Many individuals looking to improve their health and well-being are choosing to see a chiropractor. A chiropractor is a doctor who has skills and experience in helping patients deal with various health issues by utilizing an integrative, holistic approach. Some individuals visit a chiropractor after failing to see desired results from other medical options. Other individuals prefer to see a chiropractor as a healthy, all-natural, drug-free alternative to other traditional medicine and therapies. There are numerous health benefits to getting chiropractic care. Below are ten reasons to see a chiropractor to improve your health and well-being.

1. Persistent Back Pain

Especially as we get older, back pain that is chronic or persistent is a common medical complaint that many individuals suffer from. Pain may be caused by various reasons, ranging from poor posture, or from heavy lifting to more severe injuries. Pain is often caused by a spine that is out of alignment. A chiropractor can perform spinal realignment, which often results in a reduction of pain without medication. In addition, poor posture, excess body weight, strained ligaments and muscles, and ruptured disks may all lead to chronic back pain. A chiropractor may offer many different treatment options to alleviate back pain. Spinal manipulation has been medically noted in the Journal of the American Medical Association as an effective alternative to pain medication when treating back pain.

2.  Stress Relief

Many individuals may not know that chiropractic care may assist with physical and emotional relief, including relieving stress from the body. Chiropractic care can lead to a well-adjusted, healthy body that can relieve stress and lead to better sleep. This is because the nervous system works by sending signals between the brain and different regions of the body, and when the spine is not in proper alignment, the effects will be apparent throughout the whole body. When stress builds, physical manifestations may be seen through nerve compressions, muscle imbalances, and a misaligned spine, leading to further anxiety and sleeplessness. As the spine is the core of the central nervous system connecting the entire body, chiropractic treatments may relieve these conditions. A chiropractor can help you find relief and get you back to living life to its fullest.

3. Improving Posture

In today's modern age, it is becoming increasingly easy to suffer from poor posture leading to further health issues. Prolonged computer use, poor sleeping positions, awkward sitting positions, and too much texting may all lead to misalignment of the spine and neck. In addition, different habits and activities may lead to unwanted curvature of the spine. Chiropractors help with posture improvement. A chiropractor will perform treatments that will help realign the spine and neck, relieve pain, and improve posture.

4. Improved Immune System

Your overall health and immune system are connected to your nervous system which affects different regions of the body. If your nervous system fails to work as it should or fails to effectively receive signals vital for its proper functioning, your immune system and overall health will be negatively affected. Chiropractic treatments help improve the immune system and lead to faster recovery times from illness or injury, naturally. If you are struggling to recover from an illness or injury, it is a good time to contact a chiropractor.

5. Treating Whiplash

When involved in a car collision, it is very common to suffer from a condition known as whiplash. This medical condition occurs when the neck is jolted rapidly back and forth, causing ligaments, tendons, and muscles to become strained. In addition, whiplash may impact spinal alignment, particularly in the cervical area. After a car accident, chiropractic care is an effective way to treat a whiplash injury and ensure that you recover as quickly as possible. Additionally, if you suffer from any other chronic neck pain, you may benefit from chiropractic treatment.

6. Treating Headaches

While a common malady, headaches can become seriously disruptive to your work and general enjoyment of life. Headaches may range from dull and throbbing to debilitating and nausea-causing. Although headaches may stem from various causes ranging from foods, lights, noises, odors, neck injury, hormones, medications, or other health issues, chiropractic care can effectively treat a range of headaches stemming from different causes. In 2014, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported that chiropractic care could reduce pain and the occurrence of headaches and migraines.

7. Treating Behavioral Disorders

Studies have shown that chiropractic care may be a promising option in ADHD management and in managing other behavioral and brain disorders. While ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) has known treatments and medications, not all treatments are effective for all individuals, or drug therapies may cause unwanted side effects. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective alternative to traditional medications and treatments or may be used in conjunction with other treatments. For example, one research study indicated that a 5-year-old boy saw improvement in his ADHD symptoms after receiving one year of spinal therapy, soft tissue therapy, and stretching from a chiropractor. Many individuals have seen positive results relating to mood and management of behavioral-disorder-related symptoms through chiropractic therapy.

