Chiropractors are known as back pain specialists, and with good reason; chiropractors have extensive knowledge of the spine and surrounding muscles. But because the spine is such an integral part of the body, connected via nerves to every muscle, then chiropractors can actually do much more than help you with your back pain. Here are five things you probably didn’t know your local chiropractor could do:
- Treat Your Tension Headaches
There are a few different kinds of headaches, and chiropractic can treat at least one of them. Tension headaches are caused by muscle stress, generally in the face and neck, and chiropractic adjustments and massage can address the tiny muscle spasms that are usually to blame.
- Diagnose and Treat Limb Pain
Alignment problems in the spine often put pressure on nerves. That, in turn, often causes symptoms radiating outward toward the limbs. One of the most common examples of this phenomenon is sciatica, pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and legs, but you might also notice tingling or numbness in your hands and feet. If you do have problems with nerve impingement, chiropractic offers a safe and non-invasive treatment route.
- Help You With Your Posture
Chiropractors don’t just fix you up temporarily and then send you home. Chiropractic adjustments are part of chiropractic treatment plans, but chiropractors also help their patients establish better posture and build better habits to reduce pain in the long run.
- Perform an Annual Physical
Some people actually use their local chiropractor as their primary care physician, getting an annual physical checkup at the chiropractic clinic rather than an M.D.’s office. Often, the patients who do so report better overall health and lower rates of prescription drug usage. If you do make this choice, just be sure your chiropractor orders all the same standard blood tests and whatnot any other doctor would.
- Screen You After a Car Accident
Chiropractors are also very well qualified to do a checkup if you’ve been in a traumatic event such as a car crash. If you notice symptoms immediately, of course, you should ask to be taken to the hospital from the scene. But if you see no symptoms, it’s still worth getting an exam soon after the accident; often, problems don’t show up for a few weeks, but early treatment is still crucial to minimizing permanent damage.
Did you know your local chiropractor could do more than help you with your backaches? Discuss in the comments.
