Signs that you need to see a chiropractor

For most people, a stiff neck or sore back is a temporary, though painful, inconvenience. In some cases, however, pain in the neck and back can indicate a more severe problem in those areas that require a chiropractor to correct.

What is Chiropractic Medicine?

Chiropractic medicine is considered an alternative form of medicine and dates its origins to the latter part of the 19th century. In chiropractic medicine, the belief is that misalignment in the spinal column can be the cause of a variety of conditions throughout the body, most notably pain in the neck, back and extremities. By manipulating these misaligned (subluxated), vertebrae back into alignment, the chiropractor can relieve pain caused by injuries, joint diseases such as arthritis, poor posture and congenital issues such as scoliosis.

Reasons to consult a chiropractor

The most obvious sign that a chiropractic visit is in order is back pain. Chronic back pain can be caused by a variety of things, from poor posture to standing too long while working to the type of work. Manipulating the spine can help to relieve pressure in the tense areas and increase bold flow, promoting healing. A chiropractor can also provide tips for preventing further injury and exercises to alleviate stress on the joints.

Neck pain isoften not only a pain in the neck, but can also affect the shoulders and the head. Whether it is the result of an accident injury such as whiplash, or simply bed pillows that are too flat, a chiropractor can help to reduce the inflammation in the neck and shoulders, relieving the pain and improving range of motion.

Reduced flexibility due to aging or injury is another health issue a chiropractor can assist with. If it becomes difficult to turn the head enough to look over the shoulder, or if lowering chin to chest becomes a painful endeavour, consulting with a chiropractor may be a good idea.

Often pain in the joints and surrounding muscles can be associated with the development of arthritis. Working with a chiropractor can help slow the progression of the condition and relieve the pain and stiffness, making it easier to exercise and stay healthy.

How to get help

Getting help from a chiropractor begins with a consultation. A visit to a chiropractor at Healthquest Chiropractic will begin with a complete evaluation, in which they obtain all the health information and history they need to decide upon the best treatments. In addition to a full physical examination, the chiropractor will test neurological and orthopaedic function throughout the body in order to determine if subluxations are the cause of the body’s pain and inflammation. X-rays may be needed to determine how severe the problem is to rule out issues that would prevent proper manipulation.

Deciding if a visit to a chiropractor would be helpful in reducing inflammation and pain depends on the cause and severity of the discomfort. Barring any severe and potentially debilitating injury to the body, most minor injuries and chronic conditions benefit from the gentle manipulations of a chiropractor. Whether it is a positional neck problem, a poor-posture backache, or a pinched nerve causing you pain, a chiropractor can help get you back in alignment and feeling better.