Chiropractor visits have become the next big thing and many people are making the switch for all sorts of problems. A chiropractor visit can quickly help diagnose what problems may be going on and offer solutions to the problem, all in one visit.
But what does a chiropractor do and when should you see one?
Here are 7 signs you should visit a chiropractor.
- Joint and Muscle Pain
One of the most common reasons to book a chiropractor appointment is for joint and muscle pain. This can mean anything from tennis elbow to sore calves after a long day.
There is a difference between pain and soreness as well. Pain is often sharp and shooting. Whereas soreness is often an uncomfortable feeling and feels more like fatigue.
Often, when people experience muscle or joint pain, they’ll jump straight to using medication. But when you do this, you’re more so putting a bandaid on an open wound, rather than addressing the problem. A chiropractor will often help your body move freely through spinal adjustments, keeping you at the top of your game.
- Stationary Jobs
Stationary jobs that require a great amount of sitting are reaching new heights as more people work from home. In 2019, roughly only 20% of Americans were working physically active jobs, with this number more than likely to rise in 2020.
When we are stationary for long periods of time, we can start to experience an increase in chronic pains related to our head, neck, and back. Sitting at a desk for extended periods of time also leads to an increase in poor posture. Poor posture is one of the leading causes of neck and back pain.
Another way to help with preventative measures of stationary jobs is to invest in standing desks or even active desks. Active desks consist of a stationary bike or treadmill. Both as a way to keep you active while still working the 9 to 5 lifestyle.
- Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain is also an extremely common problem here in America. Around 54 million American adults deal with arthritis, which can lead to an increase in chronic back pain. When arthritis reaches the back and starts causing that chronic inflammation, it is called rheumatoid arthritis.
When seeking back pain relief from a chiropractor, consistent visits from massages and spinal adjustments can start tackling the problem at hand. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put in the work yourself either.
Keep track of how you’re sitting at work or home and try to keep an active lifestyle. A good diet that is low in inflammatory foods will also help reduce the amount of inflammation that occurs.
- Chronic Headaches
Headaches are common and can be caused by several factors. This can include everything from a lack of water intake, an influx of stress, illness, or even an issue impacting the spinal cord.
Where this is a misalignment occurring in the neck or spine, this can lead to an increase in tension headaches. These headaches often affect the back of the head and into the neck, making sitting up straight and uncomfortable.
A chiropractor will focus on adjusting the spine in these areas to stop the misalignment from happening. Depending on the issue, this could mean reoccurring visits to them.
But by realigning the spine where it is supposed to go, it often means your head and brain are getting better oxygen delivery. When this happens, the chance of getting headaches is decreased.
- You Live an Active Lifestyle
While a stationary lifestyle can lead to poor posture and other issues, living an active lifestyle can also be taxing on the body. Seeing a chiropractor is more like maintenance in this case.
Think of it like a car. A car works well and gets you where you need to be. It does its job and keeps on running. But you still need to fill it with gas and get the oil changed every couple thousand miles.
Your diet is the gas your body needs and the oil change is the chiropractic maintenance that your body needs. When you fall behind on maintenance, then your car will start to not run optimally. The same theory can be applied to your body.
- Sharp Pain or Tingly Nerve Feeling in Legs
Sharp and shooting pain in the leg, which is often referred to as a tingly or pins and needles feeling, is another sign to visit the chiropractor. This can often stem from a pinched nerve that occurs in the spine or even towards the hips.
This form of pain is often referred to as sciatica and correlates with the sciatic nerve becoming damaged or pinched. Regular visits to the chiropractor for adjustments are meant to alleviate this pain.
This doesn’t mean there isn’t something else at play. Just like with tackling any of the other issues, a chiropractor visit is meant to fix the issue. You have to put in the effort to help prevent it from happening.
This means eating a healthier diet, increasing activity levels, and booking regular appointments with your chiropractor for maintenance.
For those looking for help when choosing a chiropractor, be sure to check out the link.
- After an Accident
Car accidents and falls are other common culprits of chronic pain. If you have been in an accident, be sure to check with a chiropractor and see if there is any work that needs to be done.
Often, pain from accidents takes a few days to weeks to kick in. It is better to start treating it from the beginning and at first signs, versus later when it takes a lot longer to heal properly.
Visit a Chiropractor Today, It Might Just Change Your Life
When you choose to visit a chiropractor, you are essentially giving your body the kick it needs to work properly. Your body carries you around from day-to-day and needs to be taken care of in every way, shape, and form.
If you want to learn more about health and how our body is impacted by our daily cycle, be sure to check out the rest of our blog. If you know someone that is suffering from any of these signs, be sure to share this article with them.
