Backaches and pains are a part of life. We all experience them, no matter our background or lifestyle, we can get them from just about anywhere like sports-related back pain, poor office posture, and even pregnancies. But most people ignore them – they carry on with their everyday tasks because it’s just a headache or it’s something they’ve been living with for a while.
There’s an easy fix for so many musculoskeletal issues: seeing a chiropractor. Spinal health is so important, and your aches and pains could be a sign of something more serious. In fact, leaving aches and pains untreated could cause more damage in the long run.
So what are the signs that you need a chiropractor to prevent long-term health issues? Here are 7 of them.
1. Headaches and migraines.
Regular headaches and migraines are a sign that something’s not quite right. These issues don’t stem from the head – it’s usually your spine or neck.
If your headaches and migraines occur often and you keep finding yourself reaching for the painkillers, it’s time to address the root cause of your problem. A chiropractor can help by finding the source and treating it, so you’re free to go about your day pain-free.
2. You’ve been in an accident.
Whether you’ve been in a fender bender or you’ve had an accident at work, a chiropractor should be on your list of health professionals to visit. They’ll be able to give you a check-up, a tune-up and a once-over for any hidden issues.
This is especially important if you’re suffering from whiplash. Chiropractors have a number of methods to relieve this, from muscle manipulation to ergonomic suggestions, to get you back to full health as quickly as possible.
Even if your accident was small or you don’t think it’s affected your body, it’s good to get a professional opinion. While you may seem fine now, you don’t want problems surfacing later on.
3. Joint or muscle pain.
If you have aches and pains in joints or muscles that just won’t go away, you need to visit a chiropractor. It might not seem serious, but persistent pain can be the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis or even bone cancer. Getting it seen to as early as possible will make you feel better and even delay or remove any serious problems.
A chiropractor’s job is to make your body function as it should. Their spinal manipulations improve your blood flow, lessening your pain and getting your body back in working order.
4. A sedentary job.
Do you work at a desk? Spending hours a day hunched over a keyboard can have awful effects on your posture. This in turn puts pressure on your upper back, shoulders and neck. The backache is painful enough, but in some cases, this can cause your spin to shift enough that you end up with a slipped disc, which may be a sign you need a chiropractor.
Fixing your posture is no easy task, but a chiropractor can help. Your chiropractor will align your spine and help you with exercises you can do at home to avoid future problems.
5. Numbness or tingling.
For the most part, pins and needles are harmless. We’ve all had a funny-feeling foot and felt the tingles as the blood flow comes back. But if you’re feeling this for a long period of time in your arms or legs, it could be a sign of nerve injury or pressure on the spine – and that’s serious.
Get to your chiropractor as soon as possible. They’ll locate the source of the problem and recommend a treatment plan so your body can get better.
6. Limited range of motion.
Not being able to move to your full capability can be frustrating, so why wouldn’t you want to fix the problem? A visit to your chiropractor can do just that.
Musculoskeletal manipulation aligns your spine and joints, allowing you to bend, flex and move like you used to.
7. Uneven wear on your shoes.
Grab a pair of shoes and turn them over – are the wear patterns the same? If not, it’s one of the signs that you may need to head to a chiropractor as you’re out of alignment.
Your chiropractor will be able to find out what the issue is and work with you to fix it.
Align yourself.
No matter if you’re young or old, spend more time outside or inside, you can benefit from visiting a chiropractor. If you’ve got any of the problems listed above or you just feel like you need a tune-up, book an appointment today and you’ll feel good as new in no time.