8. Pregnancy

When pregnant, the extra weight carried from the baby or babies, associated retained fluids, and any additional gained weight may contribute to health issues such as back pain, a misaligned pelvis, ligament pain, sciatica, or undue stress on the uterus and supporting ligaments. These ailments may lead to more severe issues such as preterm labor or breech birth. The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association recommends that women receive chiropractic care throughout pregnancy to promote proper pelvis alignment and reduce stress on the uterus. Receiving regular chiropractic care during pregnancy can lead to optimal baby positioning and easy delivery for both mother and baby. You should discuss chiropractic care with your OB/GYN before receiving treatment.

9. Sports Performance

Whether engaging in low-impact or contact sports, athletes tend to put a lot of stress on their bodies. Whether through repetitive motion, contact with others or objects, sprains, strains, broken bones, or stress on joints, sports often leave an impact. Therefore, many athletes, whether professional or hobbyist, seek chiropractic care such as soft tissue or spinal manipulative therapy, along with other treatments to encourage healing and quicker recovery times. In fact, many athletic programs at high school, college, and professional levels include chiropractic care within their training programs.

10. Car Accidents

After a car accident, it is essential to ensure that your injuries are effectively diagnosed and treated to restore you best back to optimal physical and emotional health as quickly as possible. Common injuries that may be sustained in a collision include whiplash, neck and back pain, and soft tissue injuries. Car accidents may cause lasting pain or pain that may not appear for some time down the road. It is essential to visit a chiropractor soon after an accident to assess injuries and create a treatment plan. Your doctor will help relieve your pain, restore mobility, improve range of motion and flexibility, and speed up the healing process. For more reasons to see a chiropractor and to receive an individualized care plan catered to your needs, visit Atlas Total Health. You can call (866) 668-0108 today to schedule an appointment.

1. Dysfunction Begins Long Before Pain

The absence of pain is not always an indicator of health. For example, patients with back injuries typically experience restriction and motion limitations for months or years before presenting as chronic pain necessitating a chiropractor. Often, individuals hope that all they need to do is take a pain reliever, and the pain will go away. Unfortunately, the dysfunction causing the pain persists. Joint, ligament, and muscle injuries frequently occur from long-term dysfunction, often from past injuries that make the area more prone to becoming injured in the future.

2. Athletes See Chiropractors for Maintenance Care and Not Only to Treat Issues

Top athletes such as Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Evander Holyfield, and more have all publicly exclaimed how beneficial they found chiropractic care to be. Athletes like to see chiropractors because chiropractic doctors are movement experts. It is increasingly common for sports teams and professional athletes to retain chiropractors to speed along recovery times, improve balance and coordination of the athletes, aid the athletes in preventing injuries, and ensure that all athletes are in top physical condition.

3. Peak Body Performance Begins with a Healthy Nervous System

The spinal cord is the point of origin of all nerves that travel through your body and are in charge of your bodily functions. When nerves become pinched or otherwise impeded by joints and surrounding tissue, nerve signal transmission may be inhibited. Subluxation, otherwise known as biomechanical integrity disruption, is something that a chiropractor can address and help heal. Interestingly, connections have been found correlating conditions such as mid-back pain to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or upper back pain to acid reflux. Adjustments from a chiropractor that free the flow of proper nerve signal transmission throughout the body may lead to alleviation of an array of coexisting symptoms.

4. Healing is Not Done by the Doctor

Doctors do not spontaneously heal you, but they do restore proper motion to joints, relieve tension in nerves and muscles, and stimulate your body's internal healing functions to allow your body to heal properly and recover as quickly as possible from any taxation. In integrative medicine, such as chiropractic care, it is thought that all disease comes from disruption to the body's proper transmission of signals by the nerves. Chiropractors treat dysfunction by making adjustments to restore the nervous system, so that it may work as optimally as possible.

5. People of All Ages Can Benefit from Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care is for individuals of all life stages. Chiropractors have successfully helped newborns, children, pregnant women, and seniors. Many older adults are unaware that a chiropractor can safely assist them with increasing their balance and coordination, decreasing joint degeneration, and helping to expand their range of motion. Conversely, an infant after birth may benefit from a chiropractor to make adjustments to their spine and any misalignments to their upper vertebrae which may have occurred during delivery. Many parents often opt to receive chiropractic therapy for their children to assist with bedwetting, behavioral issues, allergies, sleep issues, asthma, and colic and help with healthy brain development. Many individuals of all ages choose to see a chiropractor to support their overall well-being.

