Most people know that when it comes to treating neck or back pain, a chiropractic treatment is a great avenue to pursue to alleviate pain.  But, did you know that chiropractors can treat much more than just alignment and pain relief?  Chiropractic medicine focuses on diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine and how these affect the overall health in the rest of the body.

With that being stated, chiropractors have the ability to treat a variety of symptoms and problems, many of which you may not consider a chiropractor for.  Chiropractors may be your first stop with relieving symptoms and pain with natural and drug-free solutions.

Here are some things chiropractors treat that you may not have thought of:

1.  Digestive issues

The thoracic nerves (those associated with the chest and abdominal region) are associated with digestion.  Those patients with thoracic disc herniation – a problem in the area between the spinal bones – often suffer from chronic abdominal pain and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Problems along the thoracic vertebrae can also lead to digestive issues including heartburn, bloating and gas.

Treatment by chiropractors of the thoracic spine can help alleviate these digestive issues and provide a solution to the core problems of the digestive problems.

2.  Headaches & Migraines

Nine out of 10 Americans suffer from headaches.  When these headaches derive from tension and stress in the neck, chiropractors can relieve pain through spinal manipulation.  Most headaches are actually related to muscle tension in the neck due to spending hours in the same position or posture (for example, sitting in front of a computer for hours at a time).

3.  Pregnancy pain

Pregnancy causes the body to go through many growing pains (literally) and many of those pains are due to improper pelvic alignment.  Chiropractors are able to alleviate much of this back discomfort in a safe and drug-free effective way.

“Pregnant mothers have very limited options to alleviate pain.  Many treatments, such as main medication, can potentially harm the fetus which makes chiropractic treatment a safe and effective alternative, “ says Dr. Didominico, a chiropractor at Ohio Sports and Spine Institute.

4.  Blood pressure

While blood pressure can be affected by a variety of health concerns, for those suffering from a misaligned vertebra, chiropractic treatment can help with alignment and also potentially lower blood pressure.

A University of Chicago study that looked at 50 people with high blood pressure and misaligned vertebra in their neck found that after one chiropractic session, their blood pressure dropped significantly—and the drop was equal to taking two blood pressure meds at once.

5.  Stress and Anxiety

Stress derives from three main sources: our body, environment and our emotions.

Chiropractors treat the spine primarily– the root of the nervous system through which nerve impulses move between the brain and the rest of the body – and can help the body handle and process this stress in a healthier way.