A chiropractor performing an adjustment for alignment on a patient with low back pain.

Need a Chiropractic Adjustment? 6 Signs Your Pain Stems from Spinal Misalignment

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When it comes to maintaining your health and well-being, it’s easy to overlook the importance of a healthy spine. But, our musculoskeletal system plays a crucial role in overall well-being! 

Misalignments can be a covert cause of many issues – including chronic pain. But, there’s good news.

A chiropractic alignment of the spine can address these issues and give you a drug-free way to manage pain. If you suffer from any of the six issues on this list, it might be time for a chiropractic adjustment to correct spinal alignment and get you back to better health. 

1. Lower Back Pain 

Back pain is one of the most common indicators of the need for spinal manipulation from a chiropractor. 

Lower back pain or lumbar discomfort that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relief often means misalignment or dysfunction in the spinal joints. 

2. Chronic Pain Beyond the Back 

Chiropractic care is commonly used to address back pain, but chiropractic adjustments can also help relieve neck pain or persistent shoulder pain. 

Chiropractic manipulation can address a pinched nerve or subluxation and get your body back on track. 

3. Sciatica Issues 

Sciatica is a chronic condition characterized by pain that radiates from the lower back into the legs. It is often caused by a herniated disc or pinched nerve in the lumbar region. Chiropractic care for sciatica treats these issues with specialized spinal adjustments, TENS units, and more depending on the severity. 

4. Limited Range of Motion 

Chiropractic adjustments help restore range of motion and improve joint function when you’re dealing with stiffness and difficulty moving. If your limbs aren’t as flexible as they used to be or if turning your neck or bending your back is difficult, your joint function could be compromised – and chiropractic adjustment can help! 

5. Frequent Headaches and Migraines 

Recurring headaches and migraines are sometimes caused by misalignments that affect the nervous system. A chiropractic adjustment can alleviate the tension in these areas to relieve the pain from migraines and other types of headaches. 

6. You’ve Experienced an Injury 

After accidents and injuries, a chiropractor can check your spine and determine whether or not an adjustment is appropriate. 

Even when you aren’t feeling any immediate pain, the impact of a fall or car accident can cause spinal misalignments that lead to future pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic techniques and physical therapy can prevent or alleviate pain and get you back to baseline. 

Other Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustment techniques relieve neck and low back pain while boosting your overall well-being. They can decrease joint pain, enhance mobility, create better posture, and promote proper nervous system function. 

What Does a Chiropractor Do?

At your first visit to a chiropractor, they review your medical history and overall health. They ask about any soreness or injuries and perform a routine physical exam with a posture analysis and range of motion test. They may want an x-ray for issues other than soft tissue damage and torn muscles. 

Afterward, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan and prepare for your first adjustment. 

For your chiropractic adjustment, they will position you based on your affected areas and apply a certain amount of force to your spine, joints, soft tissue, or ligaments. You may hear popping or cracking sounds, but this is normal and comes from pressure released during manipulation.  

How Much Does Chiropractic Adjustment Cost?

Chiropractic care is one of the more affordable types of healthcare out there. The price per visit varies, but the typical cost of treatment ranges from $25 to $100 dollars per session depending on where you live and your insurance coverage. 

How Safe Is a Chiropractic Alignment of the Spine?

When performed by a trained and licensed practitioner, spinal manipulation is safe and effective. Mild side effects can include the following:

  • Fatigue
  • Soreness
  • Stiffness 
  • Headaches
  • Flu symptoms 
  • Dizziness

These symptoms are typically minimal and short-lived. Soreness is the most common side effect, and most patients compare it to how they feel after a workout. Serious side effects are extremely rare and only occur in .05 to 1.46 per 10,00,000 spinal manipulations. 

Drug-Free Pain Management 

Chronic pain is a major issue. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 20% of U.S. adults suffer from some form of chronic pain. 

Chiropractic treatments can deliver pain relief without the side effects and risk of addiction that come with taking painkillers.   

Find Relief For Your Pain 

Chiropractic care is a valuable and effective healthcare option for those suffering from chronic pain and a limited range of motion caused by a damaged musculoskeletal system. Whether you’re dealing with low back pain, impaired joint function, or chronic migraines, spinal alignment from chiropractic adjustments can offer relief. 

If you’re searching for a drug-free way to manage your pain, Meridian HealthCare can help. We’ve offered whole-person, patient-centered healthcare to the Mahoning Valley and beyond for over 50 years. Reach out today to schedule your appointment and find a better way to manage your pain.