6. Chiropractors Can Treat More Than Your Back

Chiropractors are specialized doctors qualified to give you recommendations on nutrition, ergonomics, fitness, and lifestyle practices. Chiropractors frequently also have additional specialties such in as sports rehabilitation, clinical nutrition, addiction disorders, and pediatrics. Chiropractic treatment can assist with behavioral and emotional disorders, decreasing stress, reducing pain, and resolving issues related to the back, neck, arms, legs, wrists, or other joints. Many individuals have seen even more benefits.

7. Successful Patients Take Responsibility for Their Care

While some individuals say that they did not benefit from chiropractic treatment, often, these people are long-time sufferers of chronic pain and conditions that did not occur overnight. Especially in the case of long-term conditions, one cannot expect instant recovery from a few initial sessions. Healing from years of stress placed on the body and dysfunction can be a gradually progressive process. Additionally, high inflammation due to dietary issues and other factors can damper the healing process. Finally, many chiropractors will send you home with at-home exercises for strengthening and healing the body. Individuals looking for a miracle fix but who aren't willing to make any changes in lifestyle to mitigate the onset of their symptoms are unlikely to find absolute relief from chiropractic adjustment alone.

8. Chiropractic Care May Help You Avoid Illness

Numerous studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments reduce pain and inflammation related to tissue damage, and also enhances immunoregulatory responses essential to a healthy immune system. It has been commonly reported that chiropractic patients feel they have a better immune response and quicker recovery rates from illnesses and injuries. Historically, it has even been noted that chiropractic doctors during the 1917-1918 Spanish flu recorded having patients that had fewer fatalities than the general population and recorded their findings.

9. It Is a Common Myth That You Will Have to Go “Forever”

While it is true that some patients choose to regularly see a chiropractor for maintenance care because they enjoy getting adjusted, your doctor will not expect you to come in for continuous care without symptoms. After you have been treated for your initial injuries or symptoms, you will often be scheduled for a couple follow-up appointments to ensure that you are not experiencing any subsequent issues, and then your treatment has been concluded. However, it is suggested that you periodically get a check-up, just as you would with a dentist or general practitioner, to ensure that you remain in optimal health. Some individuals, especially athletes, opt to see a chiropractor regularly for overall wellness and maintenance care so they may remain in peak physical health.

10. Adjustments Don’t Hurt

No, your bones won't snap or break, and your joints will not be worn out. Although the sometimes audible popping or cracking sound that comes with adjustment (called cavitation) may be intimidating at first, it is not painful. Many people find they feel better and lighter after the adjustment. The sound the adjustment may make is simple gasses being released from the joint capsule. After an adjustment, you will likely experience greater ease in moving the body and may even be able to stand up taller.

When it comes to doctors, dentists, and chiropractors, many individuals have an innate fear. Whether the reluctance comes from fear of a negative diagnosis, undesired physical contact, or fear of the unknown, it seems all too common that people put off medical treatments. While some individuals might find visiting a chiropractor for the first time to be exhilarating, the reality is that many individuals are afraid of what is unknown to them or erroneously believe that chiropractor visits may be painful. When it comes to missed or unscheduled medical or dental appointments, fear of pain is often cited as one of the top reasons. Historically, treatment from a chiropractic doctor began as an alternative to surgery and pharmaceutical drugs. Fast-forward to today, the Journal of the American Medical Association still recommends chiropractic treatment before resorting to an invasive procedure. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective branch of medical care that is beneficial for relieving pain and improving many ailments, thereby promoting healing, and restoring individuals to optimum physical health. If you are still feeling apprehensive, make an appointment with our healthcare professionals to discuss how we may help you and answer any questions you may have by calling (866) 668-0108. You may feel relieved after knowing just what to expect, and as always, there is no commitment required. One of the most important things to note is that chiropractic adjustments relieve pain and never induce it. However, many individuals still wonder just what they may be in for if they decide to receive chiropractic therapy. Therefore, we created a list of six things you may not know about when it comes to receiving an adjustment from a chiropractor:

