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People often wait until pain becomes difficult to ignore before they do something about it. But pain is not the only reason to have a problem checked.
Sometimes the first signs are more subtle. You may notice stiffness when you get out of bed, a neck that does not turn as easily as it used to, recurring headaches, tingling in a hand or foot, or an ache that keeps returning every few weeks.
And keep in mind, you don’t have to have an ache or pain to see a chiropractor. Some people choose to have their spine and movement checked regularly as part of taking care of their health – much like having regular dental checkups rather than waiting until a tooth hurts.
So, when should you see a chiropractor?
In general, if pain, stiffness or a change in how your body is moving is not improving, keeps coming back, or is interfering with the things you normally do, it may be worth having it assessed.
Don’t Wait Until a Problem Becomes Severe
One of the healthy habits I encourage with my patients is to address problems early.
That doesn’t mean every minor ache requires treatment. Most of us occasionally wake up stiff, overdo it in the yard, or feel sore after a new workout. Many minor aches settle on their own.
What I pay more attention to is a problem that doesn’t settle as expected or keeps returning.
For example, you may want to have a problem assessed if you notice:
- Back or neck pain that persists or keeps returning
- Pain that travels into a leg or arm
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- Recurring headaches
- Stiffness or a loss of normal movement
- Pain that interferes with sleep, work or exercise
- A problem that started after a fall, sports injury or other accident
- An old injury that repeatedly flares up
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean something serious is wrong. But they can be signs that your joints, nerves or muscles are not functioning as well as they should.
What Does a Chiropractor Look For?
When someone comes into my Edmonton chiropractic office, my first goal isn’t simply to find where it hurts. I want to understand why it hurts and what may be contributing to the problem.
That starts with listening to what has been happening and performing an examination. Depending on the problem, I may look at your movement, posture, joints, muscles, reflexes, strength and nerve function.
Sometimes the source of the problem isn’t exactly where you feel the pain. A leg symptom, for example, can sometimes be related to irritation of a nerve in the lower back. Shoulder or arm symptoms can sometimes be influenced by the neck.
Understanding the problem helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and what type of treatment may be helpful.
You Don’t Have to Be in Pain to Pay Attention
Another reason to see a chiropractor is when you notice that something simply isn’t working as well as it used to.
Maybe you can’t turn your head comfortably when backing up the car. Perhaps your lower back feels stiff every morning. Your shoulder may not move as freely when you reach overhead, or an old knee problem keeps returning whenever you run. I have patients where they feel their golf swing is off or they aren’t controlling the soccer with their feet as well.
Those changes matter too.
Maintaining good movement, strength and function becomes increasingly important as we get older. Paying attention to smaller changes can help you stay active and continue doing the things you enjoy.
When Chiropractic Care May Not Be the Right Choice
Part of a proper assessment is also recognizing when a problem requires a different type of care.
Some symptoms should be evaluated medically, particularly sudden or severe symptoms, unexplained weakness, significant trauma, fever associated with severe pain, changes in bowel or bladder control, chest pain, or other unusual symptoms.
If I don’t believe chiropractic care is appropriate for a patient, I will tell them and recommend that they seek the appropriate medical assessment.
Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You
After more than 30 years in practice, one thing I have learned is that people often know when something doesn’t feel right.
You don’t need to become worried about every ache and pain. But you also don’t have to wait until a problem becomes severe before doing something about it.
If pain, stiffness, numbness, headaches or changes in movement are persisting or repeatedly coming back, consider having the problem assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Pain is not the only reason people see a chiropractor. Stiffness, reduced movement, recurring problems or simply noticing that your body isn’t moving or functioning as well as it normally does may also be reasons to have something assessed.
There is no single rule. Minor aches and pains often improve on their own – our body has the ability to heal itself. However, seeing a chiropractor can help accelerate proper healing. Further, if a problem isn’t improving as expected, keeps returning, is getting worse, or begins interfering with your normal activities, it may be worth having it assessed.
No. You can book an appointment with a chiropractor in Alberta without a referral from a medical doctor. Some extended health benefit plans may have their own requirements, so it is always worth checking your individual coverage.
Your first visit starts with a discussion about your health history and what has been bothering you. I then perform an examination based on your particular problem. This may include assessing your movement, joints, muscles, strength, reflexes and nerve function.
The goal is to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for you.
Looking for a Chiropractor in Edmonton?
At Collins Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre in Edmonton, we help people understand what may be contributing to their pain, stiffness or changes in movement and determine whether chiropractic care is an appropriate option.
If you have a problem that isn’t improving or keeps coming back, you can contact our office or book an appointment online to have it assessed.
About Dr. Dean Collins
Dr. Dean Collins has been helping Edmonton patients improve their health through chiropractic care since 1998. With over 30 years of clinical experience, he has worked with patients of all ages, helping them reduce pain, improve mobility, and maintain healthier, more active lives. At Collins Chiropractic Health & Wellness Centre, Dr. Collins focuses on identifying the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction while providing personalized care, education, and practical strategies to support long-term health and wellness.
Learn more about Dr. Collins or book an appointment today.
To learn more about how chiropractor care can help you and your family, read Dr. Collins’ comprehensive guide to chiropractic care: Chiropractic Care for Everyone.
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