A common misconception about chiropractors is that we only work on backs. While it is true that the spine is the basis for chiropractic care, chiropractors are trained to evaluate and work with all joints in the body. It is common in our office for a patient to receive both a spinal (neck and/or back) adjustment and an extremity (arm, knee, shoulder for example) adjustment on the same visit. Often, chiropractic care can help relieve symptoms in the extremities. Problems with the extremities can affect people of all ages and activity levels. Children, athletes, geriatrics, office workers and manual laborers can all potentially suffer from symptoms in their extremities.
What are the Extremities?
The extremities would include the joints of the arms, legs and the jaw. In the arm, or upper extremity, the shoulders, elbows, and wrists are common areas that can be helped by chiropractic care. Pain, tingling, numbness or even weakness can be a symptom of a problem in the upper extremity. Common causes of upper extremity problems include falls, trauma and repetitive use (such as typing or playing a sport). For the lower extremity, legs, the hips, knees and ankles/feet are all candidates for chiropractic care. Sprained knees or ankles are common causes of misalignment in those joints. Pain would be the most common symptom, but numbness, tingling or weakness can also be present in the lower extremity. Regarding the jaw, or TMJ, headaches, pain/clicking/popping when chewing are all common symptoms.
Chiropractic Care and Extremities
If you are suffering from pain or other symptoms in your arm, leg or jaw make sure to mention it at your next chiropractic visit. Your chiropractor can evaluate the area and decide if they think chiropractic care may be able to help. They will check the joint and feel for muscle tightness or imbalances. In some cases, an x-ray may be taken to help further evaluate the bones and joints of the problem area. If the chiropractor doesn’t think they can help, they will recommend another health care provider that may be able to help. If they determine that chiropractic care can help, they may adjust the joint, perform muscle work or help you to stretch a tight region. Contact our office today if you have a question or if you would like to schedule an appointment. We would welcome the opportunity to help you improve your life through chiropractic care!