Chiropractic treatment is the medical practice of diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropractors are medical specialists that can help with many different types of conditions or injuries, but here are a few of the most common issues chiropractors treat.

1. Back Pain

Millions of Americans seek chiropractic help for back pain each year. The causes vary from chronic pain to sports injuries to general everyday accidents. Chiropractic care helps back pain by manually adjusting joints as well as providing prevention and rehabilitation counseling. Before seeing a chiropractor about back pain, you must consult with them and provide a detailed medical history. This will help lower the risk of further injury.  

2. Whiplash

Whiplash and other types of neck pain are also common injuries chiropractors deal with. Often times, whiplash is experienced after an automobile or high velocity accident. Whiplash can be minor or severe, and can include joint dysfunction and herniated discs. Because of this, chiropractic care for whiplash is specialized to each patient and their specific type of neck pain. Chiropractic treatments may consist of: joint manipulation, muscle relaxation and stimulation, ergonomic changes, and exercise.

If you have recently been in an accident, you may be asked to get an X-ray before any chiropractic treatment to ensure there are not breaks or other underlying cause of pain.

3. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Arthritis

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS, is caused by nerve pressure in the arms, which leads to hand and wrist pain. Often, hand and wrist pain will be labeled as CTS or arthritis when it really is the misalignment of neck or spinal joints. Misaligned joints may also exacerbate the pains and issues caused by true CTS and arthritis, so it is beneficial to see a chiropractor if you suffer from either of these disabilities.

Chiropractic treatment for CTS or other hand and wrist pain involves neck adjustments, manipulation of wrists, and physical therapy.

4. Running Injuries

Runners can experience a number of injuries brought about by prolonged joint and muscular impact. Sports-injury chiropractors specialize in rehabilitating these athletes' pain issues by promoting joint mobilization. There are four main types of chiropractic treatment for runners: ART, EMS, Graston Technique, and dry needling.

• ART – Active Release Technique is the treatment for deep muscle tension and is achieved by massaging and stretching affected muscles.
• EMS – Electrical muscle stimulation is the process of stimulation the contraction of muscles, which allows them to release built-up tension.
• Graston Technique – This treatment helps breakdown built-up scar tissue.
• Dry needling – Similar to acupuncture, this technique releases deep muscle tension by stimulating trigger points with the use of needles.

Many insurance policies cover some or all of chiropractic costs. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from any of these injuries, find a chiropractor in your area for a consultation.