Signs You Should See a Chiropractor for Pain
By Sara Butler
Back and neck pain are quite common in the United States. In fact, you have a pretty high chance -- about 80 percent -- of experiencing pain connected to your spine at some point in your life. The causes of back and neck pain vary greatly. It can be caused by sleeping funny or by an accident. The big question is: When should you seek help for your back or neck pain at the chiropractor?
Is Your Pain Chronic?
Pain that results from an injury or accident is referred to as acute pain. Acute pain doesn't last for very long, usually days or a couple of weeks. Pain beyond that lasting for several weeks, months, or even years, is considered chronic pain.
You may be tempted to reach for over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage the pain you struggle with daily, but that will simply mask symptoms. What you need is to address the underlying cause of the pain. That's why if you're experiencing chronic pain, you should definitely see a chiropractor.
The chiropractor will look to find the underlying cause of your pain and treat that, helping your body to do what it was made to do: heal itself.
Pain that Radiates
If you are experiencing pain in your back or neck that travels to other places, such as down your legs or arms, or you're experiencing muscle weakness or numbness in your extremities, then it is time to see the chiropractor.
You may be experiencing these symptoms for a variety of reasons, some of which can be serious such as herniated discs causing a pinched nerve. Don't delay when experiencing this type of pain to see the chiropractor.
Pain at Night
If you experience back and neck pain that grows worse at night, then it might be a sign of some serious health issues such as spinal fractures, disc degeneration, slipped discs, or even (but rarely) tumors. Don't depend on medication, to help you sleep, or pain killers, but instead let the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic help you to address the underlying issue that's keeping you from a good night's rest.
Walking Funny
If you're changing the way you walk to avoid feeling pain, then it's time to see the chiropractor. You should be able to walk short distances without pain, so if you're experiencing pain, then it's time to see the chiropractor for help understanding why. Changing the way you walk can have some other consequences down the road and may even lead to more pain in the long term, so nip it in the bud.
Don't just put up with back pain. Instead, see a chiropractor as soon as you can.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Marietta, Ga.