The most common reason people seek out the care of a chiropractor is neck and back pain or injuries- which are both great reasons to see a spinal expert. Many people who visit for these reasons are surprised to find that there are a large number of benefits to visiting an orthopedic clinic, as spinal health influences overall health. In addition to visiting the chiropractor in response to a problem, it can also be a great preventative health measure that impacts a wide range of health issues. Read on to learn what kind of symptoms may be a sign you should seek out chiropractic adjustments.

1. A Limited Range of Motion

Simple activities can become hard when your range of motion is limited. You may notice it’s suddenly hard to bend down and tie your shoes, to reach into cabinets you previously could access without a problem, or to perform a number of daily tasks. This limited range of motion can be related to the spine, the muscles, or both and can be helped by chiropractic care. An orthopedic clinic will focus on relieving these symptoms and strengthening the necessary muscles to prevent the issue in the future.

2. Constant Headaches

There are a large number of factors that can contribute to frequent or severe headaches, including dehydration or malnutrition, oxygen deprivation, or misalignments in the neck and spine. In addition to addressing these misalignments, a chiropractic adjustment can improve blood flow and reduce the incidents as well. Many people turn to pain relievers that don’t address the root cause of the headaches, but chiropractic care focuses on finding the source of the problem and addressing it.

3. Sitting for Long Periods

Many people’s jobs require them to be sedentary for a large chunk of the day, and in many cases, they are hunched over a keyboard and staring at a computer. This can lead to poor posture, which puts pressure on the upper back, neck, and shoulders. If this pressure builds enough, the discs and bones in the spine can shift, causing slipped or herniated discs. Even if you do not see any other risk factors, preventative chiropractic care is important if you find yourself at a desk most of the day.

4. Congested Sinuses

Many people do not realize that a visit to the orthopedic clinic can assist with sinus congestion and the pain of sinus infections. Adjustments to the upper cervical spine often relieve tension on your brain stem, which leads to your throat relaxing and your sinus passages being able to drain more effectively.

5. Numbness and Tingling in the Arms or Legs

You may be used to the feeling of an extremity “falling asleep” if it has been trapped for too long, but if you begin to experience this often with no discernible cause, this can be a reason for concern. Even sitting for too long can cause the hands, feet, legs, and arms to tingle or become numb often, which is a sign of more serious conditions. Spinal adjustments are designed to remove nerve interference, which is often the cause of this numbness and tingling. A chiropractor will be able to identify how serious the root cause is and develop a plan to correct the issue.

6. An Active Lifestyle

If you spend a lot of time playing sports or working out, you may automatically assume you are in better health than most people. However, your body is being subjected to additional strain and pressure during these activities, which can lead to misalignments in the spine. Sports and physical activity can leave you prone to pinched nerves, slipped discs, or other alignment problems when the spine is not properly cared for by a chiropractor. Regular care can act as a preventative measure so you are not left with an injury that keeps you away from your favorite activities.

7. A Recent Car Accident

A car accident can cause a number of severe injuries that send you to an orthopedic clinic. Even if you do not notice symptoms right away, it is important to be evaluated by a skilled chiropractor following your crash to determine what type of care is needed. Not only does seeking treatment sooner lead to better results, but it is also important to demonstrate to your insurance company that you sought care quickly. Many chiropractors even specialize in car accident-related injuries.

At AICA Orthopedics, our chiropractors work with a team of specialists who also specialize in treating car accident victims. If you have recently suffered an injury, or feel you need chiropractic care for any reason, call one of our Atlanta area offices today to schedule your first consultation.