Considering a Chiropractor? Here’s Why You Should
January 10, 2025
6 min read
Hi there! It’s Ashley Wells here. I want to share a personal story about how I discovered chiropractic care, and why I believe it can be a game-changer for so many of us. Like many of you, I spend a lot of time at my desk writing, researching, and creating content to inspire healthy, happy lives. But all that sitting took its toll. A few years ago, I started experiencing chronic back pain. It made me sluggish, cranky, and, frankly, less me. That’s when I stumbled upon the world of chiropractic care—and I haven’t looked back since.
Not only did it give me relief, but it opened my eyes to the interconnectedness of our body’s systems and the power of natural, non-invasive treatments. Today, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned, so you, too, can decide if chiropractic care might be right for you.
What Exactly Is a Chiropractor?
First things first—what is a chiropractor? Think of chiropractors as body mechanics. They’re medical professionals trained to diagnose and treat problems with your bones, muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments. But unlike a surgeon or general medical doctor, chiropractors use their hands (and sometimes tools) to adjust and realign your spine and joints, encouraging your body to heal itself.
When I first walked into a chiropractor’s office, I thought, “Adjust what now?” But after my first session, I felt this incredible release of tension I didn’t even realize I was carrying. Chiropractors cater to everyone—kids, adults, and even babies. No matter your stage of life, they can tailor a plan that works for you.
Weekly Nugget: Posture is everything! Sitting for long hours can compress your spine and lead to discomfort. Take a moment to straighten up right now—your back will thank you!
What Does a Chiropractor Actually Do?
You might imagine loud bone-cracking sounds when you think of chiropractors, but there’s so much more to it than that. On my first visit, my chiropractor took a deep dive into my health history. I told them about my back pain but also shared details about my overall lifestyle—how I work, move, and even sleep.
They also performed a couple of physical tests, like checking my posture and range of motion and gently feeling around my spine and muscles. Besides spine adjustments, chiropractors often use orthopedic tests to identify issues with your joints, muscles, or ligaments, and neurological exams to test things like reflexes and sensation. It’s a thorough process aimed at doing more than just masking pain—it’s about uncovering the root cause.
The coolest part? I learned that chiropractic care relies on your body’s natural healing abilities. There’s no reliance on medication or invasive procedures—it’s like helping your body hit the “reset” button.
My First Adjustment
I’ll admit, I was nervous. Would the adjustment hurt? Spoiler alert—it didn’t! My chiropractor carefully explained what they were doing, and as they gently manipulated my spine, I felt and heard those little “pops” everyone talks about. But here’s the kicker—immediately after, I felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. My posture improved, and I had this newfound sense of energy.
When Should You Try Chiropractic Care?
Now, you might be wondering, “Ashley, is this something I need?” Here’s the thing—chiropractic care isn’t just for those in pain. Sure, it’s hugely beneficial for people dealing with nagging issues like back pain, headaches, or stiff shoulders, but it’s also great for preventative care. Think of it as routine maintenance for your body.
If you’ve been sidelined from your favorite activities because of discomfort, or even if you just want to keep your body running optimally, visiting a chiropractor is worth considering. Personally, I found that regular sessions helped me power through long writing days with less fatigue.
Weekly Nugget: Take stock of your favorite hobbies. Are aches or pains holding you back? Don’t ignore it—it’s your body asking for a little TLC.
Why Chiropractic Care Is Worth It
Sure, cracking your back might sound straightforward, but the benefits of chiropractic care go far beyond that. Here are some perks I’ve experienced firsthand:
- Pain Relief Without Medication: I used to pop pain relievers like candy just to get through the day. Chiropractic care helped me ditch the pills.
- Improved Posture: Sitting hunched over my computer was wrecking my body. After a few chiropractic sessions, I stood taller—literally and figuratively.
- Better Sleep: Less pain equals more restful nights.
- Scoliosis Support: Although I don’t suffer from scoliosis, I’ve seen how chiropractors can help alleviate symptoms for those who do by gently realigning the spine.
- Athletic Performance: My chiropractor told me plenty of athletes use adjustments to boost mobility and recovery. It's all about keeping your body in tip-top shape.
Alright, here’s where we get specific. Chiropractors don’t just treat back pain—they’re problem-solvers for a range of health hiccups.
1. Frozen Shoulders
Ever wake up with a shoulder so stiff you feel like a robot? I once had a scare with what they call a frozen shoulder—where pain and stiffness make it hard to move your arm. My chiropractor worked their magic with stretches and gentle manipulation, and I was back to lifting my yoga mat in no time.
2. Sinus Woes
Weird fact—I didn’t initially realize chiropractors could help with sinus problems. But after an adjustment that involved gently focusing on my neck and upper spine, I found I could breathe so much easier. Who knew your neck and sinuses were so connected?
3. Injury Recovery
From sports injuries to slips and falls, chiropractic care helps people bounce back. I once tweaked my back on a weekend hike (note to self—pack lighter!) and relied on adjustments and chiropractic exercises to feel like myself again.
Weekly Nugget: Love outdoor adventures? Invest in a good pair of shoes and a supportive backpack to avoid unnecessary strain on your body.
4. Headaches
Sitting too long at my desk with bad posture often led to tension headaches. By aligning my spine, chiropractic care reduced the stress on my nerves—and the headaches? Practically gone.
5. Lower Back Pain & SI Joint Issues
Lower back pain is the bane of so many lives, myself included. I learned about the sacroiliac (SI) joint from my chiropractor—it’s where your spine meets your pelvis, and when it’s not happy, you’re not happy. Chiropractors use a combination of adjustments and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the joint, providing lasting relief.
6. Neck Pain
The neck, or cervical spine, is surprisingly vulnerable. Mine ached constantly from craning over my desk. A few careful adjustments, stretches, and a better ergonomic chair were all it took to regain my mobility.
Weekly Nugget: If you work at a desk, set a timer every 30 minutes to stand, stretch, and move. Your neck and spine will thank you!
Align Your Spine, Align Your Life!
If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably intrigued (and rightly so!). Chiropractic care changed my relationship with my body. It helped me ditch my “just power through the pain” attitude and focus more on alignment, balance, and healing.
Whether you’re tired of dealing with aches and pains or just want your body to perform at its best, chiropractic care offers a natural, empowering path to wellness. The non-invasive techniques and focus on holistic healing align beautifully with my passion for evidence-based health practices. Give it a try—you might just feel like a whole new you.
Remember, life’s too short to be sidelined by pain. Invest in your body; it’s the only one you’ve got!
