Most people see a chiropractor for pain in the neck or low back. Chiropractic care is particularly effective in treating pain that is musculoskeletal and/or neurological in nature, and spinal pain often falls into both categories. However, there are other conditions affecting either or both of these two systems for which chiropractic may be effective. Here are some potential benefits of chiropractic treatment that you might not expect.

1. Improved Range of Motion

Muscles and joints can become stiff with age. As you grow older, you may develop degenerative conditions that exacerbate this process. You may be less inclined to stay active if you experience stiffness or discomfort in the joints, but lack of exercise just makes the problem worse.

Chiropractic treatment may help you to break out of this cycle by mobilizing joints that have become stiff or locked up and improving your range of motion. Resolving the stiffness and discomfort can remove a barrier to the regular exercise, which in turn can help you improve strength and flexibility.

2. Less Fibromyalgia Pain

Fibromyalgia is a fairly common yet poorly understood condition. It involves chronic pain, usually at multiple specific points on the body, sometimes with additional symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Researchers are not yet sure what causes fibromyalgia, but it seems to be a neurological disorder.

Chiropractors have specialized knowledge of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Research has shown that adjustment can help improve fibromyalgia symptoms. When treating patients afflicted with this condition, chiropractors use a special technique called ischemic compression on the soft tissues.

3. Fewer Tension Headaches and Migraines

Headaches are a common complaint. Those that are particularly frequent or severe can significantly disrupt your daily life. They have many different causes, but many arise from tension in the neck. Chiropractic treatment can help to relieve neck tension, which can help reduce the frequency and duration of headaches.

A migraine is a particularly painful and debilitating type of headache. Researchers are not sure what causes migraines, but they seem to arise from imbalances in the central nervous system. A clinical trial demonstrated noticeable or substantial improvement in migraine pain with chiropractic treatment among 72% of study participants.

4. Better Stress Management

Chiropractic care does not remove stressors from your life, but it can help your body to cope with stress more effectively. The sympathetic nervous system reacts to stress by going into “fight or flight” mode, flooding the system with stimulating hormones and other chemicals. Chiropractic care can help to bring the system back in balance by improving blood circulation and reducing irritation of the spinal nerves. It also helps to relieve tension which, as previously mentioned, can result in headaches and muscle pain.

A chiropractor in Capitol Heights, MD can assess your situation and determine how chiropractic care can benefit you specifically. Contact an office for an appointment.

Thanks to AmeriWell Clinics for their insight into chiropractic care and potential benefits for treatment.