Due to increased attention to health and wellness, chiropractic care has grown substantially in the United States over the last few decades. Chiropractors are now the third largest group of doctoral-level professionals in the American healthcare industry.
Chiropractors can solve a lot of issues. However, it can be difficult to know if the ones you face are within that scope. The good news is that some common symptoms can point you in the right direction.
This article outlines seven signs to look for when seeing a chiropractor. Keep reading to learn if it is the right option for your condition.
1. Chronic Back or Neck Pain
Recurring back or neck pain are two of the main reasons for when to see a chiropractor. There are many different causes for these conditions.
They can result from trauma or injury from strenuous activity, as well as repetitive or heavy lifting. This can lead to protruding or herniated (slipped) discs and pinched nerves.
Neck pain, in particular, can stem from stress. Rarer causes of neck and back pain include infections and fractures associated with osteoporosis or other forms of bone degeneration.
Chiropractors will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the likely causes of chronic back or neck pain. Based on their findings, they can then put together a treatment regimen. This often involves spine adjustments and includes massage therapy, muscle exercises, stretches, and lifestyle improvements.
2. Frequent Headaches
Many people have headaches that come and go on rare occasions and may never know the cause. For those who suffer from chronic headaches, there is almost always a single underlying issue.
A common one that a chiropractor can address is tension headaches. Tension headaches are often described as dull, aching pain or a tight band around the head.
Like other types of headaches, tension-type ones can be episodic. But when they are chronic, they are often the result of neck strain. Causes can be anything from habitually looking down at a cell phone to degenerative arthritis.
A trained chiropractor can determine the cause and prescribe treatments for the pain. In many cases, only a few adjustments can eliminate recurring headaches.
3. Shoulder or Upper Back Pain
Recurring shoulder or upper back pain is less joint than lower back or neck pain but is no less severe or debilitating. If you experience constant or chronic tension in your shoulders or upper back area, a chiropractic visit could help.
These issues often result from sedentary lifestyles or sitting at a desk for extended periods. More severe pain could be from misaligned vertebrae. Whatever the cause, a qualified chiropractor can address the issue and recommend solutions.
4. Muscle Pain
Most people assume that chiropractors treat only the spine, neck, and other bones in the body and associated joint pain. While this is often their focus, they usually address tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
There are almost innumerable causes of muscle strain. Common ones include heavy lifting, accidental falls, sports injuries, sleeping awkwardly, and working at a computer for long periods. Muscle strain is a significant cause of stiffness in the neck, back pain, limited range of motion, and other issues.
If the cause of muscle pain is unknown, a chiropractor can examine the person and determine likely causes. They can also deliver treatments that reduce inflammation and aid in greater muscle mobility. This alone may be enough to alleviate any associated pain.
5. Sciatica and Lower Backaches
Sciatica is a condition that affects the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, across the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. A herniated disk or overgrowth of bone can put pressure on it and cause nerve pain. This causes inflammation, leading to pain, loss of balance, or numbness in the legs.
Misalignments in the spine are a common cause of sciatica. Chiropractors can provide adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and movement-based massage to help alleviate the pain associated with this condition.
There are other causes of lower back pain as well. These are most often attributed to working jobs that require sitting for long periods. They can also result from being overweight or injuries from lifting heavy objects.
Whatever the underlying cause, recurring lower back pain can result from misaligned vertebrae in the spine. A good chiropractor can determine this and make adjustments to address the issue.
6. Poor Posture
Beyond pain relief, there are other reasons to visit a chiropractor. These include poor posture and limited mobility. If you find yourself slouching, having trouble moving around, or bending over more than you used to, it could result from misalignments.
A chiropractor can make adjustments that help these issues. They also can suggest exercise and lifestyle changes that can keep these problems at bay longer.
7. Stress, Anxiety, or Depression
Many people do not realize that visiting a chiropractor can help improve their mental health. Chiropractic care balances hormones and encourages the production of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, directly related to the pleasure and reward centers in the brain.
Chiropractic care can also stimulate the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that increase happiness or well-being.
Learn More About When to See a Chiropractor
Now that you understand the scenarios for when to see a chiropractor, you can determine if it is the right course of treatment for your condition. A qualified chiropractor can further advise you on the issues they can address and how to achieve relief.
For more than 30 years, Horine Chiropractic has provided quality care for complex back and neck issues. We specialize in treating everything from chronic pain to herniated discs and discomfort stemming from pregnancy. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.