Do Chiropractors Only Treat Back Pain?

Introduction

Chiropractors are known for their expertise in treating spine-related issues, but their scope of practice extends well beyond the spine. Here are some examples of problems we see in our clinic on a weekly basis and the methods we use to treat them:

Neck and Back Pain

Neck and back pain are among the most common issues that people come and see us for. Depending on the injury, we can use a combination of treatment techniques including active release therapy, spinal adjustments, and therapeutic exercises such as stretching and strengthening exercises to alleviate pain and speed up recovery. 

Joint Pain and Musculoskeletal Issues

Apart from the spine, chiropractors also treat joint pain and dysfunction in the extremities, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. Being located in North Vancouver, we see a lot of runners, cyclists and skiers as patients. Although these patients may require a temporary break from their beloved activities as their body heals, our goal is to keep them active through recovery so they can continue doing the activities they enjoy. To achieve this, we focus on activity modification to keep their injury from getting worse while they continue their sport. 

Headaches and Migraines

Cervicogenic headaches are headaches that originate from dysfunctions in the muscles and joints of our neck. Chiropractors can address these dysfunctions through spinal manipulation and other manual therapies. We also discuss activity and workplace modifications (ex: desk-workers) to help further reduce the frequency and severity of future headaches. 

Migraines can be treated similarly to other types of headaches, but an important aspect of care is helping our patients identify potential triggers such as stress, diet, sleep habits, etc. that may be contributing factors to their migraines. 

Sports / Soft-Tissue Injuries

Strain and sprain injuries can be derailing for competitive athletes and weekend warriors alike if not managed appropriately. Chiropractors can treat soft tissue injuries in the acute stage to reduce swelling, decrease pain and improve range of motion to help get you off the couch as soon as possible. Once the acute pain has settled, we will help develop a rehabilitation plan for you including strengthening exercises to restore proper function and get you back to your activities pain-free and stronger than before. 

Sciatica + Nerve Injuries

Nerve disorders such as sciatica can be very painful and debilitating for those unlucky enough to experience them. There can be multiple causes of sciatica which is why it’s essential to get a proper assessment from an experienced chiropractor to determine the true cause of your pain and help develop an appropriate treatment plan.

We use manual therapies and other treatment techniques to unload the nerve and irritated tissue to alleviate pain. Education is paramount for these disorders so our patients can understand how they happened and how to avoid repeat episodes in the future. 

Postural Issues

Chiropractors assess and treat postural imbalances that can lead to pain and discomfort. These problems are common among desk-workers, manual laborers and those who spend most of the day on their feet. Chiropractors can use techniques such as joint manipulation, exercises, stretching, to help alleviate pain and improve posture. In addition, we educate our patients on proper lifting mechanics and give ergonomic advice to improve posture and prevent future problems through optimal movement. 

Preventative Care

Our chiropractors take a holistic approach to health, advising on lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and stress management. Even if you’re not currently experiencing pain, regular chiropractic care can help maintain muscle and joint health and prevent future musculoskeletal issues like the ones listed above. 

Summary

While chiropractors are specialists in spine-related issues, their expertise extends to a wide range of musculoskeletal and health conditions. They use various techniques to address pain, improve function, and promote overall well-being. If you are dealing with a muscle, joint, or nerve issue then it is likely something that a chiropractor can help with. If you’re not sure what the root cause of your issue is, contact us so we can help you identify the problem and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach for you.