When to See a Chiropractor: 7 Sure Signs
Knowing when to see a chiropractor is sometimes easier said than done. Look out for these 7 signs that you may need chiropractic care.
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Due in part to increased attention on health and wellness, chiropractic care has grown substantially in the United States over the last few decades. In fact, 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 lays out seven signs for when to see a chiropractor. Keep reading to find out 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, as well as pinched nerves.
Neck pain in particular can stem from stress. Rarer causes of both neck and back pain include infections, and fractures associated with osteoporosis or other forms of bone degeneration.
Chiropractors will do a thorough evaluation to identify the likely causes of chronic back or neck pain. They then can put together a treatment regimen based on what they find. This often involves spine adjustments but also can include massage therapy, muscle exercises, stretches, and lifestyle improvements.
2. Frequent Headaches
Many people have headaches that come and go on rare occasions, and they 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. “Tension headaches” are often described as a feeling of 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, it is very often the result of neck strain. Causes can be anything from habitually looking down at a cell phone to degenerative arthritis.
A trained chiropractor will be able to determine the cause and prescribe treatments to address the pain. In many cases, only a few adjustments can completely eliminate recurring headaches.
3. Shoulder or Upper Back Pain
Recurring shoulder or upper back pain is less common than lower back or neck pain but is no less serious 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 longer periods. More serious 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 deal only with the spine, neck, and other bones in the body, as well as associated joint pain. While this is often their focus, they spend a great deal of time addressing tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
There are almost innumerable causes of muscle strain. Common ones include heavy lifting, accidental falls, sports injuries, sleeping in an awkward position, and working at a computer for long periods. Muscle strain is a major cause of stiffness in the neck, back pain, limited range of motion, and other issues.
If the reason for muscle pain is unknown, a chiropractor can examine the person and determine likely causes. They also can deliver treatments that reduce inflammation and aid in greater mobility of the muscle. 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, which can lead 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 that can help alleviate 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. It also can result from being overweight or injuries from lifting heavy objects.
Whatever the underlying cause, recurring lower back pain can be the result of compressed vertebrae in the spine. A good chiropractor will be able to determine this and make adjustments to address the issue.
6. Poor Posture
There are other reasons beyond pain relief for visiting a chiropractor. These include poor posture and limited mobility. If you find yourself slouching or having trouble moving around or bending over more than you used to, it could be the result of 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
A lot of people do not realize that visiting a chiropractor can help improve your mental health. That is because it balances your hormones and encourages the production of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. These are directly related to the pleasure and reward centers in the brain.
Chiropractic care can also stimulate the release of endorphins. These are chemicals produced in the brain that increase a sense of 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 types of issues they can address and how to achieve relief.
For more than 30 years, Horine Chiropractic has been providing quality care for complex back and neck issues. We specialize in treating everything from chronic pain to herniated discs and discomfort stemming from pregnancy. Reach out to us to schedule an appointment today.