Chiropractic Care for Secondary Symptoms
By Sara Butler
In the chiropractic world, there are primary and secondary symptoms. There are a variety of conditions that fall into the category of secondary symptoms, meaning the root cause is something other than where you're experiencing the symptoms. Chiropractors are here to help and track down the underlying cause of what is ailing you. Here's what you need to know about secondary symptoms and how chiropractic care can help.
What are Secondary Symptoms?
Secondary symptoms are feelings or symptoms produced by your body that help alert your brain to the fact that something just isn't right. Chiropractors call this a structural shift, which can cause many different symptoms that fool you into thinking the cause of your symptoms is something other than what it truly is.
A good example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel may have more to do with the way your central nervous system is functioning and less to do with your hands or wrists. The structural shifts at the heart of the pain in your hands may have been going on for months or even years, and your body's cry for help manifests as pain in your wrists. The real issue may be with nerves in your spine since the nerves that run through your wrist have to travel up your arm and across your shoulder to the spine. A problem anywhere along this pathway can result in pain, numbness, or tingling in your hands.
Secondary Symptoms: Your Body's Dashboard
The dashboard in your car alerts you to a lot of things: If you need gas, when you need an oil change, and if something is going on with the engine that isn't right. Secondary symptoms are a lot like the engine light in your car since they alert your body that something is most definitely not functioning as it should. These secondary symptoms are often an indicator of an underlying condition that you need the help of a chiropractor to diagnose. The most common secondary symptoms that indicate some sort of structural shift include:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Poor posture
- Ear infection
- Pinched nerves
- Arthritis
- Constipation
- Muscle spasms
- Acid reflux
- Chronic tension
- Fatigue
- Decreased range of motion
If you notice any problems such as these, make sure to bring them to the attention of the chiropractor, who can help you to figure out the real cause behind your pain and discomfort and get you and your body back on track!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Columbia, S.C.