key ingredients in these patches typically include:

usage of pain relief patches

Why do people use pain relief patches for pain management?

Convenience:

  • Sold in multiple sizes and shades, pain relief patches are easy to apply and usually work instantly. They are unobtrusive and can be worn under clothing, making them suitable for use during daily activities without drawing attention.

Localised treatment:

  • Unlike oral medications that affect the whole body, pain relief patches provide targeted relief directly to the area of pain. Since the medication is delivered transdermally, it bypasses the digestive system, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects that are common with oral pain medications.

Continuous Relief:

  • Many patches offer extended-release formulations, providing continuous pain relief for several hours, sometimes up to 12 or 24 hours. However, most are ineffective at managing pain long-term.

Side effects of pain relief patches

While pain relief patches offer a convenient and effective way to manage pain, they can also come with potential side effects. It’s important to be aware of these to use them safely and effectively. These are some things to look out for:

  • Redness and Itching: Prolonged use or sensitivity to the adhesive can cause skin redness, itching, and discomfort.
  • Rash: Some individuals may develop a rash at the site of application, particularly if they have sensitive skin.
  • Contact Dermatitis: Ingredients in the patch, such as adhesives or active medications, can cause allergic reactions in some people, leading to symptoms like swelling, blisters, and severe itching.
  • Dizziness and Nausea: Though rare, systemic absorption of the medication can sometimes cause dizziness, nausea, or headaches.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Certain ingredients, like NSAIDs, can cause stomach upset or other gastrointestinal problems, although this is less common with transdermal patches than with oral medications.

Pain relief patches offer temporary comfort by delivering medication to the affected area, but they are not effective for long-term pain management. Their relief is often short-lived, addressing symptoms rather than the underlying cause of the pain.

Relying too heavily on pain relief patches can mask underlying health issues and delay more effective treatments. Prolonged use may lead to side effects and reduce the effectiveness of other therapeutic options. A balanced approach to pain management is essential for long-term health.

if not pain relief patches, what else?

What are some alternatives to pain relief patches?

While pain relief patches offer temporary relief, they are not a long-term solution for managing chronic pain. Relying solely on pain relief patches can mask symptoms without resolving the root issues, potentially leading to prolonged discomfort or worsening conditions.

To address pain more comprehensively, it’s important to consider alternative products and therapies that can provide sustained relief and tackle the underlying causes of discomfort.

chiropractic care for sports injury
How to use pain relief patch

ALTERNATIVE TO PAIN RELIEF PATCHES: CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Understanding the difference between chiropractic care and pain relief patches

Chiropractic care and pain relief patches represent two distinct approaches to managing pain, each with its own methods and benefits.

Pain relief patches offer localised, temporary relief by delivering medication directly to the affected area, but they often address only the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of pain. In contrast, chiropractic care focuses on the holistic care of spinal health & musculoskeletal issues through manual adjustments and therapies aimed at improving spinal alignment and overall function.

Understanding these differences is crucial for selecting the most appropriate approach to pain management and achieving long-term wellness.

How does chiropractic care work to relief pain?

Chiropractors use techniques like spinal adjustments to correct misalignments, known as subluxations, which can cause nerve irritation and contribute to pain.

By realigning the spine, these adjustments reduce pressure on nerves, alleviate muscle tension, and improve joint mobility. They also prescribe specific exercises to strengthen and stretch affected muscles, promoting long-term pain relief and preventing recurrence.

This holistic approach not only targets the symptoms but also addresses the underlying causes of pain, providing a comprehensive and sustainable solution for pain management.

Benefits of chiropractic care over pain relief patches

  • Holistic Care: Chiropractic care aims to identify and tackle the underlying causes of pain, such as spinal misalignments, muscle imbalances, or poor posture. By addressing these root issues, chiropractic care can provide long-term pain relief and prevent recurrence.

 

  • Comprehensive Approach: Chiropractors consider the whole body and its interconnected systems, ensuring that care plans address not just the symptoms but the contributing factors to pain.
  • Sustainable Outcomes: Unlike pain relief patches that offer temporary relief, chiropractic care focuses on achieving lasting results. Through regular adjustments, exercises, and lifestyle modifications, patients often experience sustained pain reduction and improved overall health.

  • Enhanced Range of Motion: Spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapies can improve joint mobility and flexibility, making daily activities easier and less painful.
  • Better Posture: Chiropractic care helps correct posture-related issues, reducing strain on the spine and associated muscles, leading to improved overall function.
  • Natural Healing: Chiropractic care is non-invasive and does not rely on medications, reducing the risk of side effects and dependency associated with pain relief patches and oral painkillers.

 

  • Safe for Various Conditions: Chiropractic care is tailored to the individual, making them suitable for a wide range of conditions, from acute injuries to chronic pain syndromes.

QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE BEFORE STARTING CHIROPRACTIC CARE

What is the process of seeing a chiropractor?

If it’s your first time visiting a chiropractor, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the process:

Chiropractor answers frequently asked questions at Chiropractic SingaporeAs you arrive at our centre, expect minimal wait times, typically just enough to complete your initial paperwork. This paperwork is essential for our health partners and your attending chiropractor to gain insight into your health history and current needs. We recommend arriving 10 minutes before your appointment to complete this paperwork.