1. Chiropractic Adjustments Don't Hurt

One of the most prominent reasons people avoid going to see a chiropractor is the belief that adjustments will be painful. Adjustments made by a chiropractic doctor may be a bit uncomfortable initially. Still, frequently many patients wish they had seen us sooner. If you have ever popped your own back or neck, you will have a good idea of what an adjustment may feel like. Many individuals often equate this sensation with relief, and some even say that it feels good. Restoring the spine's alignment and putting joints back into a full range of motion is often relieving and offers resolve from painful pressures and medical impairments. Adjustments are painless but may feel slightly uncomfortable, depending upon the amount of tension or inflammation in the area being worked on. Like any other exercise or therapy, some individuals may feel somewhat sore or tender after treatment, especially after the first session, but this is considered normal and is not described as painful. Feeling slightly dizzy after a session is also a normal side effect. However, the benefits of chiropractic medicine far outweigh any minimal side effects, which are exponentially less than traditional drug therapies, injections, or surgeries.

2. Popping or Cracking Noises Are Normal

When a joint in the body is adjusted, you will often hear a vacuum sound of gas being released inside the fluid found within every joint. This action may be thought of as being similar to a suction cup being pulled off of something and creating a popping sound. This sound is not bones being cracked or broken and contrary to myth, popping your joints is not harmful. However, not every adjustment will make a cracking sound. Many adjustments may not make any audible noise. It is a common misconception that no noise means that the adjustment wasn't successful. Low force adjustments or joints that do not have a gas build-up will not create a sound. Often the “scariest” adjustment that people are fretful about is the popping of the neck. While this may make a loud audible popping noise, neck adjustments are safe and effective.

3. You Will Feel Changes Almost Instantly

Depending on the medical issues you are experiencing and the severity of any problems, almost everyone will feel an improvement immediately after receiving an adjustment. However, suppose your condition has gone untreated for some time. In that event, you may feel a bit off when getting adjusted to the proper alignment, as your body has been accustomed to being out of alignment for so long. Responses to adjustments can vary, and most everyone reports having positive change, having more flexibility in certain areas, and feeling more relaxed. You may, however, feel tired after a session, akin to a heavy workout at the gym. This is normal. Muscles that have been stuck in improper positions for some time may feel sore from being worked.

4. There Are Internal Changes That You Might Not Feel

While some changes after an adjustment you will feel right away, others you may not feel at all. Yet, internal changes still happen after an adjustment. When normal energy flow is restored and the central nervous system can communicate freely, you will notice changes in how you feel. Your central nervous system controls internal organs, hormones, and millions of cells. Studies have additionally shown that chiropractic adjustments stimulate the thalamus, a region in the brain known for its roles in motor and sensory processing, as well as emotions and alertness. Adjustments also have been proven to relieve inflammation, reduce stress, and improve the immune system.

5. These Changes Are Verifiable

Changes after chiropractic adjustment sometimes may not be seen or felt. This can make it difficult to tell whether or not an adjustment was successful. For example, a 2013 study published by the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies found that changes in the subject's spine were apparent on an MRI, even though the subjects stated they felt little to no changes. Additionally, a study in 2007 found that chiropractic adjustments improve brain function and overall body health. Additional studies have shown that chiropractic therapies reduce cortisol, increase sleep patterns, and even reduce behavioral health symptoms. After adjustments, you should notice improved performance or increased mobility, improved energy levels, and improved cognitive function.

6. Toxic Release After Chiropractic Adjustment

After your first adjustments, you may feel symptoms similar to a slight cold or flu and may be referred to as toxic release after an adjustment. Roughly ⅕ of all first-time patients experience these symptoms. However, do not fret, as this is a good sign! The release of toxins is a sign that the body is healing. When it comes to toxic release, you may experience (or not at all):

• Minor headaches
• Night sweats
• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue

Again, most individuals do not experience these symptoms at all, but if you do, do not worry! They are temporary and signify that your body is on the mend and is releasing toxins that have built up in the body.

