Chiropractors treat issues of the musculoskeletal system, focusing primarily on the spine. Their practice is founded on the belief that subluxations in the spine are responsible for pain or health issues in the body, often due to the physical toll that activities can take on individuals' bodies. Chiropractors are trained in anatomy and perform a variety of assessments for their patients including testing of muscle strength, joint health, flexibility, nerve conduction, and more. These tests help the chiropractor to determine if a subluxation is present and its location. The chiropractor then performs an adjustment to the spine to release the subluxation and provide relief to the patient. By addressing these issues, chiropractic care can enhance the body's ability to heal itself and improve overall communication within the nervous system.

What symptoms bring people to chiropractors?

Pain is the number one reason that patients seek out chiropractic care. Musculoskeletal conditions affecting the back, neck, shoulder, or joints often cause pain that can prevent a person from participating in normal day-to-day activities. Some people find relief from migraines and tension-type headaches and jaw pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome with chiropractic care.

15 Signs That May Indicate You Need to See a Chiropractor

1. Persistent Back or Neck Pain

Chronic discomfort in your back or neck is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. This pain may stem from poor posture, long hours at a desk, past injuries, or spinal misalignments. Chiropractors use targeted adjustments to reduce inflammation, restore alignment, and relieve pressure on surrounding nerves and muscles.

2. Limited Range of Motion

If you're finding it difficult to turn your head, bend your back, or move your limbs fully, you may be experiencing restricted joint function. Chiropractic adjustments help restore mobility by improving joint alignment, reducing stiffness, and enhancing circulation to affected areas.

3. Frequent Headaches or Migraines

Headaches, especially those stemming from tension in the neck or shoulders, can be caused by misalignments in the cervical spine. A chiropractor can identify and correct these misalignments, improving blood flow and reducing the muscle tension that triggers headaches.

4. Poor Posture

Slouched shoulders, forward head posture, or an uneven gait can all point to underlying spinal issues. Chiropractors specialize in correcting posture by realigning the spine and providing exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, reducing stress on the body and improving long-term posture.

5. Pain After Sitting or Standing for Long Periods

Experiencing discomfort from prolonged sitting or standing may indicate imbalances or stress on your spine or joints. Chiropractors address these issues through adjustments that relieve built-up pressure and improve postural support, especially for those with sedentary lifestyles.

6. Recent Physical Injury or Accident

Whether it's a car accident, sports injury, or a fall, trauma can cause misalignment in the spine and damage to soft tissues. Chiropractic care helps speed recovery by realigning the spine, easing muscle tension, and preventing long-term complications like chronic pain or stiffness.

7. Sciatica or Shooting Pain Down the Legs

If you're feeling a sharp, radiating pain from your lower back down your legs, you could have sciatica—a condition caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. Chiropractors can relieve pressure on the nerve through spinal decompression, adjustments, and therapeutic modalities.

8. Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness in Limbs

These symptoms often signal nerve compression or poor blood flow, usually from spinal misalignments. Chiropractic adjustments help alleviate the pressure on nerves and restore normal sensory and motor function, reducing the risk of long-term nerve damage.

9. Joint Pain or Stiffness

If your knees, shoulders, wrists, or other joints ache or feel tight, the issue may not be limited to the joint itself but rather how it aligns and functions with surrounding structures. Chiropractors can adjust joint mechanics and provide therapies that ease pain and improve flexibility.

10. Trouble Sleeping or Restlessness

Pain, tension, or misalignment can interfere with sleep quality. Chiropractic care reduces physical discomfort and promotes natural release of endorphins—your body's pain-relieving hormones—helping you relax and sleep more soundly.

11. Recurring Sports or Work-Related Injuries

If you're prone to repetitive strain injuries or muscle imbalances from athletic or occupational tasks, chiropractic therapy can provide both immediate relief and long-term injury prevention through personalized treatment and strengthening plans.

12. Visible Spinal Curvature or Uneven Shoulders/Hips

Noticing one shoulder or hip higher than the other, or visible spinal curvature, could be a sign of scoliosis or muscular imbalance. A chiropractor can assess the spine's alignment and offer corrective adjustments and posture training to rebalance your body.

13. Digestive Issues or Stomach Discomfort

Though less commonly discussed, misalignment in the mid-to-lower spine can affect nerves that influence digestive organs. Chiropractic adjustments may relieve nerve pressure, promoting better gut function and alleviating symptoms like bloating, cramps, or constipation.

14. High Stress and Tension

Physical stress often manifests in the form of tight shoulders, headaches, and shallow breathing. Chiropractic care not only relieves muscular tension but also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body relax and handle stress more effectively.

15. Fatigue or Low Energy

When your spine is misaligned, your body works harder to compensate, leaving you feeling drained. Restoring proper alignment improves nervous system function, which can boost energy levels and improve overall well-being.

What do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions including back and neck pain, leg and arm problems, whiplash, chronic headaches and migraines, arthritic changes, jaw problems, vertigo, digestive disorders, and scoliosis. Chiropractic treatments are effective for various conditions, particularly those causing neck and back pain. Chiropractic adjustments target the musculoskeletal system to alleviate pain, improve functionality, and provide an alternative treatment option. Conditions causing neck and back pain are the most common ailments treated by chiropractors. Chiropractors take a holistic view of their patients' wellbeing and work in partnership with their patients to improve their health. Many patients find that when they seek chiropractic care for pain in their back, that they also receive education and advice on nutrition, exercise, posture, and their walking gait. Over time, many people experience pain relief, improved posture, and better health and overall well-being.

If you are suffering from pain in your back, neck, or extremities, especially if the pain has not reduced or subsided on its own after a couple of days, make an appointment with a chiropractor. A professional assessment and adjustment may be just what you need to feel better.

If you're looking for chiropractic care or nutritional supplements to help aid in body aches and pains, contact Diverse Health Services today.