When to See a Chiropractor: 6 Types of Issues That Can Be Treated by Chiropractors

Chiropractors in America treat more than 35 million patients per year. However, millions of people who suffer from pain daily haven’t ever received an adjustment. How do you know when to see a chiropractor?

This is largely due to the fact that people are simply unaware that a chiropractor could be the solution to their problem. Whether you’re afraid of the bone-cracking rumors or you’ve never heard of the practitioner before, it’s time to get to know the truth about these professionals.

So, what can they help with and how do you know when to see a chiropractor? Follow along to discover 6 common problems a chiropractor can treat and why you should see one today.

What Is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a highly-trained practitioner that addresses the neuromusculoskeletal system. This system includes the bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments that make up the human body. 

The way a chiropractor treats a patient is by manipulating the spine and other joints to achieve proper alignment. This can be done with manual manipulation or with the help of tools to gently shift bone placement. Contrary to popular belief, this process is not usually painful and instead provides relief from painful and uncomfortable ailments.

Since the spine contains millions of nerve endings, the treatment to this area benefits far more than just the back. 

1. Persistent Headaches

While headaches can be the result of dehydration or even a poor night’s sleep, if you’re experiencing persistent or frequent headaches, there could be a larger issue. 

Something as simple as a tight muscle in the neck could cause painful sensations that make it difficult to focus or rest. Seeing a chiropractor for neck pain can realign the vertebrates in the neck and get you back to feeling clear-headed. 

When your neck is out of sync, the muscles will work overtime to try to hold your head upright, causing extra stress and tension. Because so many of the nerve endings travel through the neck to the brain, the misalignment can cause pain in the head instead of in the neck where the problem originated.

2. Joint and Muscle Pain

Aching knees and shoulders aren’t just a sign of growing older. These joints are crucial to the movement of your body and without proper maintenance, they can deteriorate quickly. 

If your joints and muscles feel like they are throbbing or shooting pain, this is the perfect example of when to see a chiropractor. The practitioner will be able to pinpoint why the pain has started and make adjustments to ease the area.

This could include adjusting the knee or shoulder or even bringing your spine back into alignment so that the other areas can resume proper function.

3. Foot Pain and Uneven Step

If you’ve noticed one of your shoes wears out faster than the other, this could be due to a misaligned body. Subtle shifts in your balance and leg length can be treated by restoring the curvature of your spine and eliminating displaced vertebrates. 

Not only can having an adjustment restore your weight distribution, but it can even address the pains you feel in your feet. problems such as plantar fasciitis can be treated by chiropractors so that you can get back on your feet and enjoy the activities you love.

4. Post-Accident Problems

When you are in a car accident, your body tenses up to prepare for impact. This can cause shifts in the spine and joints that remain after the accident has passed. Conditions such as whiplash are just one of the many issues that a chiropractor can help with after a fender bender.

Many times the pain and stiffness that accompany an accident will not go away on their own. In fact, leaving these problems for long periods of time can actually cause more pain and health concerns down the road. 

On top of this, your auto insurance will actually cover the cost of your chiropractic appointments to ensure your injuries are treated in the best possible way. This allows you to see a chiropractor after an accident even if the treatment is not in your budget. 

5. Pinching and Tightness

Even the fittest people experience back pain. If you’ve been hitting the gym and noticed a pinching in your low back while you squat, it’s important to get it checked out. While sore muscles are a common side effect of training, a pinching sensation is not healthy and can result in serious injuries.

This goes for non-gym-goes as well. If you’re experiencing pinching or tightness in your back, neck, shoulders, or other joints, your body is trying to tell you something. This is when it’s time to see a chiropractor for back pain.

This pinching could be due to a jam or facet that won’t work itself out. When it comes to your spine, it’s best to trust specially trained professionals with the sensitive area.

6. Limited Range of Motion

Chiropractic care isn’t for improving flexibility and getting into the splits, but the treatment is beneficial for those who suffer from a limited range of motion in the neck, back, and joints. 

If you can’t turn your head to look over your shoulder or experience pain when you lift your arm, you could be a great candidate for chiropractic care. These limitations could be due to more than just poor flexibility, in fact, the improper alignment of your spine often causes reduced movement in the area.

Even if you aren’t feeling pain in the area, lack of movement is a great indicator of when to see a chiropractor.

Knowing When to See a Chiropractor

Now that you know what a chiropractor is and how they can help you, you can watch for these tall tell signs for when to see a chiropractor. From back pain to post-accident body stress, you can rest easy and get back to living your life with the help of chiropractic treatment. 

Did you find this article helpful? Don’t forget to check out our other posts to discover all the advice and tips you need for an optimal life.