Benefits of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

Chiropractic care has come a long way. In addition to standard manipulation practices, the top chiropractic care centers offer a broad range of diagnostic and treatment options. Chiropractors help patients with many different problems, such as:

• Misaligned Spine

• Back and Neck Pain

• Herniated Discs

• Sciatica

• Sports Injuries

• Migraine Headaches

• Chronic Pain (other than the back)

Modern Treatments

Sometimes, a chiropractor manipulates the spine to bring it into alignment. That eliminates pressure on nerves that cause tremendous pain. It’s also a great way to treat a herniated disc. However, chiropractic care is so much more. When seeing a chiropractor, that expert will gather your medical history, do a physical exam, and then take X-rays or order an MRI.

Based on the findings, the chiropractor can then discuss the best treatment option for your specific issue. That might include physical therapy to help with strengthening, balance, and pain relief. Other treatments include spinal traction, transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation, manual soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, lifestyle changes, and nutritional counseling.

However, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation or NMES is also a possibility. As one of the more modern and advanced treatments, it works wonders.

What Is Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)

With this, electricity stimulates both muscles and nerves. A lot of people don’t realize that electrical stimulation occurs naturally within the body. These small impulses in the nervous system are what allow muscles to contract.

NMES consists of short bursts of electrical pulses that generate muscle contractions. Sometimes, a chiropractor uses this in conjunction with other treatments to achieve a greater therapeutic effect, while other times, they use it as the preferred stand-alone method of treating a patient.

Key Benefits

The following are some examples of when and why a chiropractor uses Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation:

• Muscular Disuse Atrophy – For someone who’s had hip replacement surgery or a limb placed in a cast, the muscles stiffen and weaken due to non-use. With stimulation performed on the skin over the targeted area, the current that passes through electrodes placed on the body trigger contractions. This helps to strengthen otherwise weakened muscles or muscle groups.

• Neuromuscular Conditions – Using a type of NMES called a Functional Electrical Stimulation or FES, works to enhance activity in patients with neurological impairment. As an example, for someone with Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, or who’s suffered from a cerebrovascular accident or spinal cord injury, the stimulation improves function. Ultimately, these patients see a vast improvement in doing daily tasks like feeding themselves, grooming, and even mobility.

• Eliminate Pain – A chiropractor might also use NMES along with other electrical modulation devices to eliminate pain. For this, electrical stimulation sends a signal of normalcy to the central nervous system via nerve fibers.

Outstanding Chiropractic Care

Regardless of the type of problem you have or its intensity, we’re confident we can help. East Bank Wellness provides many different treatments, such as manipulation, acupuncture, massage therapy, spinal decompression, corrective rehabilitation, and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation. For a superior service provided by professionals who genuinely care, we encourage you to schedule an appointment by calling 312-832-9700 or visiting our offices in Chicago, Illinois.