Chiropractors are trained in the management of problems relating to the backbone and joints. They can identify misalignments, areas of inflammation or weakness, and evaluate health problems through a thorough physical assessment. Chiropractors diagnose the causes of back pain, joint and muscle issues, and they treat the problem with professional, informed, evidence-based care.

You, however, are the expert in your own body, and you’re the one person who knows it best. While you may be unable to palpate and assess and make complex diagnoses about vertebrae, you are the first one to know when something’s wrong. Self-care is important, and it means looking after yourself the same way you’d look after someone else who’s important to you. Modern life can be fast-paced, and, you can sometimes feel that you haven’t got the time, the money, or just the energy to consult a professional about problems you’ve just gotten used to. But what if the problem doesn’t go away?

In general practice and specialist areas, healthcare professionals see many, many people who have waited until their problems are severe before they seek treatment. And most people even wonder what does a chiropractor do and this may be down to an ingrained feeling that they shouldn’t make a fuss, or it may be that they’re worried about the financial outlay. But catching a problem early means better, quicker recovery, and shorter courses of treatment. This helps to avoid the long-term expenses and potential loss of income associated with waiting until a problem becomes debilitating before seeking specialist attention.

You should see a chiropractor if:

You have back, neck or pelvic pain, or pain in your arms or legs.

You have had an injury resulting in problems in the back and related joints and muscles.

You feel that your work, leisure activities, or anything in your lifestyle is causing physical strain.

Pain keeps you up at night or wakes you from sleep.

Your mobility is reduced.

Work-related back, joint, and muscular pain are all too common, whether because of heavy lifting, repetitive strain, bad posture, or even an accident resulting in injury. This can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility which, as if they’re not bad enough themselves, can contribute to many serious health conditions.

Management of chronic pain can be complex and tricky, and likely to involve medication which comes with its problematic side effects. By all means, use medication to provide relief when needed; there is no need to be in pain. But remember that there may be a way to tackle the problem at its root, to identify a treatable, physical cause, and that’s exactly what chiropractors do.

There are many options for treatment. A family doctor is often the first port of call for any medical needs and can prescribe medication for short-term pain-relief if required. A chiropractor, on the other hand, will perform a holistic assessment to see what they can do to help. They aim to use physical manipulation techniques to correct any misalignments and ease any pain and swelling. They may use diagnostic tools like X-rays to help identify the cause of your pain, and if they suspect a condition that can’t be managed by chiropractic treatment, they will recommend other avenues.

A chiropractor will:

Perform a physical assessment in a way that you’re comfortable with.

Find out as much as they can about you as a whole; your activities and lifestyle, your general health and diet.

Involve you in creating a clear treatment plan to achieve a mutually agreed and achievable target.

Use diagnostic tools like X-rays or MRI scans to fully assess the problematic areas.

Aim to eradicate the problem at its source, and improve your symptoms as quickly and completely as possible.

Ensure that you fully understand and agree before…