Whether due to poor posture, arthritis, or physical injury, there are many reasons why the spine’s joints and tissues may be shifted out of their natural alignment—an issue also known as subluxation. When this happens, people can experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms—including back pain, headaches, fatigue, and reduced mobility. Fortunately, correcting subluxations doesn’t necessarily require invasive surgery or prescription medication. Often, these problems can be corrected by a chiropractic health provider through adjustments—a targeted application of force and manipulation to move joints back into place. If you’re curious about this approach, here are a few common ways that chiropractic adjustments can benefit your health.

Conditions That Benefit From Chiropractic Adjustments

1. Inflammation

Injury and forms of arthritis such as Ankylosing spondylitis can cause the joints to swell, and in turn, place pressure on sensitive nerves and tissues. Subluxations in the spine can make the inflammation worse by restricting blood flow and preventing healing nutrients from reaching the affected area. Through adjustment, chiropractic health specialists can reduce friction and promote circulation to help minimize inflammation.

2. Sciatica

The sciatic nerve runs through the spine and leg. When it becomes pinched or compressed by muscles or joints, nerve function can be interrupted, sending a variety of improper signals to the brain. The resulting symptoms—known as sciatica—can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the lower back, legs, and other regions. After pinpointing the problem area, chiropractors can manipulate muscle tissues and joints to release the nerve and relieve pain.

3. High Blood Pressure

Research suggests that subluxations in the spine may interfere with nerve processes that impair the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure. As such, one study found that chiropractic adjustments may help restore this function and lower high blood pressure levels—a chronic health problem that can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

4. Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition characterized by the abnormal curvature of the spine. It can lead to severe posture and inflammation issues. In severe cases, surgery and use of a back brace are often required to correct the spine. However, there is evidence to suggest that continued chiropractic adjustments can gradually help restore the spine’s natural curvature if the problem is not as advanced.

5. Headaches

Muscle tension and nerve pressure along the spine can sometimes cause chronic headaches. Through adjustments, chiropractic health providers can relax tense tissues and restore proper nerve function to help relieve headaches.

Whether you’re experiencing these problems or any other musculoskeletal health issues, North Pole Chiropractic has the resources to help you find relief. Serving the Fairbanks, AK, community, this chiropractic health clinic can accurately pinpoint problematic subluxations and correct the issue through safe and effective adjustment. In addition to chiropractic adjustment, this provider also offers a variety of other non-invasive treatments, including corrective exercise and massage therapy. Visit this clinic online to learn more about these capabilities or call (907) 488-1885 to schedule a convenient appointment.