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When Should I Go to The Chiropractor?

November 14, 2020

Pain is a discomfort in your body that can range from mild to severe. When you experience pain, the body is trying to tell you something is not right. 

How do you know you should go to a chiropractor? Let’s consider some obvious reasons and some symptoms that could be improved by visiting the chiropractor.

Obvious Reasons To Go To The Chiropractor

When our bodies go through a traumatic event, then it’s necessary to seek medical care. If you have recently been involved in an accident, you should get checked out by a chiropractor. 

In the case of an auto accident, one of the possible effects is whiplash, when the neck “whips” back and forth. The results of this impact are inflammation, pain, headaches, and damage to ligaments.

Physical Signs You Need to go to the Chiropractor

Even when we haven’t gone through an accident, we might still experience signs that our bodies are misaligned. Some symptoms will cause pain, while other signs can pass unnoticed.

Chronic Pain

You can feel pain due to various strains placed on your body. However, pain that persists may be an indication of some chronic issues.

If you feel pain in your joints and muscles, the problem might be in your musculoskeletal alignment. The pain can also lead to stiffness in the muscles and joints. The chiropractor will be able to use spinal manipulation to improve blood flow to the areas experiencing pain and nerve conductivity.

Another common location to experience chronic pain is in the lower back. Back pain can result from poor posture, work with items that need lifting, and maintain the same position for long periods. 

Chiropractors have a vast knowledge of the human body and have learned to detect your pain’s exact cause to provide the right solution. Be careful if you’re also experimenting:

  • Neck pain. Your neck is positioned correctly when your ears are aligned above your shoulders. Deviation from this position will negatively affect your neck.
  • Shoulder pain. The tendons, muscles, nerves, and ligaments that make up your shoulders can become irritated from external factors negatively affecting your shoulders.
  • Leg Pain. Be aware of sharp or shooting pain in your legs that can result from a pinched nerve or issues with the discs in your spine.

Headaches

If you are experiencing unusual headaches, you’re most likely suffering from primary headaches. These headaches are caused by structural problems with your head and neck and include:

  • Tension headaches
  • Migraines
  • Cluster headaches

When you go to the chiropractor, they will help with gentle movements in your neck to improve your brain’s amount of oxygen.

Pain-Free Signs

Some signs that can indicate you should go to the chiropractor aren’t accompanied by pain. Your body might be out of alignment if:

  • Uneven wear of your shoe soles
  • Your range of motion is limited

Chiropractors Promote A Healthier Lifestyle

Visiting your chiropractor doesn’t only have to be due to the issues you are experiencing. If you’re an active person who exercises regularly, going to your chiropractor can relieve the added stress you place on your body.

At Spine Health & Wellness, our chiropractors can provide information on daily exercises to help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. We can also help you find the relief you need if you request an appointment today!

Frequently asked questions

How soon after a car accident should I see a chiropractor for whiplash?
It is generally recommended to get checked out soon after any auto accident, even if pain is not immediate. Whiplash can cause inflammation, headaches, and ligament damage that may not be obvious right away. A chiropractor can evaluate neck alignment and mobility. Seek emergency care immediately if you experience numbness, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, or difficulty breathing after an accident, as these signs need urgent medical attention beyond chiropractic care.
What does it mean if my lower back pain keeps coming back?
Recurring lower back pain may suggest an underlying issue with musculoskeletal alignment rather than a one time strain. Common contributors include poor posture, repeated lifting, or staying in the same position for long periods. Chiropractic care may use spinal manipulation to help support blood flow and nerve function in the affected area. If back pain comes with numbness, bowel or bladder changes, or leg weakness, seek emergency medical evaluation right away.
Can a chiropractor help with frequent tension headaches or migraines?
Chiropractic care may offer some relief for primary headaches like tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches when they stem from structural issues in the head and neck. Gentle neck movements are sometimes used with the goal of supporting better oxygen flow to the brain. This approach is not a guaranteed fix, so persistent or worsening headaches should still be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by vision changes or confusion.
Do I need a chiropractor even if I am not in pain but my shoes wear unevenly?
Uneven shoe sole wear and a limited range of motion can be pain free signs that your body may be out of alignment. These subtle clues do not always come with discomfort but may still be worth a professional evaluation. At Spine Health & Wellness in North Texas, a chiropractor can assess alignment and discuss general exercises that may support a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Gregory H. Stowe, DC
Founder of Spine Health & Wellness. Doctor of Chiropractic, Texas Designated Doctor and California Qualified Medical Evaluator.

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