A chiropractor handles many issues associated with the alignment of the spine. They're alternative medicine specialists who use spinal adjustments and special massage to promote healing. If you're dealing with alignment problems, chronic pain, or stiffness, a chiropractor may be for you. Here are health issues these specialists can treat.

1. Back Pain

Unfortunately, back pain is a common problem among many Americans. According to WebinarCare, as much as 10% of the international population has some form of lower back pain. Most people may have pain in this area because of an accident, strain from carrying heavy objects at work, surgery recovery, or even degeneration with age. Your chiropractor can use techniques, including an adjustment and therapeutic massage, to help ease your chronic back pain and improve your quality of life.

2. Whiplash

Whiplash occurs when the neck quickly snaps back and forth. You may not feel pain immediately, as it may take days or weeks to show up. If you hold off on treatment, your stiffness and pain will worsen. It can also cause a patient to develop headaches, nausea, dizziness, neck pain, poor range of motion, and numbness in the upper arm area. Seeing a chiropractic care specialist immediately after the accident, even if you don't have symptoms, can prevent those hidden whiplash symptoms from occurring.

3. Sleep Issues

According to the Sleep Foundation, you should get seven to nine hours of restful sleep. That's hard to do when dealing with chronic pain in your back and neck, nerve issues, or muscle pain. Solving the underlying issues that make your body feel tense or painful can put you in a position to fall asleep faster and stay asleep. As a result, you can reduce the likelihood of inflammation, brain fog, weight gain, and other issues that poor sleep can bring.

4. Sciatica

The sciatic nerve is the longest one in the body. When you have a bulging disc, it can compress this nerve. That compression can cause chronic pain that starts in the lower back and radiates down the leg until it reaches the back of the heel. Your chiropractor can help solve this issue as they gradually push your herniated disc back into place with manual or activator adjustments.

We are a Michigan-based chiropractor that provides free consultations. If you're dealing with any of the above issues or others related to spine, neck, and muscle pain, don't hesitate to contact us at The BackDoctors for a consultation.