It is no surprise that many Americans suffer from chronic pain, whether it’s in the neck, lower back, or shoulders. Anyone who has experienced pain understands its all-consuming effect. Chronic pain sufferers will try almost anything to get relief.
Of the millions of Americans that suffer from chronic pain, a huge majority have found relief through chiropractic care, which is a complementary therapy that involves the physical alignment or adjustment of the spine that has moved out of position. Chiropractors use adjustments and manipulations to address alignment issues that cause pain and other symptoms all over the body, including impeding the body’s natural ability to heal. However, the benefits of chiropractic care do not end at pain relief. There are a plethora of other conditions and symptoms that can be alleviated with chiropractic care.
So, should you automatically assume you need to see a chiropractor? Not necessarily. Chiropractic care can help millions of people, but not everyone. Let’s talk about when you should and shouldn’t see a chiropractor.
WHEN TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR
If you suffer from neck, back, or knee pain that has an unexplained cause and not due to advanced osteoarthritis, you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Just make sure you see one that is licensed to practice. Patients who stand to benefit the most from chiropractic care are those who are generally healthy and without advanced joint disease. Examples include those with sciatica or old sports injuries.
People who get tension headaches and migraines can also benefit from seeing a chiropractor, because alignment issues contribute to the occurrence of headaches. Moreover, patients with frozen shoulder syndrome can also benefit from chiropractic adjustments, which stretch muscles in the shoulder and reduce stiffness.
Many patients seek chiropractic care for symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, lack of energy, digestive problems, muscle aches, numbness, and tingling. All of these issues can be addressed with chiropractic care.
WHEN NOT TO SEE A CHIROPRACTOR
Patients with herniated or slipped discs and those with arthritis may need advice from specialist physicians before seeing a chiropractor. If there is a physical abnormality or injury in your body, such as a fracture, chiropractic care may not be for you. People with osteoporosis and those with fragile health should also check before beginning chiropractic care.
So, what’s the best way to determine if you could benefit from seeing a chiropractor? Simply consult with a chiropractor! Chiropractors are the best professionals to talk to if you want to know whether your condition can benefit from chiropractic care. A simple consultation in which you detail your symptoms and medical history along with imaging tests to check for physical abnormalities can help a chiropractor determine if you should seek care from them.