Three Surprising Conditions Chiropractic Can Treat

Around 27 million Americans visit chiropractors every year. That’s almost three times the population of New York City! Most of us think of back pain, whiplash and skeletal injuries when we think of chiropractic issues – but did you know that the alternative medical practice is also used to treat a variety of other problems?

From the Greek words ‘cheir’ and ‘praxis’, meaning to do by hand, chiropractic treatment is a holistic approach to the body’s systems. It aims to avoid the use of prescription drugs and instead promote self-healing. This post will explain how chiropractic can benefit people suffering from a surprising range of conditions – both physical and mental.

1) Nausea

Have you ever worn a wristband to stop motion sickness in the car? For many suffering travelers, wristbands can relieve nausea by applying pressure to the tendons in the wrists. Acupuncture is a procedure offered by many clinics, like chiropractic Peoria Il, as part of chiropractic treatment – and it works by the same principal. An ancient Chinese medical practice, it involves stimulating points on the body, usually with thin needles, to manipulate the nerves and release endorphins in the brain and spinal cord.

How can chiropractic help?

It is thought that pressure points all over our bodies are linked to feelings of nausea. As well as your wrists, these include your abdomen, the inside of your elbow, and even the webbing between your toes! Acupuncture is now offered in some cancer hospitals, with studies suggesting it can relieve sickness in patients suffering the side-effects of chemotherapy. By stimulating these pressure points with needles, chiropractors aim to promote blood flow, restore balance to the body, and provide relief from nausea.

2) Poor Immune System

Some research suggests that our central nervous system is closely linked to our immune system. If a vertebra in the spine slips out of alignment – a condition known as subluxation – some chiropractors believe this can cause nerve pathways between the brain and body to compress. The result? Your immune system can become compromised, leaving you increasingly susceptible to disease.

How can chiropractic help?

Chiropractic treatment is designed to restore alignment in the spine. Many chiropractors will take a set of x-rays to identify the vertebra, before using techniques such as spinal manipulation and adjustment to try and correct its position. If this is successful, it’s thought to reduce the stress on your nervous system. As a result, it will boost its coordination with your immune system. A study by the National College of Chiropractic in Lombard, Illinois, even suggested that treatment could raise your white blood count!

3) Insomnia

The causes of insomnia can be physical, psychological or a combination of the two. Taking sleeping pills may be a quick fix, but it won’t solve your underlying problem. Doctors now believe that consistently poor sleep can increase your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and even obesity – so it’s important to put the issue to bed as soon as you can.

How can chiropractic help?

Chiropractors can treat insomnia by releasing the tension in your body. In fact, many patients say that they felt deeply relaxed during their treatment. Whether your lack of sleep is caused by stress or physical complications, this relaxation is an excellent way to reduce nerve irritation and improve circulation – both vital for a good night’s sleep. It’s also worth remembering that many chiropractors are trained nutritionists. In some cases, poor sleep quality can be caused by deficiencies in vitamins D and B12, so this is something they might be able to discuss.