The initial consultation, lasting approximately 20 minutes, is a crucial phase in your chiropractic journey. During this comprehensive spinal check-up, your chiropractor will focus on understanding your condition and concerns.

They will explain the causes of joint dysfunction, the role of chiropractic adjustments, and the numerous benefits chiropractic care can provide. If you’ve never had your spine assessed before, this is the perfect opportunity to have your questions answered by the chiropractor. Following this, a series of tests will be conducted to gain a holistic understanding of your spinal health.

Spinal Examination for Chiropractic careYour chiropractor will perform a physical examination and palpation of your spine. Our friendly health partners will then conduct additional spinal examinations, including:

  • A visual posture assessment
  • Posture photo analysis
  • Bilateral weight distribution assessment
  • Computerised spinal range of motion measurement
  • Surface electromyography scan
  •  

Spinal x-ray for Chiropractic careBased on the initial consultation and examinations, our chiropractors may recommend spinal X-rays to assess the severity and degree of degeneration in your spine. This step is crucial for your safety and ensures that the chiropractor has a comprehensive understanding of your condition.

Report of findings in CHiropractic careAfter your X-rays have been taken, you’ll return for a second consultation with the chiropractor to review the results of your tests and X-rays. This session typically lasts about 45 minutes and includes a discussion of whether chiropractic care can offer relief for your condition or if other specialists should be considered.

If chiropractic care is recommended, the chiropractor will perform adjustments during this session and provide their personalised recommendation for your condition.

managing neck pain from pillow with chiropractic singaporeOur chiropractic spinal check-up is exclusively focused on assessment and does not include adjustments. We are dedicated to providing personalised care, understanding that not everyone is suited for adjustments. By omitting adjustments from our check-ups, we prioritise your well-being, ensuring you only pay for services tailored to your needs and avoiding charges for services that may not be safe or necessary for you.

If adjustments are recommended based on the assessment results, they are discussed and scheduled separately after the check-up. This approach allows you to make informed decisions about your care, ensuring a customised and effective chiropractic experience.

If you opt for regular adjustments, our team will work with you to create a schedule for weekly or monthly visits, kickstarting your pain relief journey. Your journey to wellness begins here!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Your first chiropractic check-up

1. Consultation with the Chiropractor
The Chiropractor will use your history intake form to understand your pain points, clinical history, and your health goals.

We will use this to discuss the pain and injuries that you are experiencing.
2. Comprehensive Spinal Examination
To get an in-depth understanding of your condition, we utilise a comprehensive series of 6 different tests to evaluate the health and alignment of your spine.

This helps us gain a holistic understanding of your condition.
3. Spinal X-rays
(if required)
In many cases, spinal X-rays are critical in confirming an accurate diagnosis. They tell us how severe the possible misalignments are, and if there are any complicating factors present.

We work with off-site radiology partners to take your X-rays, and this will be done between your first and second session.
4. Your Spinal Health Report
After your initial check-up, we will schedule you for your follow-up consultation with the Chiropractor to go through results of the check-up.

At this appointment, we will explain to you the findings, your suitability for chiropractic care, and our best recommendations on any action that needs to be taken.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR BACK PAIN

What are some chiropractic adjustment techniques used for pain management?

Adjustment for back pain

Chiropractors use various adjustment techniques to address lower back pain and enhance spinal health. Here are some common chiropractic adjustment methods used: 

This technique is among the most recognised in chiropractic practice. The chiropractor will use their hands and apply controlled force on a particular joint to realign the spine correctly and alleviate pain. 

The activator technique uses a handheld device to deliver precise, low-force impulses to the spine or joints to correct misalignments and improve mobility.

This method uses a specialised table that allows the chiropractor to gently stretch and decompress the spin while applying rhythmic flexion and traction motions. This is most beneficial for addressing issues such as disc herniations or spinal stenosis. 

The Gonstead technique entails a comprehensive spinal analysis followed by precise manual adjustments, emphasising spinal biomechanics.

SOT emphasises the connection between the sacrum and the skull, employing gentle, low-force techniques to rebalance the spine.

*Symptoms and techniques differ from person to person, and one should consult a chiropractor or a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and recommendation.

FAQs

Pain relief patches can provide immediate, localised relief from pain and inflammation, enhancing patients’ comfort and mobility during chiropractic care. By reducing acute discomfort, these patches can help patients more effectively participate in the manual adjustments and therapeutic exercises.

This synergy allows patients to benefit from the long-term healing and functional improvements offered by chiropractic care while managing their pain more effectively in the short term.

Chiropractic care is often more effective than pain relief patches for long-term pain management. While patches provide temporary relief by addressing symptoms, chiropractic care targets the root causes of pain through spinal adjustments and holistic care. This approach not only alleviates discomfort but also promotes overall musculoskeletal health, offering more sustainable benefits compared to the short-term relief from pain relief patches.

Chiropractic care generally has fewer side effects compared to pain relief patches. Pain relief patches can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and systemic side effects from medication absorption. In contrast, chiropractic care primarily involves hands-on adjustments with minimal risk, though some patients might experience temporary soreness or discomfort after a session. Overall, chiropractic care tends to be a safer option with fewer and less severe side effects than pain relief patches.