Is a sore back the first thing that comes to mind when you think of seeing a chiropractor? You’re not alone! Back pain is a common complaint presented to chiropractors. Spinal health can have an effect on your whole body, and when you’re suffering from back pain, it can really impact your day-to-day life.
But it’s not the only complaint your chiropractor can assist with. In fact, chiropractors are the most consulted complementary health profession1. So, check out these other common problems that may be helped by a visit.
1. Neck pain
Neck pain is the second most common reason to see a chiropractor2 and studies show that many patients receiving chiropractic care report a reduction in neck pain within 12 months. This suggests that regular, long term chiropractic care may be a helpful for this type of pain.3
2. Pain in upper and lower extremities
This is the third most common reason to see a chiropractor2 and includes pain in places like your foot, ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, or shoulders. Chiropractic treatments can include not only spinal manipulation, but joint and soft tissue work on your limbs.4,5
3. Headaches
There are many different types of headaches, and treatment differs for each. Evidence suggests that chiropractic care can help to soothe the pain of either episodic or chronic migraine and cervicogenic headaches. It may also help with chronic tension-type headache, though studies aren’t conclusive.6
4. Jaw pain
The position of your jaw, head and neck are strongly linked, which means that a visit to your chiropractor can help with that aching jaw. One study demonstrating dental-orthopaedic and cranio-chiropractic care for structural disorders of the jaw, neck and spine showed that chiropractic treatment can allow the body to adapt positively to jaw changes that may otherwise cause pain.7
5. Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury that results from forceful, fast movement back and forth, often due to incidents like a car crash or sporting accident. While whiplash often resolves in a matter of weeks, it can become a chronic neck pain condition8. The good news is evidence suggests chiropractic care improves range of motion and reduces pain for sufferers of whiplash and related disorders9.
6. Pregnancy pain
Your body goes through some serious changes during pregnancy, which can wreak havoc on your body. Symphysis pubis dysfunction and pelvic girdle pain are two relatively common pregnancy related complaints that chiropractic can help with. It can also help you prepare for giving birth and recovering afterwards.
7. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and chiropractic care can help manage the pain that comes along with it. In one study, a treatment routine including chiropractic manipulation of joints, soft tissue therapies, exercise, and nutritional recommendations, lead to a significantly reduced reliance on pain medication for a patient with osteoarthritis.10
8. Postural corrections
Good posture is a huge component of a healthy spine and body. And because posture is made up of a combination of how your spine naturally sits plus the system of muscles and reflexes that keep you upright, a chiropractor is the perfect person to help you maintain good posture.
So if any of these issues sound familiar, get in touch today to book in for an initial appointment and see how chiropractic care can help you.
Sources
1 S D French, K Densley, M J Charity, et al., Who uses Australian chiropractic services?, Chiropractic Manual Therapy, 2013
2 P J H Beliveau, J J Wong, D A Sutton, et al., The chiropractic profession: a scoping review of utilization rates, reasons for seeking care, patient profiles, and care provided, Chiropractic Manual Therapy, 2017
3 S M Rubinstein, C Leboeuf-Yde, D L Knol, T E de Koekkoek, C E Pfeifle, M W van Tulder., The Benefits Outweigh the Risks for Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Neck Pain: A Prospective, Multicenter, Cohort Study, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2007
4 A McHardy, W Hoskins, H Pollard, R Onley, R Windsham., Chiropractic Treatment of Upper Extremity Conditions: A Systematic Review, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2008
5 W Hoskins, A McHardy, H Pollard, R Windsham, R Onley., Chiropractic Treatment of Lower Extremity Conditions: A Literature Review, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2006
6 R Bryans, M Descarreaux, M Duranleau, H Marcoux, B Potter, R Ruegg, L Shaw, R Watkin, E White, Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults With Headache, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2011
7 A S Chinappi, H Getzoff., The dental-chiropractic cotreatment of structural disorders of the jaw and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1995
8 Mayo Clinic, Whiplash, 2020
9 L Shaw et al., A Systematic Review of Chiropractic Management of Adults with Whiplash-associated Disorders: Recommendations for Advancing Evidence-based Practice and Research, 2010
10 B N Green., Chiropractic management of a case of combined osteoarthrosis and psoriatic arthritis, Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, 2000