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Chiropractors are experts in the relationship between the spine, muscles and nerves. It allows them to address a wide range of conditions. Whiplash injuries, muscle strains, poor posture, disc herniations or joint dysfunctions can cause neck pain. A combination of chiropractic treatments, soft tissue massage and lifestyle advice can help to relieve neck pain.
Headaches
Headaches are a common condition that can majorly impact your daily life. In many cases, they result from poor posture or physical strain and can be easily treated by a chiropractor.
Some headaches have a clear cause, like migraines or brain tumors, and require medical attention. However, others aren’t as easy to diagnose. Some of these include trigeminal autonomic cephalgias (headaches that involve pain in one side of the face and autonomic features on that same side, such as a runny nose and drooping eyelid), fibromyalgia, and tension-type headaches. Chiropractors treat these conditions by identifying the source of your headaches and manipulating your spine and pelvis back into alignment. It alleviates pressure on nerve roots and can decrease the frequency of your headaches. Brad Kern recommends stretches or exercises at home to help with your symptoms. He also suggests dietary changes or medications that may improve your symptoms.
Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common ailments that chiropractors treat. Almost everyone experiences it at some point in their lives. The discomfort may be subtle or intense and linger for several days or weeks. The most common site of back pain is the lower back, also known as the lumbar region. The back is composed of several structures, including vertebrae (small bones stacked on top of each other), discs (cushion-like pads that separate the spinal vertebrae), ligaments (short bands of tough, flexible tissue that connect bone to bone), and muscles (a bundle of dynamic fibers that support the spine and upper body). Any of these structural issues may result in back discomfort.
Chiropractic adjustments to straighten the spine and release pressure on the nerves can benefit people with chronic back pain. They may also use mobilization therapy, traction table treatment, and electromagnetic stimulation to reduce swelling and ease muscle tightness. They can also perform massage and acupuncture, which involves inserting needles into the body along energy lines to stimulate nerve and muscle tissue.
Ear Infections
Infections in the ear canal or otitis externa, the middle ear, or the eustachian tube that connects the ears to the throat can cause pain and problems with balance. They are most common in children, partly because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more angled than those of adults, making it easier for bacteria to enter the middle ear. For youngsters, in particular, chiropractic is a secure and efficient method of treating ear infections. Studies show that adjusting the upper cervical spine, or the segments of the neck, can help improve drainage of the middle ear, preventing fluid buildup and making it less likely for an infection to occur. Many parents are concerned that frequent prescribing of antibiotics for ear infections may lead to resistance, so they turn to chiropractors for natural solutions. Chiropractors can also teach parents about other natural support treatments for ear infections, such as dietary changes and essential oils. Chiropractic care appears to help a child’s ear infections by encouraging fluid drainage from the middle ear through peristaltic motion. The nervous system controls this movement, and subluxations (partial dislocations or misalignments) in the upper cervical spine can slow or inhibit this flow, causing fluid to remain in the middle ear and leading to infection.
