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Can Chiropractors Help With General Aches and Pains?

Chiropractic care is often associated with spinal health, but its benefits extend much further, encompassing the general aches and pains that many individuals experience.

Whether these pains stem from daily activities, stress, or underlying health conditions, chiropractors are well-equipped to address and alleviate these discomforts.

Understanding the origins of these aches and the effectiveness of chiropractic treatments can help you decide if chiropractic care is the right choice for managing your symptoms.

Why Do My Muscles And Joints Ache?

Muscle and joint aches can arise from a range of activities and conditions, and they impact people of all ages (Muscle Aches). Whether they are caused by repetitive motion, injury, or age-related wear and tear, understanding these aches is crucial for effective treatment.

Muscles are essential for both body movements and for maintaining a fixed posture. Under normal conditions, muscles contract and relax as and when they are required.

Muscle aches and pains (“myalgia”) can occur anywhere in the body where there is muscle tissue. Myalgias are also extremely common, and most people will experience myalgia at some point in their life. They are typically caused by muscle tension, muscle overuse, or muscle injury.

Muscle tension occurs when a muscle contracts involuntarily for a sustained period of time. The pain associated with a localised area of muscle tension (a “knot”) is termed Myofascial pain.

In many cases, muscular knots have altered circulation and altered nervous system activity. In chiropractic terms, a knot is often referred to as a ”trigger point”.

What Causes The Problem?

Several factors contribute to general aches and pains.

  • Repetitive Strain: Repetitive movements at work or during exercise can lead to overuse injuries, causing muscle and joint pain.
  • Poor Posture: Long hours sitting with poor posture can lead to chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain.
  • Stress: Emotional stress can manifest physically, causing muscles to tense up and become painful.
  • Injuries: Accidents or falls can cause acute pain and contribute to long-term discomfort if not properly treated.
  • Dehydration: The muscles of a dehydrated individual may not get enough electrolytes. This can cause muscles to cramp and spasm. In addition, dehydration may cause muscle fatigue and post-exercise soreness.
  • Ageing: As we age, joint degeneration and muscle elasticity decrease, leading to increased discomfort.

Although not all muscle aches and pains are preventable, some can be prevented by regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress levels.

What Is The Best Treatment For General Muscle Aches And Pains?

Some simple home treatments that may relieve myalgia include:

  • Rest of the affected area;
  • Application of ice to the affected area (for pain relief and the reduction of inflammation);
  • Over-the-counter medication (for pain relief and/ or the reduction of inflammation);
  • Gentle stretches.

However, it is important to remember that professional treatment should be sought for:

  • Persistent pain (lasting longer than a few days of home treatment);
  • Severe muscle pain (with no clear cause);
  • Myalgia with redness or swelling;
  • Pain with an elevated temperature.

Finding an effective treatment is crucial for managing and alleviating pain. While medications and rest are commonly prescribed, treatments like chiropractic care offer alternative solutions.

Chiropractic Care For Muscle Aches And Pains

Chiropractic care is highly effective in treating muscle aches and joint pain.

Chiropractors use a holistic approach to address the root cause of pain rather than just treating the symptoms. They assess your overall posture, spinal alignment, and lifestyle habits to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

This approach alleviates current discomfort and prevents future pain episodes.

Chiropractic Adjustments

One of the primary techniques used in chiropractic care is manual adjustment. As explained below, adjustments realign the spine and other joints, easing tension in the surrounding muscles and ultimately improving mobility.

Muscles are joined to bones via tendons, and misaligned bones can pull connected muscles out of position. For this reason, misalignments of joints and misalignments of the spine are a major cause of muscle tension.

Misalignments of the spinal column are especially problematic. The vertebrae stack to form the spinal column, and the spinal cord passes through a hollow canal within the column. This tubular structure is made of nervous tissue that extends from the brainstem to the lumbar region.

Individual nerves enter and exit the spinal column through openings between vertebrae and travel to structures throughout the body.

A misalignment of the spine (a “subluxation”) can interfere with signals transmitted along these nerves. By restoring proper alignment, chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce pain caused by these misalignments. The adjustments also enhance nerve function, which further helps muscles to relax.

Adapting Chiropractic Techniques For Different Life Stages

Chiropractic care is adaptable to the needs of individuals whatever their stage of life, from children to seniors.

Children and Adolescents: Treatments focus on ensuring proper growth and addressing any pains related to sports injuries or posture issues from heavy backpacks.

Adults: For those in the workforce, chiropractic care often addresses repetitive strain injuries or postural problems from prolonged sitting.

Seniors: Chiropractic care for older adults typically involves gentle techniques that manage arthritis pain, improve balance, and enhance overall mobility.

By tailoring treatments to the specific needs and conditions of each age group, chiropractors can ensure that patients receive the most effective care for their particular stage of life.

Conclusion: Can Chiropractors Help With General Aches And Pains?

Chiropractors can help treat general aches and pains. Through comprehensive assessments and personalised treatment plans that include chiropractic adjustments and lifestyle advice, chiropractors address both the symptoms and underlying causes of pain.

The non-invasive techniques used by chiropractors can alleviate immediate discomfort and promote long-term health benefits.

If you’re experiencing persistent or recurring muscle aches and joint pains, consulting a chiropractor could be a step towards achieving relief from pain and regaining a more active life.

Under the expert care of a chiropractor, you can enhance your body’s natural healing capabilities and maintain your health through all stages of life.

Dr Shamus Hussain

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