What Conditions Can Chiropractic Treat?

Chiropractic is now firmly established as a primary health-care profession where, according to the American Chiropractic Association, approximately seven to 16 percent of people in the United Stated seek treatment each year. It has earned recognition for its effectiveness and its focus on natural, drug-free, non-invasive methods of treatment. Chiropractic care is effective for a wide variety of conditions. The following is a partial list of some of the most common.

Many allergic and asthmatic reactions are caused by hypersensitivity of the immune system and/or respiratory system. Research has found that the immune and respiratory systems depend on normal communication from the brain and spinal cord to control and coordinate their functions. If your neck is misaligned, it could cause an imbalance in your nervous system function.

CTS has become one of the most widespread occupational health problems we face today. The syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve just above the wrist. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by an injury or sustained use from common activities like typing, chopping, hammering, or pushing. Symptoms of CTS range from wrist pain, numbness, tingling, burning, weakness or loss of grip strength, and loss of sleep due to discomfort.

Disc function is greatly affected by the alignment of the spine. A subluxation or structural imbalance can force a disc to bulge, protrude, or herniate, which then can result in contact with the nerves and cause pain. These may be treated by incorporating physical therapy as well as strengthening exercises for the abdominal and back muscles.

If your neck and/or back are out of alignment, this can affect nerves, muscles, and even blood flow to your head. A combination of chiropractic adjustments and nutritional and lifestyle changes may dramatically reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Joint or articular problems are caused by osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), misalignment, sprains, intervertebral disc problems, and various abnormal changes in the curve of the spine. Adjustment procedures, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises may be effective in treating joint disorders.

Neurological conditions such as headaches, neuritis (inflammation of any part of a nerve, other than the nerve root), and radiculitis (inflammation of a nerve root as it exits the spine) are the most commonly treated neurological cases in the chiropractic profession. Because neurological problems can be extremely serious and even life-threatening, these situations often call for a referral or co-management with other health-care professionals.

Whiplash is the common name given to the injury where there is a hyperextension. Car accidents and falls can cause whiplash injuries. Even if you are not in pain following a whiplash incident, it is important to receive prompt attention to your injury, as the structural balance of your neck and spine is important to your health.

Talk with your doctor to determine if chiropractic health care could be an alternative for treating your condition.