Common Conditions that Chiropractors Treat

Upper Back Pain , Lower Back Pain & Sciatica

People suffering from lower back pain and sciatica can experience:

• trouble bending down forward
• pain when get in and out of your car
• difficulty stand up straight after sitting
• increased tightness and stiffness in the lower back first thing in the morning
• discomfort when they sneeze, cough or laugh
• Muscle spasms

Back pain treatment practice guidelines have recommended chiropractic care as an effective treatment option for acute and also chronic back pain.

Some chiropractic back pain treatment recommendations include:

• Spinal Adjustments.
• The careful use of over-the-counter pain medication,
• Exercise
• Early return to activities

These are the most effective and hence, cost-effective management for most patients suffering from back pain.

1.  Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans R, Leininger B, Triano J. Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropr Osteopat. 2010;18:3. [PMC free article] [PubMed)

Neck Pain & Whiplash

Chiropractic treatment for neck pain using spinal adjustment is effective for acute as well as mild neck pain. Effectiveness was also found for acute whiplash when spinal adjustment is combined with exercise. Spinal adjustment is also an effective treatment for chronic neck pain when combined with exercise. Read More…

1. Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans R, Leininger B, Triano J. Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropr Osteopat. 2010;18:3. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

Headache (Read More)

People suffering from migraine & headaches can experience:

• Visual disturbances
• Head, face, jaw and neck pain
• Nausea
• Difficulty focusing, listening and talking
• Throbbing, pulsating pain
• Pain around the eyes or behind one eye.

The results of chiropractic research from 2000 – 2010 identified a new study that suggests the effectiveness of spinal adjustment alone for patients with cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches.

What causes these headaches?

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches caused by a disorder of the cervical spine (neck).

Effective treatment of cervicogenic headache and migraine

An important review on this topic was conducted by the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on the treatment of neck pain. As a result, the task force found that a spinal adjustment is an effective option for the treatment of cervicogenic headaches as well as migraine headaches.

1. Haas M, Spegman A, Peterson DH, 1. Aickin M, Vavrek D. Dose-response and efficacy of spinal manipulation for chronic cervicogenic headache: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Spine J. 2010;10:117–128. [PMC free article] [PubMed]
2. Hurwitz EL, Carragee EJ, van der Velde G, et al. Treatment of neck pain: noninvasive interventions: results of the Bone and Joint Decade 2000–2010 Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders. Spine. 2008;33:S123–S152. [PubMed]
3. Bronfort G, Nilsson N, Haas M, Evans R, Assendelft WJJ, Bouter LM. Non-invasive physical treatments for chronic/recurrent headaches. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2004;(3): CD001878. [PubMed]

Extremity Conditions

Adjustments of extremity joints are used to treat a variety of conditions. The effectiveness of chiropractic care was found for:

• Shoulder girdle pain,
• Frozen shoulder,
• Tennis elbow,
• Hip and knee osteoarthritis,
• Pain behind the knee cap, as well as
• Plantar fasciitis (heel and also arch pain).

Furthermore, inconclusive evidence in a favourable direction for chiropractic care was observed for:

• rotator cuff pain,
• shoulder pain,
• carpal tunnel syndrome,
• ankle sprains, as well as
• Morton’s neuroma.

1. McHardy A, Hoskins W, Pollard H, et al. Chiropractic treatment of upper extremity conditions: a systematic review. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. 2008;31:146–59. [PubMed]
2. Chiropractic Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case Report Utilizing Active Release Techniques. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine 2014 Conservative Chiropractic Care of Lateral Epicondylitis. JMPT 2000

Sports Injury

Chiropractic for sports injuries focuses on the movement and also the function of the body. Because correct biomechanics is important when participating in sports at all levels and age groups, chiropractic care offers excellent support during sports participation. Due to a lack of efficient movement or because of collisions experienced in contact sports, injuries can often occur.

Sports Chiropractors can help assess, treat, and also manage sports injuries, whether they are new or old. Sports Chiropractors also provide a treatment plan to address any ongoing issues.

1. Ernst E, Posadzki P. Chiropractic for the prevention and/or treatment of sports injuries: a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies. 2012;17:9–14.

Babies, Children & Teens

Young children can experience many small accidents throughout their lives. Examples of these small accidents could include:

• falling off bikes,
• injuries from playing a sport,
• falling as they learn to walk,
• long periods in car seats,
• hunching over school desks or carrying heavy school bags, as well as
• poor posture that is involved in prolonged computer and device use.

Children and teens have very different needs from adults with regard to chiropractic treatment.  Therefore, treatment is always modified to suit the age of the child receiving care. Using a range of carefully selected techniques that, above all, are safe and gentle, our chiropractor can assist with any issues relating to a child’s posture and spinal health.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy hormonal changes impact the ligaments in your pelvis, hips and spine. Also, the weight, size, and position of your baby can cause strain and stress on the body structures. For these reasons, you may experience back pain, hip pain and or sciatica.

Is Chiropractic Safe During Pregnancy?

Chiropractic care is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment for back pain, hip pain and sciatica that may be experienced during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment is also a natural and drug-free way of managing your back pain during your pregnancy. Above all, carefully modified techniques are used when providing care during pregnancy.

Chiropractic care may also be effective after pregnancy supporting you with treatment as your body returns to normal as well as while lifting and caring for your new baby.