What Chiropractic Care Can and Cannot Do Beyond Back Pain
Chiropractic care is best known for back pain, and the research is strongest for back pain, neck pain and some types of headache. You may also read claims online that adjustments improve digestion, immunity, sleep or focus. Here is an honest look at each.
1. Digestion
The nerves that supply the gut do connect to the spinal cord, but research has not shown that spinal adjustments treat reflux, bloating, constipation or IBS. A 2021 systematic review of spinal manipulation for conditions outside the muscles and joints did not find good evidence for these uses (Côté et al., 2021). Digestive symptoms are best checked by your physician.
Related: Can Chiropractic Care Help with Digestive Issues?
2. Immunity
In 2020, chiropractic researchers from around the world published a joint statement that there is no credible evidence that chiropractic care boosts immunity (Côté et al., 2020). We agree. Sleep, regular activity, a plant-rich diet like those eaten in the Blue Zones, and the vaccines your doctor recommends are better places to put your energy.
Back or neck pain slowing you down? Book a chiropractic session today!
3. Sleep
Pain is a common reason people sleep poorly. If back or neck pain keeps you up at night, caring for that pain is a reasonable step. Chiropractic care is not a treatment for insomnia or sleep apnea, which need your physician.
Related: Can Chiropractic Care Help You Sleep Better?
4. Mental Clarity & Focus
Headaches and neck tension can make it hard to concentrate, and some headaches start in the neck. Brain fog, new dizziness or trouble concentrating without a clear cause should be checked by your physician first, since they have many possible causes.
5. Stress & Tension
Stress often shows up as tight shoulders, a stiff neck, jaw clenching and tension headaches. Hands-on care for those muscle and joint symptoms can be part of how you manage stress, together with sleep, movement and support from your physician or a mental health professional when you need it.
Read more on stress and muscle tension
Where Chiropractic Care Fits
Our focus is the spine, joints and muscles: back pain, neck pain, headaches, sciatica and the way you move. That is where the evidence is strongest. The $99 covers your exam, X-rays and your first treatment.
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The $99 covers your exam, X-rays and your first treatment.
Call (281) 688-5580 or book online to schedule.
Dr. Mariam Mobarak, DC
Dr. Mariam Mobarak is the chiropractor at Blue Zone Advanced Chiropractic in The Woodlands. She combines several chiropractic techniques with therapies like spinal decompression, shockwave and dry needling, and your care is built around your exam and your goals.
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