10 Conditions You Didn’t Know Your Chiropractor Might Be Able To Help

1. Sinus Problems

Some chiropractors will ask you to quickly sniff through your nose. Why? To evaluate your sinus congestion. Some studies have shown that chiropractic care can relieve sinus pressure or head pain caused by sinusitis. A chiropractor can adjust the sinus cavities and allow for better operation by using nasal-specific techniques and light force adjusting of the skull. One study found that after chiropractic manipulation, a young patient was able to stop taking antibiotics for chronic sinusitis. They also reported less nasal congestion with better sleep.  Another case study reports a child who was able to stop his medication regimen for his chronic sinusitis and allergies after a series of light chiropractic adjustments over a year-long period.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

All your extremities relate to the spine, and hands are no exception. A spinal misalignment may be the root cause of carpal tunnel syndrome in some patients. Pain medications may not be helpful for carpal tunnel syndrome pain. Many patients see relief through under a chiropractor’s guidance. This might include manipulation, mobilization exercises, nerve flossing, and Kinesio Tape. Studies have shown chiropractic care as effective in treating this condition.

3. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Although the idea is still controversial, a limited number of case studies have found chiropractic care to help those with ADHD symptoms. One study found that after a regimen of chiropractic visits, a young boy was relieved of his facial tics and showed no further ADHD symptoms. Another case study found treatments over the course of a year led to drastic improvements in a child’s episodes of acting out, following instructions, and school performance.

4. Constipation & Other Digestive Issues

Yes, chiropractic adjustment might help you poop. Your digestive system is closely linked with your nervous system. As a result, misalignment of the spine can wreak havoc on your digestive system. In one case study, after 12 chiropractic visits, a young female found sustained relief of her chronic constipation. Another study showed constipation relief in toddlers after spinal manipulation. Other case studies show similar results, particularly in younger people.

5. Breastfeeding Issues

Is your baby having trouble breastfeeding no matter what tips and tricks you attempt? Infantile chiropractic care might be the answer. One study included 114 infants who had been having trouble suckling. This study found that most were found to have cervical posterior joint dysfunction, temporomandibular joint imbalance, and inadequate suck reflex. After 2-5 spinal manipulations, all 114 infants saw improvement in their ability to breastfeed. 78% of them were able to exclusively breastfeed. Another case study found immediate improvement and a complete disappearance of nursing problems after only 3 treatments.

6. Temporal-Mandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ is often caused by a misalignment of your jaw with your cranium or issues with the operation of the joint. A chiropractor can evaluate the mechanics of your jaw and make targeted adjustments to help relieve pain in the neck, face, and jaw.  A study of 14 patients found that 100% felt a reduction in TMJ symptoms after chiropractic manipulations. In another study, one patient’s TMJ problems were completely resolved after just 9 visits to the chiropractor.

7. Sprains

Chiropractors don’t just work on bones and joints. They can also manipulate soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and scar tissue. Chiropractic adjustment of soft tissues can result in a complete resolution of symptoms after ankle sprains. This study is one example in which 15 patients with chronic ankle inversion sprains saw improvement in ankle pain and range of movement following a soft tissue adjustment.

8. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)/Dysmenorrhea

While it may be embarrassing to mention to you chiropractor, as a medical health professional with a holistic view of your health, a chiropractor might be the next best thing to Midol. A systematic review of the medical literature found that chiropractic manipulation was one of the recommended treatments for premenstrual syndrome, relieving symptoms such as back pain, cramping, and dysmenorrhea. Patients receiving high-velocity, low-amplitude adjustments in conjunction with soft tissue therapies saw a drastic reduction in the severity of their PMS symptoms.

9. Tinnitus (ringing of the ears)

Although there is very limited research showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care on tinnitus, a few case studies do exist and show promise. One case study reports the relief of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss in a geriatric patient following a cervical chiropractic adjustment. There are a couple of other individual case studies that demonstrate similar results, even after just one visit to the chiropractor. The idea is that tinnitus is caused by tension in the head and neck and that chiropractic adjustment may relieve that tension and therefore, the ear ringing.

10. Colic in Babies

When your baby is colicky and their misery seems to defy medical explanation, try heading for the chiropractor. Although study results are very mixed on whether chiropractic care helps alleviate colic, one 2012 study of one-hundred babies with colic found that chiropractic care lead to a statistically significant reduction in the number of hours spent crying. So while you may find no relief for your baby from chiropractic treatment, it is worth the shot, isn’t it?

There is still much controversy in the medical field over the accuracy of claims to treat some of these conditions. For some, there are just limited case studies that provide evidence as to chiropractic benefits. While every chiropractor may feel differently about the possibility of treating these conditions, chiropractors are well-versed in a range of treatment options including diet, herbal supplements, soft tissue and non-invasive therapies, and relaxation techniques, which may also help. If you suffer from any of these issues, make an appointment to see us at Ozark Chiropractic, where you can discuss with our trained professionals their views and strategies to address these health problems. What do you have to lose?