For many Americans, golf is considered one of the most enjoyable pastimes. In fact, in 2020, according to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 25 million Americans played golf out on a golf course. That’s around 8 percent of the U.S. population, which is a pretty large number of individuals. However, like anything, playing golf can come with some drawbacks. Every golf swing made during play exerts some pressure on the back, which may eventually lead to stiffness and pain. When it comes to golf injuries, 85% of reported injuries were related to the spine and low back pain. Unfortunately, injuries occur more often than not. In fact, studies have found that roughly 70% of golfers have suffered from at least one injury during their careers. Furthermore, while it is true that most golf-related injuries are relatively minor, approximately half are chronic injuries. This means that they will get worse with time unless they are treated properly. Whether the golfer is a professional or a beginner, the benefits of a chiropractor to a golfer can hardly be overlooked. There are many reasons why golfers love to see a chiropractor. Golfers routinely see their chiropractors to remove their discomfort and realign their spine, as well as additional benefits that may be given by visiting a chiropractor's office. In fact, it has been reported that 75% of professional golfers routinely see a chiropractor.  We have narrowed down the top seven reasons why golfers love receiving chiropractic care:

1.  Increased Flexibility

One of the few sports that require consistent flexibility is golf. Golfers must have a flexible spine to allow them to make an excellent swing. Through chiropractic care, the flexibility of a golfer may be restored. When meeting with your chiropractor, he or she will address any concerns you have in relation to stiffness, strains, or inflammation and will develop a personalized therapy program that is catered to your individual needs. Flexibility and range of motion may be increased, and any limitations of motion may be restored through chiropractic therapy to optimal flexibility.

2.   Poor Swing Mechanics

Swing mechanics can make or break a golfer. All good swings should be smooth, fluid, and seamless and made in a continuous motion. However, due to physical restrictions, some golfers may be unable to easily make these smooth motions that contribute to a good swing. However, a chiropractor can perform a variety of treatments to restore physical health and minimize any mechanical restrictions, allowing you to perform at your best.

3.   Poor Posture

One limitation many golfers struggle with is having an awkward posture. If you struggle with bad posture, a chiropractor may be able to help you to improve it. There are many treatments and exercises a chiropractic doctor will be able to suggest or initiate according to your individualized care plan to return you to peak health. The key to achievement in golf may lie not in training but in being and remaining in optimal physical condition. It is a myth that golf is purely a technical sport. Swinging a club, twisting the body, and stooping and bending, over the course of many years can be physically demanding. Competitive golfers must invest in their bodies to be at the top of their game. Many professional golfers have used and sworn by chiropractic care, including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and more, who have highly regarded chiropractic treatment publicly as a key to success. Golfers routinely discover that a chiropractor helps them stay in the best shape possible.

4.   Improved Balance and Coordination

Golfers require a good deal of balance and coordination, whether when setting yourself for a small put or for a long drive. If your balance feels off, your whole swing can be thrown off. Without proper coordination and balance, swings may be leaned to one side, or you may miss an easy putt entirely. Balance issues may stem from several different problems, including hip imbalance, the difference in leg length, misalignment of the spine, or curvature of the spine. Chiropractors may help you correct balance issues by ensuring that your body is aligned properly. Chiropractic adjustments will help correct misalignments allowing you to perform optimally.

5. Drug-Free Pain Relief

Unfortunately, pains and aches can result from playing golf, especially when having played over the course of many years. Fortunately, an experienced chiropractic doctor can help reduce your aches and pains, promote the healing process, and increase your immune response naturally. Best of all, chiropractors offer pain relief that is entirely drug-free, freeing individuals from many negative side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Chiropractic care has also been shown to be an effective alternative

6.  Avoid Future Golf Injuries

Golf can be an extremely demanding sport. Although many players can continue to engage in this pastime well into their elderly years, golf injuries may happen to anyone at any time. Chiropractic care is a wonderful solution to aid your body in staying in shape, avoiding future injuries, and recovering from any current injuries. By seeing a chiropractor who has experience working with golfers, you will give your body the best chance of remaining injury-free. Explain to your chiropractor how much you play golf and where you may be experiencing any comfort. For example, a golfer's elbow may come on slow but is a prevalent injury that players may suffer from. Injuries may prevent you from playing for weeks or even months. With the help of a chiropractor, you will be back on the course as soon as possible.

7.   Investing in Your Health as a Golfer

Engaging in any competitive sport may tax the body, especially over time. In addition to diet and exercise, it is vital that you invest in your health as a golfer. Seeing a chiropractor will help you maintain your health and improve your game. You will see increases in energy and flexibility and have reduced risks of obtaining an injury. Join other professional and hobbyist golfers by visiting a chiropractor to receive a personalized treatment plan to help you to play at your very best.