Are Chiropractors Good For You? Who Should (And Who Shouldn’t) See a Chiropractor

Are chiropractors good for you? Find out by reading this blog!

Chiropractic care provides many benefits, the primary being the relief from musculoskeletal pain. There's also evidence that chiropractic can help with allergies, migraines, vertigo, and chronic inflammation, along with strengthening your immune system. 

But, although chiropractic can greatly benefit the recovery of a wide range of ailments, in some cases, it's contraindicated. For instance, if the patient has a spinal fracture or is bleeding from an open spinal wound, they should not receive treatment with manual mobilization and manipulation of that area. 

If you wonder whether chiropractors are good for you, and would like to learn more about this form of treatment, here’s some more info you might find helpful.

Causes Of Back And Neck Pain

Back and neck pain can have a wide range of causes, some of them requiring orthopedic intervention. Fractures — even hairline fractures — and sprains must be treated by orthopedic specialists. Sometimes this might entail surgical procedures and the use of orthopedic prosthetics and devices. 

During the recovery stage, though, chiropractic treatment can be extremely beneficial in helping the patient recuperate faster and with less pain. However, many other neck and back pain causes don't require orthopedic intervention. This is when chiropractic shines! 

Chiropractors are good for you as they help realign the spine into its physiological position. Spinal manipulation will help improve the functionality of all the elements connected to it, such as nerves and blood vessels, which control the entire function of the patient's arms, legs, neck, and even internal organs. 

Fractures and sprains are common, but back and neck pain caused by spinal misalignment is even more common, and chiropractic care is the solution to solve them.

When You Shouldn’t See a Chiropractor

Although in most cases chiropractors are good for you, if you've suffered a fracture or a sprain — as mentioned above — you should see an orthopedic specialist first. 

Here are some other common situations when it’s best to see a medical doctor before seeing a chiropractor:

• You've been in a car accident, even a small one. Getting a full medical check is essential, even if you don't have visible lesions or pain immediately after the accident.

• You've suffered a fall — i.e., slipped on ice, on the floor, or in the bathroom. An orthopedic workout and an X-ray will determine the extent of your injury and dictate the course of treatment.

• You experience sharp acute pain in your arms, legs, pelvis, or neck. Even if you can't associate the pain with an accident or unusual movement, a doctor will be able to determine its cause.

• You suddenly lost movement or control of your limbs. A sudden but advanced mobility issue requires immediate intervention. 

• Although there are no specific age limits for chiropractic treatment, it is not recommended for terminally ill patients. The reason is that, in this scenario, patients have weak bones and muscles. 

Keep in mind that orthopedic doctors work closely with chiropractic specialists and will likely refer you to one as part of your treatment or recovery.

When Are Chiropractors Good For You?

There isn't one answer to that question. It all depends on your particular health issues and how they affect your body and lifestyle. Different chiropractors offer different methods for treating a wide range of ailments, from car accidents to autism or Parkinson's disease, as well as improving overall health through exercise regimens. 

Chiropractic care can also help people with conditions such as asthma by providing relief from respiratory infections or colds.

Here are some more cases when chiropractors are definitely good for you:

• When suffering from mild neck or back pain — no matter if recent or chronic — a chiropractor will help you get rid of it. 

• If you've spent a long time working in improper ergonomic positions, seeing a chiropractor will do wonders not only for your back and neck but also for your entire body alignment and sleep quality. 

• If you've noticed that you have less motility in your arms and legs, a chiropractor will help you reclaim lost mobility.

• Are you waking up in the morning with back and/or neck pain, feeling like you didn’t have proper rest? Your chiropractor will perform spinal adjustments and advise you on the best sleeping positions. They can also recommend mattress and pillow types that will improve your situation.

• Naturally, you should see a chiropractor when your orthopedist recommends it. Chiropractic adjustments provide patients with important pain relief during recovery but also help them manage chronic conditions like arthritis.

Are Chiropractors Good For You Long-Term?

There are various cases in which a chiropractor can be good for you long-term, but there will also be some instances where they might not really help at all. In general, though, most people have had positive experiences with their chiropractors over time and feel like they've received quality care from them.

Seeing a chiropractor regularly can help you maintain your spine in a physiological position and reap the benefits that come with this as you get to enjoy the improved functionality of all the structures connected to the spine.

 Additionally, when dealing with chronic affections like arthritis, post-fracture discomfort, or joint issues, regular chiropractic treatment can help patients manage pain and decrease the use of anti-inflammatory medication — or even eliminate it entirely.

Final Thoughts

If you want to learn more about whether chiropractors are good for your specific needs, contact our office located in Los Gatos, CA. We can discuss what we can offer and how to best support your health. Helping people gain better health by treating their musculoskeletal system as a whole is our specialty.

You might also enjoy:

• Defining Chiropractic Manipulation Adjustments (And What They Can Do For You)

• When To See a Chiropractor: 5 Tell-Tale Signs

• Is Severe Pain After Chiropractic Adjustment Normal?