Chiropractic care guide: What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors may be widely known for treating back pain and neck pain, but you might be surprised to learn that many people visit a chiropractor to get relief from headaches, arthritis and other conditions.

Chiropractors treat about 35 million Americans each year and are the third largest primary care health profession, following doctors of medicine and dentistry.¹ Read on to learn more about the many reasons to visit a chiropractor and the different types of chiropractic care.

When should I go to a chiropractor?

Chiropractors treat disorders related to the musculoskeletal system, using a holistic approach that focuses on treating the whole person versus a single condition. The basic premise is that the spine is the center of health and wellness, and when the spine is out of alignment, pain and inflammation in other parts of the body can occur.

Chiropractors primarily use manual therapy to treat a variety of health conditions. The goal of chiropractic care is to help people feel better and live a more active life, without the side effects of medication or surgery.

What conditions do chiropractors treat?

Common reasons people visit a chiropractor are to treat lower back pain, upper back pain and neck pain due to a herniated disc, injury or a chronic condition.

Chiropractic treatments have also been shown to be effective for addressing the following conditions:

• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Osteoarthritis, a common condition that can cause knee pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Sciatica pain that extends down the hip and legs
• Sleep issues
• Athletic performance, to prevent and treat injury
• Injuries due to car accidents, such as whiplash
• Carpal tunnel syndrome, to help reduce the tingling in your wrist
• Arthritis

With more people working and learning from home, chiropractors have noticed more patients complaining of neck, wrist and shoulder pain. These symptoms are usually related to poor posture from hunching over a computer screen or monitor, and “text neck” from looking down at mobile devices. In addition to chiropractic adjustments, chiropractors recommend raising computer monitors to eye level, ensuring that office chairs are just high enough so your feet can touch the floor and getting up to take frequent screen breaks.

What are chiropractic treatments?

Chiropractic treatments focus on a variety of non-invasive methods to help the body heal itself, rather than relying on medications or surgery. The most common chiropractic therapy is a chiropractic adjustment, also referred to as spinal manipulation. The purpose of an adjustment is to restore joint mobility by manually manipulating the joints to alleviate pain and muscle tightness.

Other types of chiropractic treatments can include:

• Massage, including deep tissue massage to help with muscle knots in the back
• Acupuncture, which involves inserting tiny needles into pressure points to reduce pain and discomfort
• Cold laser therapy
• Ice or heat therapy
• Physical therapy
• Rehabilitation exercises

What is a chiropractic treatment plan?

During your first visit, the chiropractor will conduct a thorough exam, review your symptoms and your medical history, and possibly take X-rays. Then your chiropractor will recommend a customized treatment plan to help alleviate your symptoms.

A treatment plan may include one or more adjustments, additional chiropractic therapies, and healthy lifestyle habits that focus on exercise and nutrition. Your chiropractor may suggest exercises you can perform on your own time to help your body heal. These may include exercises that increase flexibility and range of motion to help improve posture and strengthen muscles.

How many chiropractic sessions will I need?

The number of chiropractic sessions you need will depend on your condition and how quickly your body responds to treatment. Many chiropractors suggest weekly appointments when you begin treatment. As your body heals, your chiropractor may recommend less frequent visits.

Are chiropractic adjustments effective?

Chiropractic treatments, combined with exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits, can help keep you active and pain free. They may also reduce the need to turn to prescription medications and surgery to treat many conditions.

In addition to regular chiropractic care, The American Chiropractic Association recommends these healthy lifestyle tips:

• Do weight bearing exercises like walking, jogging, weightlifting and planks to strengthen core muscles and improve bone density
• Stop smoking
• Lead an active lifestyle
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of calcium, vitamin D and protein for healthy bones and muscles
• Get enough sleep

The CareCredit credit card is an easy way to pay for the cost of chiropractic care, including consultations, exams, spinal adjustments and other treatments at locations in the CareCredit network.* Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a chiropractor near you that accepts CareCredit.