As we age, experiencing aches and pains may seem inevitable. Even those only a few decades into life can suddenly be hit with a stiff neck or sore lower back. It is estimated that 30% of people between 65 and 84 suffer from chronic pain. Many will pop an over-the-counter pain reliever and try to forget about it, but is this really the best treatment?
Young or old, if you’re having aches and pains, there’s no need to suffer in silence. Whether you slept wrong or were recently involved in a minor fender bender, professional chiropractic care can help to alleviate what’s ailing you.
When Should I See a Chiropractor?
The American Chiropractor Association reports that over 35 million Americans see chiropractors every year. Many clearly see the benefit. But is it a good idea for you to see one?
Several common health issues require the care of a chiropractor. What may seem to you to be something you’ll have to tolerate could be treated successfully with the knowledgeable hands of a professional licensed chiropractor. Pain sufferers in Lee County should consult with a specific care chiropractic and schedule an appointment.
Let’s look at some of the most common aches and pains that require the care of a chiropractor. You should also know how to find one and what to look for.
Lower Back Pain
The National Library of Medicine reports that lower back pain is the most common musculoskeletal issue worldwide. Back pain sufferers can benefit from chiropractic care without the need for invasive surgery, narcotics, or other possibly addictive medications. Typical causes of lower back pain include poor posture, a sprained muscle, or slipped disks. You can benefit from visiting a chiropractor if you’re experiencing lower back pain.
Sharp Pains in Legs
Pain or odd sensations running down the back of your leg(s) could indicate a pinched nerve. Common symptoms are a tingling sensation that runs down the back of the legs or sharp, shooting leg pain while bending or twisting. A chiropractor can diagnose the issue and relieve its symptoms with spinal adjustments or massage.
Limited Range of Motion
If you find that you’re no longer as flexible as normal or have difficulty or pain when bending, lifting, or doing other normal physical activities, it’s time to visit the chiropractor. After an examination and diagnosis, a chiropractor can help you regain your range of motion by making the appropriate adjustments to your spine or joints. Chiropractic massage is also beneficial in increasing your range of motion.
A work injury chiropractor can teach you specific exercises to improve your flexibility and range of motion, targeting the affected areas. They strengthen the surrounding muscles and promote better joint function. In legal proceedings, the testimony of a work injury chiropractor can carry significant weight. This expert testimony helps establish a clear connection between the workplace incident and the resulting injury, presenting good claim evidence.
Chronic Headaches
Headaches can be caused by several different factors. Dehydration, poor diet, or stress are all culprits. However, chronic headaches could also come from a spine or neck misalignment. These misalignments could reduce blood flow to the brain or cause stress to the body, which could cause endless headaches. A chiropractic adjustment could be the cure.
Whiplash
If you’ve been in a car accident, even a minor one, you may have whiplash. This common medical issue can happen anytime you experience a sudden force or quick movement and isn’t limited to those involved in car crashes. Sufferers can experience neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and difficulty turning or moving the head. Chiropractic treatment for whiplash includes spinal manipulation, stretching exercises, and electrical nerve stimulation.
Ultrasound therapy employs sound waves to stimulate deep tissues, aiding in reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle spasms, and promoting healing. Chiropractors may incorporate ultrasound into the whiplash treatment plan.
Chiropractic treatment for whiplash typically involves a progressive process with recommended follow-up appointments to monitor progress. Your chiropractor and doctor can work together to adjust the treatment plan as necessary and address any emerging symptoms or concerns.
Sciatica
When the sciatic nerve is compressed, inflamed, or pinched, it will cause severe lower back pain that can run down one leg all the way to the foot or toes. This common medical condition is sometimes caused by a herniated or slipped disk.
Sciatica pain radiates from the lower back or buttock down the back of the thigh and leg. The pain may extend to the foot or toes. Weakness in the leg or foot muscles may occur, making it challenging to move the affected limb. This weakness can contribute to difficulty walking or standing. Sciatic pain often intensifies with activities like sitting for extended periods, coughing, sneezing, or straining during a bowel movement. Chiropractic treatments to alleviate sciatic pain include stretching exercises and spinal manipulation.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Office dwellers who spend long hours with their fingers on keyboards sometimes develop carpal tunnel syndrome. Sufferers experience pain and stiffness when trying to move their wrists and fingers. However, consider consulting with a chiropractor before going under the knife for evasive surgery. To help ease the pain, a chiropractor will perform spinal adjustments and gently manipulation of the wrist, elbows, and fingers.
Rotator Cuff Injury
Although a common sports-related injury, anyone can have rotator cuff problems. With proper chiropractic care, some who have rotator cuff pain and mobility issues can find relief without surgery. Chiropractic adjustments to the shoulder and electrostimulation therapy can help the shoulder muscles relax and rebalance.
Consult With a Chiropractor
Several common health issues can be addressed with chiropractic care. For many of them, some simple chiropractic adjustments can ease pain, increase mobility, and avoid the need for heavy pain medications or invasive surgeries. There’s no need to accept the fact that you can’t do the things you used to be able to do because of injuries, pain, or soreness. Give chiropractic treatment a try so you can get back to your active lifestyle.