When people think of chiropractic care, they often imagine a few quick adjustments to relieve back or neck pain. While this can offer short-term relief, there is a deeper and more lasting approach to spinal health: corrective care chiropractic. At Lake Mary Chiropractic Center, we offer both types of care—but we encourage patients in Sanford, Longwood, and Lake Mary to understand the difference, especially when long-term health and function are the goal.
What Is Relief Care?
Relief care is exactly what it sounds like—care designed to reduce symptoms. Most chiropractors who fall into this category focus on alleviating pain, increasing joint mobility, and improving basic function. Patients often see these providers for issues like:
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Headaches
- Sciatica
In this model, chiropractors perform spinal adjustments to restore normal motion in dysfunctional joints. While this can significantly reduce pain, it typically does not lead to long-term structural improvements or lasting spinal alignment changes.
The Problem With Only Addressing Symptoms
Imagine having a car with a misaligned axle. You can replace the tires repeatedly as they wear unevenly, but unless you fix the alignment, the problem will persist. Relief care is similar: it treats the symptoms (worn tires) but doesn’t address the underlying cause (the misaligned spine).
What Is Corrective Care?
Corrective care chiropractic aims to restore the spine’s normal structure and alignment, not just reduce pain. This form of care is more intensive and often involves:
- Spinal adjustments
- Postural rehabilitation
- Mirror image exercises
- Cervical or lumbar extension traction
The goal is to change the spine’s shape over time and improve overall function, not just treat pain temporarily.
The Role of Chiropractic BioPhysics® (CBP)
CBP is the gold standard in corrective chiropractic care. It’s a research-based protocol designed to correct spinal misalignments and postural abnormalities.
Rather than adjusting the spine and hoping for the best, CBP practitioners:
- Use X-rays to analyze structural deviations.
- Compare your posture to the ideal spinal model.
- Create customized treatment plans with documented goals and outcomes.
“Restoring spinal alignment with CBP® methods results in improved function, reduced pain, and a more sustainable outcome.”
— Harrison DE et al., 2019. In Spinal Deformities: The Biomechanical Basis of Diagnosis and Treatment
IntechOpen
What the Research Says
Adjustments Alone vs. Structural Correction
A meta-analysis by Assendelft et al. (2003) in Annals of Internal Medicine concluded that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is no more effective than other standard treatments for acute or chronic low back pain when used alone (PubMed).
This supports the idea that while adjustments provide symptom relief, they may not correct the underlying problem—spinal misalignment.
Cervical Extension Traction Improves Lordosis
A 2021 systematic review by Moustafa et al. published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science found that cervical extension traction significantly restored cervical lordosis and reduced pain in patients with cervical spine disorders.
“Cervical extension traction resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in both spinal alignment and function.”
— Moustafa IM et al., 2021
PMC Article
These results back the efficacy of CBP® protocols in providing lasting changes to the spine, not just symptom relief.
Functional Benefits of Corrective Care
When the spine is in proper alignment, the nervous system functions optimally. Remember, the spinal cord and nerve roots run through your spine. Misalignments can compress or irritate nerves, leading to:
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Poor organ function
- Chronic inflammation
Corrective care aims to reduce nerve interference by restoring normal curves and biomechanics to the spine. This means not only less pain but:
- Better sleep
- Improved digestion
- Fewer headaches
- Enhanced athletic performance
- Lower injury risk
Objective Measurements Make the Difference
One of the hallmarks of CBP®-based corrective care is objective measurement. Practitioners track:
- Range of motion
- Posture analysis
- X-ray alignment before and after care
- Pain and function scores
This data-driven approach ensures that care is working and progress is being made.
“CBP® care uses pre- and post-treatment X-rays to document measurable improvement, not just subjective symptom changes.”
— Ideal Spine Health Center
CBP Protocol of Care
Real-Life Example: The “Tech Neck” Epidemic
Let’s consider a common modern issue: forward head posture, often caused by long hours at a computer or looking down at phones. This can lead to:
- Loss of cervical lordosis
- Increased disc pressure
- Headaches
- Neck and upper back pain
Relief care might offer temporary comfort. But CBP-based corrective care:
- Identifies the degree of curvature loss
- Applies traction and specific exercises to restore alignment
- Improves long-term outcomes
“Correcting cervical lordosis improves nerve function and reduces mechanical strain.”
— Moustafa IM et al., 2021
Who Should Consider Corrective Care?
Corrective care isn’t just for people with chronic back pain—it’s for anyone who wants:
- To address the root cause of spinal issues
- Improved posture and alignment
- Better overall health and longevity
- Objective documentation of progress
Residents of Sanford, Longwood, and Lake Mary often come to us not just for pain relief, but to enhance performance and vitality. Whether you’re a young athlete, busy professional, or retired adult, your spine plays a major role in how well you move, feel, and function.
How Long Does Corrective Care Take?
Unlike symptom-based chiropractic, corrective care is a process. Depending on your condition, it might involve:
- 3–6 months of active care
- Progress assessments
- Follow-up imaging
The goal isn’t to keep you coming forever—it’s to make lasting change.
Summary: Why Corrective Care Is Worth It
| Feature | Relief Care Chiropractors | Corrective Care Chiropractors (CBP®) |
| Focus | Pain relief | Long-term spinal correction |
| Duration | Short-term | Medium to long-term |
| Techniques Used | Adjustments only | Adjustments, traction, rehab |
| Outcome | Symptom relief | Structural and functional change |
| Based on Spinal Model | No | Yes |
| Use of X-rays | Sometimes | Always (before & after) |
| Objective Measurements | Rare | Standard practice |
Conclusion
While both relief and corrective care chiropractors have their place in health care, it’s important to know what you’re getting—and what you’re missing. If you’re tired of chasing symptoms and want lasting improvement, consider a chiropractic approach that includes structural correction.
At Lake Mary Chiropractic Center, we’re proud to offer Chiropractic BioPhysics®, a science-based corrective care protocol that’s changing lives in Sanford, Longwood, and Lake Mary. Whether you’re suffering from chronic pain or just want to optimize your health, we’re here to help you build a better, stronger spine—for life.
