There are a number of ways to know if you need to see a chiropractor. Some are obvious while others are not. Pain is always a good indicator but often pain is a sign that the problem has been there a long time. If you can catch it before pain kicks in, that is even better.
A chiropractor is a licensed doctor who deals with the spine and nervous system. Because everything in your body is controlled by your nerves there are a lot of things that a chiropractor can help with that you may not even be aware of. Chiropractic can be a great way to stay healthy naturally.
What does a chiropractor do?
If you understand what a chiropractor does you will be able to better decide whether or not to visit one. According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic is a profession in health care that deals with the effects of disorders of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
A chiropractor takes years of schooling to become a doctor and knows how to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. Unlike medical doctors, their goal is to get people better without the use of surgery or drugs. They focus on fixing the cause of the problem rather than just the symptoms. The result is better overall health.
Do you have pain?
The majority of people visit a chiropractor because they have pain. Back pain is an especially popular reason to go. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons reports that anywhere from 75% to 85% of the population will have back pain of some sort during their life. Chiropractors have a great track record with treating back pain.
Neck pain is also a good reason to visit a chiropractor, as are headaches. Unless it is an emergency situation, it is a good idea to see a chiropractor if you are experiencing pain somewhere in your body. A chiropractor will first do an exam to see if the pain is related to an issue in your spine and if he or she can help. If not, a chiropractor has the skills to refer you to the right specialist.
Have you been in a car accident?
If you have been in a car accident, big or small, you should definitely see a chiropractor. Even a little fender bender can result in whiplash and trauma to your spine because your body takes the brunt of the hit.
Damage to the spine from an accident results in a variety of things. Symptoms include pain, headaches, tension, tightness, muscle spasms, anxiety, and depression. A chiropractor will adjust the spine and get the pressure off of the nerves so that you can start to function normally and get out of pain.
The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association reports that car accidents are a main cause of injuries to the spine. It also says that the longer you wait to get care the lower the improvement level is, so it is important to get it as quickly as possible.
Do you play sports?
If you play sports there are many benefits to seeing a chiropractor. Chiropractic helps keep your spine and muscles balanced, which helps prevent injury, especially to your joints.
If you do happen to get injured, a chiropractor has a lot of tools to help get you better quickly. Some chiropractors specialize in sports medicine and have specialized training to deal with more serious conditions such as concussions.
The majority of elite athletes have a chiropractor that they see regularly. They understand that, not only does chiropractic keep their body working correctly, but chiropractic also helps them perform at their highest level.
What about postural changes?
Although pain is a reason why many people see a chiropractor, if you see one before you have pain you can prevent more serious problems. However, it can be difficult to know whether you should see one or not.
One indication that a chiropractor could help you is if you notice changes in your posture. While standing in front of a mirror, notice if one shoulder or hip is higher than the other. From the side, notice if you are slouching or if your head happens to be jutting forward more than normal. All of these are indications that your spine is imbalanced and would benefit from chiropractic care.
Do you want to be proactive in your health?
Many people who are focused on wellness and health prevention visit a chiropractor, even though they don’t have any specific pain or condition bothering them. They understand that getting chiropractic care helps keep them functioning at a higher level.
When a chiropractor adjusts your spine and removes nerve interference, there are a number of physiological benefits. Chiropractic has been said to increase your immune response, increase nerve and blood flow, and increase energy. Chiropractic can be a part of your overall health care and is a lot more economical than medical care.
