What can a chiropractor treat? This type of medical professional can diagnose and treat several kinds of spinal disorders that cause nervous system pain or musculoskeletal pain. Similar to traditional practitioners, a chiropractor uses physical exams and neurological tests as part of his or her diagnostic process to determine how to treat a patient. Chiropractors may order CT scans and x-rays as part of the process.
There are several spinal disorders that can be evaluated by chiropractors and treated with chiropractic therapies.
Herniated Disc
First of all, one of the most common spinal disorders that chiropractors treat is herniated discs. This disorder generally occurs in the lower back or neck. A herniated disc causes pain in a person when the interior or exterior areas of the disc begin to press on the root of nerve that is nearby.
Back Strains and Sprains
Furthermore, these common spinal disorders affect three out of every four adult men and women. A sprain occurs when a ligament becomes torn or overstretched. A strain involves the muscles and tendons of the back. Either of these injuries can occur when a person bends or twists incorrectly while performing a movement, lift excessive weight or play a very strenuous sport.
The symptoms include pain that is:
- Aching
- Dull
- Sharp
- Burning
- Tingling
- Stabbing
Cervicogenic Headaches
Patients usually refer to these types of headaches as neck pain. The patient feels this pain near the neck at the back of the head and sometimes behind the eyes and in the temples. Cervicogenic headaches are often mistaken for cluster headaches or migraine headaches.
Whiplash
In addition, whiplash is an injury that typically only occurs to patients who have been in car accidents. It is a hyperextension/hyperflexion injury, and it causes the head and neck to “whip” quickly to the front (hyperflexion) and backwards (hyperextension). This rapid movement can cause severe muscle strain or sprain in the neck.
Sciatica
Finally, sciatica is a medical condition that is the result of compression in the entire or part of the sciatic nerve. The most recognizable symptom is mild to severe pain that is located under the knee of a leg. Most patients describe sciatica as shooting pain that feels similar to electric shock.
In conclusion, what can chiropractors treat? They help treat patients who want to use alternative treatment methods for their spinal and musculoskeletal health issues. These natural treatments can eliminate the pain and increase a person’s overall health.
If you have one of these health issues or another issue that you think a chiropractor can help you with, call Dr. Renee White at 404-345-1609 and find out today.
