Seeing a chiropractor can cost as few as $30. It’s a much cheaper alternative than going to the family doctor’s office, and you won’t have the added worry of medicines that may only mask your pain.
But how do you know when to see a chiropractor?
These professionals can cure numerous injuries or vastly reduce your pain. You might be surprised at the ailments a chiropractor can treat. Here, we’ve listed 10 of the most common.
When to See a Chiropractor
When you walk into the office, professionals will analyze your symptoms, past history, and potential treatments. Nowadays, many accomplish this through one single app. You can read more at https://genesischiropracticsoftware.com/.
Depending on the issue, further steps might be necessary for diagnosis. However, chances are if you have an injury, a chiropractor can help.
In each of these 10 instances, a chiropractor can reduce or even eliminate pain.
1. Whiplash
Whiplash is a common injury in car accidents, but any major force to the head can result in this condition.
The stress behind your head jerking forward or backward causes the neck’s muscles to strain. You guessed it: neck strain, then, is another term for whiplash.
Such strains can be a pain in every sense. The condition may cause it to hurt to turn your head or create headaches. The range of motion in the neck reduced.
To treat whiplash, professionals provide a neck adjustment. This restores mobility to the spine, allowing patients to regain their range of motion. For extensive damage, mobilization, massage or rehabilitation exercises may be suggested as well as follow-up exams.
In a study with 28 participants, 26 were successfully treated through chiropractic means for whiplash.
2. Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when there is a compression of the sciatic nerve, which starts in the spine and runs down the leg. Individuals experiencing sciatica have pain in their back and may even experience numbness in the legs.
Several disorders cause sciatica. Therefore, a chiropractor treats patients according to the cause. Usually, four methods are used.
Cold therapy reduces inflammation and pain. Ultrasound increases circulation, which reduces swelling, stiffness, and pain.
TENS units encourage muscle stimulation, which can reduce symptoms. Finally, a spinal adjustment can reduce nerve irritability, eliminating sciatica’s effects.
3. Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylosis, or tennis elbow, occurs when repetitive movements affect a muscle in the forearm that extends and moves the wrist. Some might be surprised to know chiropractors are especially adept at curing this ailment. Not only can they treat the initial injury, but chiropractors can help the soft tissue repair through rehabilitation.
Treatments vary according to the unique circumstances:
- Instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques (IASTM)
- Laser treatments
- Acupuncture
- Rehabilitative exercises
4. Migraines
Experts debate whether chiropractic measures alleviate chronic migraines.
Treatment methods are being studied, but one common technique involves chiropractic spinal manipulative treatment (CSMT) using the Gonstead method. In this treatment, professionals search for neurological disturbances and adjust the spine accordingly.
In one study, 72% of participants noticed a difference in the frequency of and pain associated with their migraines.
5. Carpal Tunnel
Chiropractors can even help with carpal tunnel.
Like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel is caused by repetitive movement and is mostly associated with typing. There is a median nerve that runs from the forearm to the hand. It passes through the carpal tunnel, which narrows with inflammation.
Treatments include chiropractic care in the upper spine, arm, and wrist. Patients may be given rehabilitation exercises and instructions for applying cold compresses to reduce inflammation. Ultrasound techniques and wrist supports are other options.
6. Low Back Strain
Of course, we can’t forget about low back strain, which is the most common cause of lower back pain. It can create stiffness, pain and muscle spasms.
This is one of the conditions chiropractors are best known for. Through manual adjustments, low back strain eases. High velocity, short-arm thrusts replace any vertebrae that are no longer where they belong.
7. Scoliosis
Abnormal spine curvatures can also be treated by chiropractic means, although experts debate effects and safety.
True treatment of scoliosis requires ongoing care. “Quick fixes” may relieve pain for a short duration, but this can actually worsen the condition. Instead, chiropractors who are specially equipped to handle scoliosis can provide the right manipulations. These changes reposition the joints to the proper area.
Furthermore, stretches and exercises should be performed.
This is a long process but done correctly the results are spectacular. In one study, 100% of patients reported improvements in pain, Cobb angle and disability 24 months after rehabilitation.
8. Herniated Disc
The discs in our back act as shock absorbers, but they can become damaged over time. Most herniated discs do not require surgery.
For treatment, experts have several options:
- Spinal adjustments to restore joint mobility
- Traction therapy, which decompresses the spine
- Exercise regimen
- Braces
Chiropractic treatments are acceptable alternate cures to surgery.
9. Bursitis
Between the bones, tendons, joints, and muscles in the human body are tiny sacks filled with fluid. These sacs act as cushions. They are known as bursae.
When these sacs become inflamed, bursitis occurs. This condition can appear in several common areas:
- The shoulders
- The buttocks
- The ankles
- The hips
When it occurs in the elbow, it is known as tennis elbow.
Adjustments and manipulations correct the body’s placement, unblocking nerve interference, reducing inflammation and minimizing pain.
10. Hamstring Strains
Runners especially may benefit from the services chiropractors offer.
If the hamstring becomes strained, the four muscles in the back of the thigh will become sensitive and sore, making walking, running and even standing difficult. These strains are unique, which is why different treatment options are available.
Patients may experience Active Release Techniques to free up the muscles or adjustments to increase the motion in the lumbar spine. A combination of ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation encourage healing and rehabilitation exercises, eccentric training and stretches are helpful, as well.
Similar techniques are used to treat high hamstring tendinopathy, an uncommon injury in long-distance runners, with high success rates.
Crack That Smile Back into Place
Having an injury is no fun, but many can be quickly and efficiently treated by chiropractors. Knowing when to see a chiropractor is the first step towards lessening your pain.
To find other ways to relieve back pain, be sure to read our article, which covers 10 ways you can wave goodbye to the discomfort.
If you are suffering from pain, be sure to go see your local, friendly chiropractor! You might be surprised at the magic these professionals can create.
