The human body has 206 bones — and 24 of those build the spine.
It’s not uncommon for some of them to fall out of alignment. A chiropractor’s job is to manipulate the spine to reduce pain, improve posture and more.
But how do you know if it’s time for a chiropractic adjustment? It’s not always pain emanating from the spine — it could be one of these nine signs.
1. You Suffer From Headaches
One in every 20 adults has a headache every day. Your head might hurt for a multitude of reasons: staring at your computer, skipping your morning coffee or even losing out on sleep the night before.
However, another reason why you might have headaches is because of neck and spinal misalignment. Your chiropractor can help reduce the strain on your neck with adjustments. And, when that pain and pressure disappears, your headaches might, too.
2. You’ve Had an Accident
A recent accident could precipitate a trip to the chiropractor. We’re not just talking about car accidents, although those can hurt your spine and neck. Even slipping on ice or falling down the stairs could have damaged your frame, too.
Keep in mind that you can still feel pain from an accident for years after one happens. So, if you can trace your pain back to the day you got hurt, you may have lingering injuries. And a chiropractor can help you start to soothe the ache.
3. Your Range of Motion is Diminished
Your chiropractor can help you resume your daily activities. Perhaps you’ve found that you can’t perform simple tasks anymore. And it is certainly stressful to find you’re unable to do laundry or tie your shoes anymore.
A chiropractic adjustment can reduce the pain you feel while performing such routine tasks. Your doctor can realign your spine, but they can relieve tension in muscles and joints, too. All of this can get you back to your regular tasks and range of motion.
4. You Have Chronic Pain
On that note, a constant ache in your joints or muscles is a sign that you should see a chiropractor. And people deal with chronic pain and aches. But you don’t have to simply suffer through yours.
Many people associate trips to the chiropractor for back pain. But these doctors can assuage achy knees, ankles, hands and joints, too.
If you have a spot that’s constantly causing you pain, it could be worth it to see a chiropractor to find out if they can help you.
5. You’re Congested
We don’t often associate bones and spinal alignment with reduced congestion.
However, a chiropractor can adjust the upper cervical area to reduce pressure on the brain stem. This relieves the sinuses, as it unblocks the throat and helps them to drain.
Sometimes, a sinus infection can cause head and neck pain, too. Your chiropractor can help with these temporary side effects.
6. You Feel Tingles in Your Arms or Legs
Sometimes, tingling legs and arms are a sign of nerve damage. And your chiropractor is an expert in determining why you have such a sensation.
In rare cases, tingling can be a sign of a deeper underlying issue. However, most people feel this sensation when they sit for long stretches. A sedentary job could be causing you to feel this way — and adjustment could help get your body back into its natural alignment.
7. You Sit All Day
On that note, a sedentary job can cause a slew of health issues. It can ruin your posture and cause damage to the spine and back. This is especially true if you hunch in your chair, or if your desk is otherwise unergonomic.
So, make a few adjustments to your work setup. Sit up straight and don’t strain your neck. And, if that doesn’t help, you should call your chiropractor. They know how to relieve back pain caused by a sedentary lifestyle.
8. You Want to Be or Are Pregnant
A body in alignment doesn’t have any obstructions, which is vital to women who are trying to conceive. So, if you’re having trouble getting pregnant, your chiropractor can make sure your frame is in order.
Once you are with child, your chiropractor can be an even bigger help. Carrying around extra weight in your belly can put pressure on the spine and back. You already know that a chiropractor can help you with that, too.
It won’t be a painful or intense adjustment, though. Most chiropractors perform pregnancy massages, a gentler way of aligning and strengthening the spine during gestation.
9. You Want to Improve Your Health
Chiropractic adjustments can enhance your overall health. Even if you don’t have throbbing aches and pains in your neck and spine, a chiropractor can help you feel good.
Maintaining good posture and relieving undue pressure on your bones is always a good thing. Health-conscious adults can see chiropractors for this reason and get ahead of the aches and pains that could come down the line.
Try a Chiropractic Adjustment
As you can see, there are plenty of signs you need a chiropractic adjustment. And you have a lot to gain from a session — you will feel less pain and bodily discomfort. You will stand tall and feel stronger.
If that sounds good, all you have left to do is find a local care provider who can give you the treatment you need. Check out the rest of our site for more health-related advice and tips, for your next trip to the chiropractor and beyond.