Back pain and neck pain are two of the most common reasons why people visit a chiropractor for the first time.  While these are two very reliable signs that your body is in need of a chiropractic visit, there are other things you may not know to look for that can indicate the need for care. Here's a helpful guide to help you understand the scope of issues that a chiropractor may address to help your body recover.

1. The wear pattern on the soles of your shoes is uneven

An excellent way to see if you may be compensating for spinal misalignment, particularly if you deal with back pain, is to look at the soles of your shoes.  Are they evenly worn, or do they look different? As your body twists and turns to keep your head in balance and your posture as neutral as possible, it can cause changes in your walking gait.  Your chiropractor can help you to identify the root cause of the problem and work on restoring body balance.

2. You have more than the occasional headache

Almost everyone has experienced a headache every once in a while from a stressful day at work or dehydration on a hot day.  However, many people live with what they consider their “normal” headaches that can come several days out of the week. In many cases, headaches can originate due to a problem in the spine, particularly the neck.  If you find yourself reaching for OTC headache medication on an almost daily basis, then a chiropractor might be able to help you identify and address the root cause of the problem.  

3. You have a history of injury

If you have a history of a car accident, slip or fall, or sports-related injury, you should schedule a chiropractic visit as soon as possible.  Even seemingly minor incidents can cause spinal misalignments and other issues that may not cause immediate pain but can create more significant problems down the road if left uncorrected.

4. You are under stress

It’s no secret that stress affects your body physically.  Your muscles tighten, you may develop a tension headache, and you may even have an upset stomach.  Visiting a chiropractor when your stress levels are high can help bring balance back into your body as well as to your central nervous system. A chiropractor can assist in removing any sources of irritation on your nerves.

5. You look in the mirror, and your head, shoulders, and hips look crooked

If you have back or neck pain, stand in front of a full-length mirror and notice if your head is tilted to one side, if one shoulder is higher than the other, or if one hip looks elevated.  In many cases, these are the primary areas that compensate for the underlying issues that cause neck and back pain and can be a good indication that a misalignment needs to be corrected.

6. You’d like to try and avoid surgery

Depending on the problem, it is often appropriate to try more conservative, less invasive healthcare options to get to the root cause.  Chiropractic care can help with back pain and problems ranging from muscular spasm to disc herniation, to sciatica without the need for surgical intervention.

7. Your job has you spending long hours sitting

If you have a desk job, then it’s far from uncommon to wind up with hunched-over posture that can result in back or neck pain.  These problems can cause muscle tension, headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, joint pain, and even disc issues in the spine.  A chiropractor can assist you in correcting your spinal alignment and may also help you with strategies to set up your work station more ergonomically.

8. You’re burdened with chronic back pain

Back pain is one of the most obvious signs that a chiropractic visit is needed.  Back pain can have a whole host of contributing factors, and a good chiropractor will help you to troubleshoot what the root cause of your condition is.

9. You enjoy staying active

If you love getting out and playing a round of golf, riding a horse, or simply enjoying a long walk around the park on the weekend, then maintaining the integrity of your spine and nervous system with chiropractic care is the perfect way to keep your body working at its best.

10. You’re proactive when it comes to your health

If you’re of the frame of mind that it’s easier to maintain good health rather than cycle through constant ups and downs of temporary pain relief, then chiropractic care might be the perfect fit for you.  A growing number of people are seeking out regular chiropractic care on a wellness basis to ensure optimal health and performance.

The Upper Cervical Chiropractic Difference

It can be a challenge to find a good chiropractor near you who can help you address chronic back pain and achieve your health goals.  Upper cervical chiropractic care is unique in that it places emphasis on stabilizing the spine working from the top down.  The atlas vertebra, the uppermost one in the spine, acts as the keystone of an arch does to stabilize and strengthen the entire structure.  When the atlas is misaligned, it can cause the changes you read about above: a head that is off-tilt, uneven shoulders, and imbalanced hips.  A misaligned atlas can also disturb the normal neurological function needed to keep your body functioning ideally.

If you’re ready to start addressing the root cause of your back pain, and you’ve determined from the signs above that a chiropractic visit is needed, then use the “Find a Doctor” feature on our website to find an upper cervical chiropractor who will help you to accomplish natural, lasting results and relief from chronic back pain.

References:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/advice/a25926/why-you-should-visit-chiropractor/

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