Can chiropractic care help with more serious health problems?

Chiropractic care is not always considered when it comes to more serious health problems, but you may be surprised to find that relief from long-term illnesses could be helped by only a few chiropractic sessions.

Typically, an alternative to traditional medical treatment, chiropractic care is geared towards helping patients with back, neck and joint pain. However Dr. Hamza Saif, an Ottawa-based chiropractor, says the treatments can also improve the symptoms and effects of common illnesses and improve overall quality of life. “While we don't claim to cure organic diseases, we can improve the quality of life of patients dealing with them,” Saif says.

Dr. Saif gives the example of asthma, which often causes mid-back pain due to constant coughing. Chiropractors can't cure asthma, but they can take pressure off the irritated nerves and relieve the back and muscle pain it causes.

Dr. Saif also mentioned that chiropractic treatments can work in conjunction with medical care to help improve the patient's outcome. Check out these ailments that have been found to benefit from chiropractic treatments:

Migraines: A number of studies have proved that chiropractic treatment can lower the frequency and pain intensity of migraines.

Cerebral Palsy: Individuals with cerebral palsy often have “dysfunctional muscles,” which cause other muscles to work harder and strain. Chiropractic treatment can help reduce stress on these muscles.

Parkinson's Disease: While it's unknown exactly what causes this disease, studies have linked it to accidents causing head traumas and spinal misalignments. Chiropractic treatments can correct these misalignments and remove pressure on surrounding nerves.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Most people over 50-years-old have some signs of joint degeneration, which causes pain and stiffness. Chiropractic adjustments can help joints feel less sore so they move more freely.

High Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that just one chiropractic session can keep blood pressure lowered for several weeks.

Cancer Pain Relief: The effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy can often leave patients feeling extreme fatigue and soreness to the point they are bedridden. With chiropractic adjustments, some of this pain can be relieved so they have a better quality of life.

Strengthen Immune System: Regular chiropractic patients often report better overall immune systems and wellness levels.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome often feel itching, burning or soreness in parts of their body, after doing constant, repetitive movements. Chiropractors can help by providing adjustments, giving posture-related advice and suggesting specific stretches.

Reduce Anxiety And Depression: Although chiropractic care doesn't claim to treat the physiological effects of these mental illnesses, it can help with physical effects such as lethargy, which often causes soreness and pain, worsening physiological problems.