If you have felt pain in your chest, were in a car accident, or had the flu, you more than likely went to the doctor as you should have. Sometimes, however, we end up suffering with other pains or discomfort, where it’s less evident that we should go to the doctor. It is worth knowing that, in some cases, you may be able to enjoy quick relief by seeking treatment. This often applies to chiropractic care.
Many are aware that, if they have neck or back pain, they can find relief by a visit to their chiropractor. Yet many are unaware that a chiropractic specialist can do much more than treat your neck or back. Here are some symptoms and signs, which can tell you whether you need, and can likely benefit from seeing a Chiropractic Doctor.
1) Chronic Migraines and Headaches
Migraines and headaches occur for several reasons—one of the reasons you could experience headaches or migraines may be muscle tension within the neck. A vast majority of headaches occur due to muscle tension and joint irritation. A professional can perform spinal manipulation and make adjustments to alleviate tension within the neck muscles. This will help to restore structure and balance in your spine.
2) Chronic and Acute Pain
One of the most common telltale signs that you may need the services of a specialist is if you continuously experience acute pain. As you already know, pain is an indicator that something is wrong. Medications only do a good job of masking that pain, but it doesn’t target the root cause. A chiropractor can assess symptoms and provide a solution.
3) Neck Pain
In today’s world, most people tend to live a sedentary lifestyle. A sedentary lifestyle can cause neck pain. You can alleviate this pain by using firm pillows or ice packs in some cases. While this may be true, when you have persistent neck pain, you may need a spinal adjustment. If you find yourself in a predicament where you experience neck pain persistently or experience neck stiffness that doesn’t improve, a professional can help.
4) Cognitive Function
Our brains rely on the feedback it receives from the body to operate efficiently. If your spine becomes misaligned, you could suffer from inefficient cognitive functioning. Research has shown that chiropractic adjustments can help to improve cognitive function, specifically in the prefrontal cortex, which is regarded as being the conductor for the entire brain.
5) Lower Back Pain
Back pains are extremely uncomfortable and can be unbearable at times. In most cases, there’s no need to be concerned about it. In some instances, it may go as quickly as it came. But, there are a few situations you need to be aware of, which may indicate that it should be evaluated by a professional. Some of those include:
- Pain that lasts longer than 4 weeks.
- A sharp pain radiates throughout your lower back.
- Pain that doesn’t subside or gets worse.
6) Limited Mobility
Regardless of if you stand, walk, sit, run, extend your arms or legs, every movement you make consists of using your spine. When your spine becomes misaligned, your joints suffer as a result. In most cases, you’ll experience a limited range of motion, as well as joint pain in affected areas.
7) Active Lifestyle
If you live a somewhat active lifestyle, such as going to the gym or playing sports regularly, it’s important to note that your body gets subjugated to additional pressure and strain. Over time, as you continue to live an active lifestyle, this added stress can cause your spine to become misaligned.
Additionally, active bodies are more prone to slipped discs, pinched nerves, and other alignment-related issues. This is why most fitness experts recommend that active individuals should see chiropractic on an ongoing basis to ensure that their body continues to function at optimum capacity.
8) Sit for Extended Periods
If you work in an establishment that requires you to sit for extended periods, it’s common for you to end up with poor posture. Poor posture leads to unneeded pressure on the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over time, this pressure may cause the bones and discs to shift to the degree where it causes problems like a herniated or slipped disc. Therefore, if you sit for extended periods regularly, you should contact a professional to ensure that your spine is correctly aligned.