DOES A CHIROPRACTOR TREAT MORE THAN JUST BACK PAIN?

29 Sep 2018

Yes, although chiropractors are typically known for their role as “back doctors” they do treat many more conditions than just back pain. A chiropractor’s job is to focus on the neuro-musculoskeletal system of the body, which includes joints, muscles, ligaments and nerves. Chiropractors begin their training with heavy studies in anatomy, physiology and neuroscience allowing them to become very knowledgeable in the science behind musculoskeletal injuries. Their training then extends to conditions not only associated with the spine but also the extremities. This can include conditions such as carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, rotator cuff injuries, sciatica, sprains and strains and many others.

Most chiropractors will begin their initial examination of a patient by looking at the spine first especially if a patient is presenting with a complaint that involves any changes in sensation such as numbness or tingling, shooting pain or weakness. This is because all of the nerves in the body that cause this type of pain originate from the spine. The brain and spinal cord are what is known as the central nervous system, from there every nerve beyond that is part of the peripheral nervous system. As soon as these nerves exit the spinal cord they travel between the vertebrae of the spine and through various paths down to the fingers and toes respectively. If the complaint is of sensory change or weakness, the chiropractor’s job is to identify where the problem may be coming from. Whether it be where the nerves are exiting the spine or in the extremities such as the carpal tunnel. Once the true location of the complaint is identified a chiropractor will then treat the appropriate area to resolve the complaint.

This treatment approach is similar for other areas of pain. The chiropractor will identify through a thorough examination, whether it is the muscles, joints, ligaments or nerves that are affected and causing the pain and then treat the appropriate structure.

Although back pain is the number one reason most people choose to visit a chiropractor it is important to know that chiropractors are qualified to treat many other conditions that extend beyond back pain.