Important Life Changes That Might Require a Chiropractor

Chiropractic treatment is ideal for people who suffer from chronic back pain. However, there are plenty of misunderstandings about what exactly a chiropractor does and whether their treatment methods actually work. But consider this: one study found that 56% of patients who were prescribed medications for back pain from their doctor saw a pain reduction of around 30% after one month, compared to the 94% of patients who saw a 30% pain reduction in the same time frame. 

But it’s not just the cause of the back pain that’s treated; there tends to be a domino effect of various other positive effects, too. For example, patients also benefited from improved sleep, a boost in the immune system, and help with migraines and headaches. But even with this slew of benefits, it can be hard to decide which lifestyle changes warrant a visit to the chiropractor. Here’s what you need to know: 

A Car Accident

There are many health problems that could occur after a car accident, and this includes very minor car accidents that merely result in fender benders and “whiplash.” Whiplash is when the force of a collision causes your neck to spring forward without warning. This could affect your back because the cervical spine is what helps support your neck. 

According to County Line Chiropractic Medical & Rehab Centers, you should require back adjustments in an accident with speeds as low as 15 miles per hour. “The average mid-size sedan weighs almost 5,000 lbs,” they said. “Even at a relatively low speed, even with no damage to your car, your soft tissues are not meant to absorb the impact of a 5,000 lb. object shoving you forward at 25mph.” You can learn more about it here: www.CountyLineChiro.com.

During a Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a great time to visit a chiropractor. Chiropractors are trained to treat pregnant women, and some even specialize in working with pregnant women. Regular adjustments help keep the spine aligned, and relieves the pressure that pregnancy puts on your back as your belly grows. Seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy can also help prevent sciatica—this is a medical condition where the sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back to your legs and feet becomes inflamed. 

Working at a Desk

Throughout your life, your consistently in positions where you have to sit for a decent chunk of the day. Throughout your educational years, you’re sitting at a desk in school. However, you’re also somewhat active during those years; perhaps you played a sport for fun or were mandated to participate in physical education. However, after you finish your studies and begin work at a full-time job, you’re no longer required to remain active and get up out of your chair.

Today, more and more office workers are finding their way to the chiropractic office for chronic back pain, even as soon as in their early 20s. If you recently received a position where you’re required to sit at a desk for several hours per day, now might be a good time to see a chiropractor and work on some preventative tactics. 

This comes down to poor posture; the simple act of sitting in a chair harms the musculoskeletal system if you’re in that position for long periods of time. Most people don’t sit upright correctly and are instead hunched over. Furthermore, when you work at an office, the neck leans down towards the computer screen, and the head gets pushed forward and away from the body, applying force to the neck musculature.

Getting Back Into the Gym

If you plan to jump back into the gym after a hiatus, it may be in your best interest to see a chiropractor—especially if you’ve had issues with your back in the past. A sudden change in your active life could trigger issues. For example, if you haven’t worked out in years, and suddenly try to do 100 sit-ups, you could seriously injure your lower back, resulting in long-term pain. It’s important to always stretch out your body before you work out. And furthermore, if you’re just starting a regular exercise regime, start off slow to allow your body to adjust. It may not feel like a slow start is doing much for your body, or to help you reach your goals, but it can prevent injuries and will allow you to practice safe exercises in the long-term.