7 Signs (Beyond Back Pain & Neck Pain) That You Need To See A Chiropractor
Do you need to see a chiropractor?
When you throw your back out or wake up with a stiff neck, your first instinct is likely to call your chiropractor. It’s no surprise that back pain and neck pain are by far the most common reasons patients make appointments at Brookfield chiropractor Ascent Chiropractic.
However, most patients who’ve never been to a chiropractor before are shocked to learn how much of a role their spinal health can play in the health of the rest of their bodies. In fact, there’s a good chance that someone you know is suffering from a health condition that can be corrected with proper chiropractic care.
Below are 10 common signs, beyond just neck and back pain, that are your body’s way of saying it’s time to schedule an appointment at Brookfield chiropractor Ascent Chiropractic.
1. You notice postural imbalances in your body
Postural asymmetries can show up as one shoulder being higher than the other, rotated hips, ‘nerd neck‘ or anterior pelvic tilt (affectionately known as butt-and-gut syndrome). At Ascent Chiropractic we fix these asymmetries and work to restore balance in your structure.
While there are plenty of methods of minimizing postural problems on your own, studies have shown that the most reliable way to stabilize and correct your structure long-term is through a combination of chiropractic care and active rehab exercises.
2. You deal with frequent headaches
Waking up with a headache or consistently getting one by the end of work each day is not fun (or normal). But if you’ve been relying on headaches drugs to find relief day after day, there’s new research that encourages you to reconsider.
A recent study by Norwegian researchers found that chiropractic care significantly reduced the frequency, severity, and duration of symptoms for patients suffering from chronic tension headaches. In fact, over the course of the study, the headache index (a rating of headache frequency x severity x duration) was reduced by almost 60% for those under regular chiropractic care.
3. Your mobility isn’t what it used to be
If you’re struggling to do simple activities like putting on your shoes, reaching something from the top shelf at the supermarket, or simply turning your head to check your blind spot – it’s time to call your chiropractor.
At Ascent Chiropractic we restore mobility by fixing joint movement and positioning with chiropractic treatment and correct muscle imbalances with myofascial therapy. That’s why you usually feel so much better, looser, and balanced after an appointment at our office.
Whether it’s a joint or soft tissue problem, we’ll get you back to enjoying everyday life!
4. You suffer from chronic sinus congestion
There are many avenues of treatment for chronic sinusitis and congestion. But many of the patients who come into our office with sinus problems have a long history with decongestants, steroids, antihistamines and other allergy drugs with little or no effect.
Here’s what the primary care physicians who prescribe these drugs often miss: these patients almost all also have upper cervical (neck) problems. In fact, 84% of those who report dealing with chronic sinus congestion headaches also say they suffer from upper neck pain.
All of the nerves that control the function of your sinuses – specifically, the vagus nerve, trigeminal nerve, and superior cervical ganglion – can be stretched, compressed or inflamed when your upper cervical spine isn’t aligned and working like it’s supposed to. Fix the structural problems and your sinuses can calm down instead of being in a constant hyper-reactive, inflamed state.
A 2012 JMPT study went so far as to suggest that chiropractic treatment “could be considered as an appropriate alternative treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis.”
5. You’re not sleeping well
Having trouble sleeping? It might be time to give us a call.
A recent JMPT review of insomnia case studies gathered clinical information on 221 patients treated by a chiropractor. One third of the patients reported that their sleep patterns improved immediately after chiropractic treatment. What’s more, their improvement in sleep quality was still present when they were asked about their insomnia symptoms 6 days later.
6. You’re feeling… sluggish (cognitively)
Mapping of brain activity before and after chiropractic care reveals that chiropractic care stimulates cognitive function. Surprised?
In a groundbreaking study involving 500 adults, researchers used cutting-edge technology to create activity maps in the cortical portions of the brain before and after chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine. Researchers found that “cervical adjustments activate specific neurological pathways” in the brain, potentially stimulating cognitive function.
Chiropractic treatment has also been shown to enhance cognitive reaction time, according to research out of New Zealand. “Multiple sites of cervical spinal joint dysfunction were related to impaired cortical processing,” noted the researchers. They found that after chiropractic treatment, the volunteers demonstrated significantly improved cortical processing and response time.
7. You’re relying on painkillers
Individuals who maintain regular chiropractic care are far less likely to over-use medication, which can have dangerous side effects. Even many OTC pain medications, when used long-term, can cause severe gastrointestinal problems.
In addition, chronic use of pain meds can actually worsen the very symptoms they were intended to reduce – what’s known as a rebound effect. A 2010 study from Germany found that half of chronic headache patients actually experienced more headaches due to their medication use.
Why choose Ascent Chiropractic?
Suffering from any of the signs listed here or have friends or family members that could benefit from what we do at Ascent Chiropractic? Looking at the excellent clinical track record of what we do, it’s an easy decision. To get started, make an appointment at Ascent Chiropractic in Brookfield by calling 262-345-4166 or with our online scheduling app.
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