Most people, when thinking of chiropractic medicine, think of chiropractors as back doctors. However, they are so much more than that. Doctors of chiropractic are trained as neuromusculoskeletal specialists, meaning that their medical focus is on how the spine affects the nervous system. Therefore, there are many medical issues that a person can seek treatment from a chiropractor for, and this article will describe five of the most common and surprising among them.
1. Persistent Headaches
Headaches are not rare experiences for a majority of people. They are debilitating and chronic conditions that prevent many people from performing necessary daily activities. Migraines and tension headaches affect nearly nine out of ten Americans, and for many, over-the-counter pain relievers do little to alleviate the symptoms. Fortunately, chiropractors might be able to help. Aside from possible spinal adjustments, chiropractors often offer and recommend nutritional and physical advice that can help people build lifestyle habits to reduce headache occurrences.
2. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal condition that involves widespread sensitivity and pain for sufferers. Thankfully, as this condition aligns with the specialization of chiropractors, doctors of chiropractic can perform adjustments and spinal manipulations to relieve much of the pain experienced by patients.
3. Flexibility
While this might seem like a no-brainer, chiropractors can also help to improve flexibility and mobility. Unfortunately, as most people age, they exercise less and less, which inevitably leads to stiff joints and other issues. Thankfully, a chiropractor, through the use of spinal adjustments and manipulation, can realign vertebrae and help to reduce joint pain and stiffness overall, leading to a more active aging community.
4. Immune System
Chiropractic medicine is also the study of how the nervous system, endocrine system and immune system are linked, which leads to one of the most surprising benefits of regular chiropractic treatments: strengthening immune systems. Specifically, a chiropractor can help weakened immune systems by reducing subluxations, or misalignments, of the spine, which compress and irritate the nerves that connect to the body’s organs. Through regular adjustments, patients can boost their nervous system responses and improve immune responses as well.
5. Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress are common issues, especially in the workplace. While much of the problems stem from environmental and emotional responses, there are portions of these conditions that arise from physical ailments. Therefore, through chiropractic adjustments, a patient can experience released muscle tension and improved blood flow, which can reduce the body’s fight-or-flight responses. Also, a chiropractor might provide education on nutritional habits that can improve stress levels.
Therefore, chiropractors are much more than back doctors. If you suffer from any of the above conditions, consider calling a chiropractor in Glen Burnie, MD to discuss possible treatment.
Thanks to Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab for their insight into chiropractic care and what it can treat.