Chiropractic care treats bodily misalignments, most of which connect to spinal issues. It provides an effective form of pain management, especially when combined with recommended exercises and other healthy lifestyle changes. Here are a few common signs indicating it’s time to go to the chiropractor.

How to Tell It’s Time to Schedule Chiropractic Care 

1. Back Pain

Pain lasting three to six months or longer is considered chronic. Whether you have chronic back pain or severe acute pain that impairs daily activities, make an appointment with a chiropractor. The holistic health expert will identify the cause of your pain, such as a slipped spinal disc, posture issue, or muscle strain, to alleviate symptoms and provide a treatment plan.

2. Neck Pain

Neck pain manifests from poor posture, such as sitting hunched over a computer every day, as well as injuries such as car accident-related whiplash.

The latter issue causes the neck muscles to overextend and snap back into place, creating pain within 24 hours of the accident. It can damage the cervical muscles, intervertebral joints, spinal discs, nerve roots, and ligaments. It requires chiropractic care if pain and stiffness lasts more than a few weeks. Neck pain can also cause headaches that your chiropractor can help you treat.

3. Shooting Leg Pain

Sharp, shooting pain in the legs signals the need for chiropractic care; you could have sciatica, a common degenerative nerve condition caused by spinal disc herniation. Pressure on spinal discs and nerves can also cause shooting leg pain calling for professional adjustments. Leg weakness and tingling can indicate these issues as well. 

4. Range of Motion Issues

Lack of flexibility could simply mean you need to stretch; however, lasting range of motion issues such as the inability to turn your head fully or extend your arms and legs usually mean joint misalignments requiring chiropractic care. Bone and joint realignments restore range of motion to avoid daily task challenges.

If chiropractic care is right for your pain management needs, contact Hastings Family Chiropractic. The Hastings, NE, holistic health center has treated pain for over 25 years, providing a range of non-invasive therapies including spine and joint manipulations, laser therapy, massage, heat therapy, and ultrasound therapy. The chiropractors send friendly appointment reminders the day before and sometimes the day of. Call (402) 463-1955 today to make your appointment or request a call back online. Get the latest event news and wellness tips on Facebook.