11 May When Should I Go To a Chiropractor?
Most of us, especially the guys, rarely make any kind of effort to go and see the doctor. Unless something is bleeding profusely, bent at a really odd angle, or hanging off by a piece of skin, we tend to think of our physical well-being as something that is entirely in our control.
One such doctor we continue to neglect until the very last moment is our chiropractor. Let’s face it, if we don’t feel pain in our back, then we’re convinced we don’t need a spinal adjustment, but there are other benefits to be gained from a visit to a chiropractor that can drastically improve our emotional and physical well-being. Below are seven signs that you should make an appointment with your chiropractor today.
1. Chronic back pain
The most obvious telltale sign that you need to go see the chiropractor is if you are experiencing back pain. There are several factors that can contribute to chronic back pain, including your posture, type of work, and how many hours a day you are on your feet. A chiropractor can provide you with relief from this pain without the use of invasive surgery or prescription medications.
2. Muscle or joint pain.
Chiropractors can do more than just relieve back pain. They are trained in both non-invasive spinal manipulation and massage therapy and can relieve pain in your muscles or joints by increasing blood flow and nerve conductivity in those areas.
3. Headaches
Headaches can be caused by a number of things, including oxygen deprivation, dehydration, and malnutrition. How much blood is able to reach the brain can also have a big impact. A chiropractor can help relieve headaches by improving your blood flow and increasing your brain’s oxygen supply. They may also recommend a change to your diet in order to improve your overall health.
4. Range of motion becomes limited
If you find you cannot turn your head/neck as far as you used to, or if you experience pain in doing so, it may be a good time to see the chiropractor. Stiff muscles and limited blood flow can contribute to a decrease in your overall flexibility. Stiffness or less flexibility in your extremities is another indicator of an issue, so be sure to have yourself checked out if any of these begin to occur.
5. A recent accident
An auto accident or a sports-related injury is one of the many scenarios where you can encounter an “invisible injury,” meaning that you may appear fine on the surface, but you are actually dealing with a serious internal injury. A chiropractor should be able to diagnose such an issue and be able to help you relieve it, although additional medical consultations may be suggested.
6. Arthritis diagnosis
“If you have recently been diagnosed with arthritis, your chiropractor may be able to help,” said Dr. Holly Westbrock, an Eden Prairie, MN chiropractor. “Chiropractors work to relieve pain from arthritis without using invasive surgery, but rather through physical therapy. They may be able to help you maintain the condition and prevent it from spreading to other muscles or joints in your body.”
7. Your “health-conscious” lifestyle needs improving
If you feel your lifestyle needs improvement or you just want to be more aware of taking care of your body, your chiropractor is an excellent source of information. They can provide you with appropriate exercise habits, nutritional guidance, and stress-relief techniques to improve both your emotional and physical well-being.