Chiropractic—Not Just for Back Pain

Dr. Dimitrios Lambrou Aug 25, 2014

Chiropractic treatment isn’t just for back pain; in fact there are a variety of things you would be surprised to know that chiropractic can treat. Studies have shown that chiropractic care is at least effective and sometimes even more effective than traditional medicine for treating certain physical complaints.

Here a few things that can be treated with chiropractic, that you may not be aware of:

Digestive Disorders

Your gut has so many nerve cells contained in the tissue lining of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon that it is sometimes referred to as the “abdominal brain”. In fact, there are over one million nerve cells in the small intestine! The brain communicates with the “abdominal brain” through nerves that run through the spine. Interference with this pathway can cause a number of gastrointestinal problems. Correcting the underlying cause, vertebral misalignment, with chiropractic adjustments can restore proper communication between the brain and the gut, and may reduce or eliminate many of these problems.

Ear Infections

Most children and some adults accumulate fluids in the Eustachian tube, the passage between the throat and middle ear. The fluid makes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, which can lead to an infection or inflammation of the middle ear. Studies have shown that chiropractic care can relieve and prevent ear infections without the use of antibiotics. The treatments help drain excess fluid and helps regulate the nervous system, which in turn drains the Eustachian tube and promotes long-term drainage.

Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s Palsy is a condition that causes facial paralysis, hearing disorders, and problems with the jaw and associated muscles. While recovery varies by patient, chiropractors can create a patient centered treatment program designed to improve motion, relieve pain, and address any other nerve related issues. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported of a 49 year-old woman with Bell’s Palsy who received chiropractic adjustments over a period of 6 months. Regular improvements to her situation were observed throughout her treatment process.

Chronic Sinusitis

When nasal and sinus passages cannot drain properly, whether due to a physical or nerve related cause, chronic sinusitis can develop. While acute sinusitis symptoms dissipate after four weeks, individuals who suffer from chronic sinusitis may suffer from symptoms for eight weeks or longer. Symptoms often include facial congestion, nasal blockages, pus, fever, and nasal discharge. Upper cervical neck adjustments can help relieve the tension, which then allows your throat to be more relaxed thus allowing your sinus passages in your head to drain.

Chiropractors can help treat many other symptoms and conditions including:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Arthritis
  • Premenstrual symptoms
  • Headaches
  • Low back pain
  • Neck Pain
  • And much more

Northeast Spine and Sports Medicine offers chiropractic and many other treatment options to our patients. To learn more about how chiropractic or any of our other treatment options, contact us for an appointment.