Trying to determine if you should see a chiropractor can be difficult. There are many signs and symptoms that may indicate the need for treatment, but not all of them mean you actually need to go see one!
Some people will experience pain or discomfort during certain activities like bending over or playing sports, which is normal and doesn’t necessarily mean they have an underlying problem. However, there are also more serious indications that a person should see a chiropractor.
This article will help you determine whether you should get professional chiropractic help or not.
When to See A Chiropractor: Signs and Symptoms
There are a few signs that you need chiropractic treatment, If you experience one or more of these, it means you need to go see a chiropractor:
Pain in the neck, back, or joints
If you are experiencing pain in your neck, back, or joints, it could mean that there’s an issue with your nerve conductivity or blood flow. A chiropractor can help to restore proper function and alleviate the pain through spinal manipulations and adjustments.
Headaches or Migraines
If your headaches are becoming more regular and feeling worse than normal they may be caused by an underlying problem with the spine that needs to be treated immediately. Chronic headaches and migraines are often caused by misalignments in the spine. Chiropractors can help to realign the spine, which will help improve blood flow, thus reducing the number and severity of headaches and migraines.
Chronic back pain
Chronic back pain is an obvious sign that there is an issue somewhere in your spine that needs to be looked at. If your back pain is becoming more regular and has been lasting for longer than normal it may be caused by an underlying problem with the spine that needs to be treated immediately. Chronic back pain can also be referred from other parts of the body, such as leg or arm numbness which are often signs of problems in those areas.
Scoliosis
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort when standing up straight, it may not always mean the problem lies with your back muscles – it could also be caused by a misalignment of the spine due to scoliosis. Scoliosis can often go unnoticed and untreated if it is not diagnosed early on. It can lead to serious problems with your heart, lungs, or kidneys so you should get the problem looked at by a professional rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Sciatica pain (Sharp Shooting pain down your leg)
If you are experiencing sharp shooting pain in your lower back, but not when standing up straight, it may be a sign of sciatica. Sciatica is caused by the irritation or damage to one of the many nerve roots which make up the sciatic nerve and cause sudden and severe (but usually short-lived) episodes of pain down one or both legs. If you are experiencing this type of pain, it is best to see a chiropractor as soon as possible.
Upper Back Pain
This is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. If you have upper back pain, especially if it’s accompanied by stiffness or difficulty moving your neck, you should consider seeing a chiropractor.
Whiplash
If you’ve been in an accident and experienced sudden onset neck pain, it’s best to see a chiropractor as soon as possible. Whiplash is a common injury sustained during accidents and can cause long-term damage if not treated properly.
You have a limited range of motion
A limited range of motion typically is a sign that you need to see a chiropractor. If your range of motion has decreased significantly or if you’ve lost some strength in specific parts of the body, it’s best to seek professional care immediately.
You have a sedentary lifestyle
If you work a desk job and spend most of your day sitting, you’re at risk for developing health problems. Chiropractors can help correct the imbalances that come with a sedentary lifestyle.
When Should You Not See a Chiropractic Professional ?
There are some instances when you should not see a chiropractor. If you’ve been in an accident and have suffered a spinal cord injury, for example, you should seek medical help instead of visiting a chiropractor. You should also avoid chiropractic care if you have herniated discs, fractures, or arthritis as these problems need to be treated by a doctor.
Conclusion
Knowing the signs and indicators that you need a chiropractor can help you get the treatment that you need and improve your overall health. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed in this post, make an appointment with a chiropractor today!