Symptoms & Diagnosis

Headaches have two primary causes: muscular tension and joint irritation with nerve compression. Extended hours at a computer cause muscles to contract, producing waste that irritates muscles and nerves. Chiropractic treatment includes spinal manipulation, electronic muscle stimulation, traction, and ice/heat therapy.

The cervical vertebrae support the weight of the head and provide significant motion. Causes include soft tissue abnormalities, direct injury, repetitive strain from computer work, and degenerative diseases. Chiropractic treatment properly serves these with spinal manipulation, physical therapy, traction/support and massage.

Mid-back vertebra or rib misalignment normally causes pain in the mid-back, sometimes into the chest. Ribs can subluxate similar to spine vertebrae. Chiropractic focuses on adjusting the subluxated joints with massage, ultrasound, and heat/cold therapy.

Misalignment of pelvic joints is the primary suspect for buttock and upper leg pain. Pain can be achy, sore, stiff, or throbbing. Chiropractic treatment includes adjustments to restore structure and function, electrical stimulation, icing therapy, and stretching programs.

Sciatica involves the largest nerve in the human body, causing intense leg pain, numbness, tingling, and burning. Chiropractic treatment uses spinal adjustments, heat and ice treatments, and physical therapy focused on strengthening muscles around affected vertebrae.

TMJ disorders affect facial muscles and joints, as well as the neck and back. Research claims over 85% of recurring headaches are due to TMJ. Chiropractic treatment focuses on misaligned jaw joints using heat/ice, myofascial therapy, ultrasound, and adjustments.

Scientific studies confirm chiropractic manipulation is safe and effective for disc herniation. Treatment adjusts the associated vertebrae including cold/heat therapy, traction and other treatments.

Whiplash occurs from acceleration/deceleration force that hyper-extends the neck. The Journal of Orthopedic Medicine (1999) confirmed 93% of patients with chronic whiplash benefited from chiropractic care.

The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2000) reported chiropractic care showed statistically significant improvement in migraine frequency, duration, and disability, with many patients reducing medication to zero.

Over time the structure of intervertebral discs weakens and can degenerate, particularly in the lower back. This is common in older patients and can bring severe debilitating pain. Chiropractic treatment focuses on gently adjusting affected areas to restore mobility, combined with physical therapy, exercise, and ice/heat treatment.

Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine affecting approximately 2% of the adult population. Early recognition and treatment during growth years (ages 8–12) can halt progression. Chiropractic treatments include spinal adjustments, stretches and exercise instruction.