Common conditions and symptoms that may respond well to chiropractic care.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, regurgitation, or chest pain, often due to a weakened lower esophageal sphincter or lifestyle factors like diet. Current medical treatment includes lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding trigger foods, weight loss), antacids (e.g., Tums), H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine), proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole), and, in severe cases, fundoplication surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests that subluxations in the mid-thoracic or upper cervical spine may disrupt vagus nerve function, affecting digestion. Precise adjustments aim to restore nerve signaling, potentially reducing reflux, though evidence is limited and anecdotal, complementing dietary and medical interventions.
ADD/ADHD
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition causing inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity inappropriate for one’s age, impacting daily functioning. Current medical treatment includes behavioral therapy (e.g., CBT, parent training), stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate), and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine). Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits that upper cervical subluxations may interfere with neurological pathways affecting attention. Adjustments, particularly to the atlas, aim to optimize brain function, potentially improving focus, but evidence is mostly anecdotal, and chiropractic complements rather than replaces therapy or medication.
Allergies
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens (e.g., pollen, food), causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, or anaphylaxis. Current medical treatment includes allergen avoidance, antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine), nasal corticosteroids, immunotherapy, and epinephrine for severe reactions. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests that subluxations in the upper cervical or thoracic spine may stress immune-regulating nerves. Adjustments aim to enhance immune balance, potentially reducing hypersensitivity, though evidence is limited to case reports, and chiropractic supports medical treatments like antihistamines.
Arthritis
Arthritis involves joint inflammation, causing pain and stiffness, with types like osteoarthritis (cartilage degeneration) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune). Current medical treatment includes analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate) for autoimmune types, biologics, and joint replacement surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits that spinal subluxations exacerbate joint stress by disrupting nerve signals. Adjustments aim to improve mobility and reduce pain, with moderate evidence for symptom relief in osteoarthritis, complementing medical therapies.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition causing airway inflammation, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing, often triggered by allergens or exercise. Current medical treatment includes inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide), beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol), leukotriene modifiers, and biologics for severe cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests thoracic subluxations may impair nerves controlling lung function. Adjustments aim to enhance respiratory mechanics, with some studies showing mild symptom relief, but chiropractic is not a primary treatment and supports inhalers or trigger avoidance.
Athletic Performance
Athletic performance refers to optimizing physical and mental capabilities for sports, limited by factors like muscle fatigue or injury risk, not a medical condition. Current medical treatment includes tailored training, nutrition (e.g., protein, electrolytes), physical therapy, and recovery techniques like cryotherapy. Specific Chiropractic philosophy believes subluxations impair nerve signals to muscles, reducing coordination. Adjustments aim to optimize biomechanics, potentially enhancing performance, with evidence stronger for injury recovery than performance gains, complementing training programs.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition causing challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviors, varying in severity. Current medical treatment includes behavioral therapies (e.g., ABA), speech therapy, and medications (e.g., risperidone) for irritability. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits that upper cervical subluxations may affect sensory processing. Adjustments aim to improve neurological function, with anecdotal reports of better calmness, but no robust evidence, complementing primary therapies.
Back Pain
Back pain, ranging from acute to chronic, often stems from muscle strain, disc issues, or arthritis, affecting the upper, middle, or lower back. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and surgery (e.g., discectomy) for severe cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets subluxations in the thoracic or lumbar spine to relieve nerve pressure and restore mobility. Strong evidence supports chiropractic for back pain, making it a primary treatment alongside physical therapy or medications.
Bed Wetting
Bed wetting (nocturnal enuresis) is involuntary urination during sleep, common in children, often due to developmental delays or bladder issues. Current medical treatment includes bedwetting alarms, limiting fluids, desmopressin, or oxybutynin. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests sacral or lumbar subluxations disrupt bladder nerve control. Adjustments aim to improve nerve signaling, with some case studies showing benefits, but evidence is limited, complementing behavioral strategies.
Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is sudden facial paralysis from facial nerve inflammation, causing drooping and difficulty with facial movements. Current medical treatment includes corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), antivirals, and eye protection. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits that upper cervical subluxations may irritate the facial nerve. Adjustments aim to reduce interference, with anecdotal benefits reported, but evidence is sparse, complementing medical treatments.
Birth Trauma
Birth trauma involves physical or psychological injuries during childbirth, like brachial plexus injuries or maternal pelvic issues, from difficult deliveries. Current medical treatment includes physical therapy, surgery for severe neonatal injuries, and psychological support. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations from birth disrupt nerve function. Gentle adjustments aim to restore nerve signaling, with limited evidence, complementing physical therapy or surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is median nerve compression in the wrist, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness, often from repetitive motions. Current medical treatment includes wrist splinting, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits that cervical subluxations contribute to nerve irritation. Adjustments aim to reduce nerve pressure, with some evidence for symptom relief, complementing splinting or surgery.
Chronic Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) causes persistent fatigue, cognitive issues, and muscle pain, often linked to abnormal pain processing. Current medical treatment includes CBT, graded exercise therapy, and medications like antidepressants for sleep or pain. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests subluxations disrupt energy regulation. Adjustments aim to improve neurological function, with anecdotal benefits, but no strong evidence, complementing CBT or exercise.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain, lasting over three months, stems from conditions like arthritis or neuropathy, affecting quality of life. Current medical treatment includes analgesics, antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine), physical therapy, and nerve blocks. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits that subluxations amplify pain signals. Adjustments aim to reduce nerve irritation, with moderate evidence for musculoskeletal pain relief, complementing medical pain management.
Colic Babies
Colic in babies involves excessive crying, possibly from digestive discomfort, typically resolving by 3–4 months. Current medical treatment includes soothing techniques, dietary changes, simethicone, and probiotics. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests thoracic or cervical subluxations affect digestive nerves. Gentle adjustments aim to improve function, with mixed study results, complementing dietary or medical interventions.
Constipation
Constipation involves infrequent or difficult bowel movements, often due to low fiber, dehydration, or medications. Current medical treatment includes dietary changes, laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol), and medications like lubiprostone. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits lumbar subluxations disrupt bowel motility nerves. Adjustments aim to restore function, with anecdotal benefits, complementing dietary or laxative treatments.
Depression
Depression is a mental health disorder causing persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest, linked to chemical imbalances or stress. Current medical treatment includes psychotherapy (e.g., CBT), antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs), and ECT for severe cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect neurotransmitter regulation. Adjustments aim to improve mood, with limited evidence, complementing therapy or medications.
Disc Bulges & Herniations
Disc bulges and herniations involve spinal disc protrusion or rupture, pressing on nerves, causing pain or numbness. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and surgery (e.g., microdiscectomy). Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets lumbar or cervical subluxations to reduce nerve pressure. Strong evidence supports chiropractic for disc-related pain, making it a primary option alongside therapy or surgery.
Dizziness (Vertigo)
Vertigo is a spinning sensation, often from inner ear issues (e.g., BPPV) or cervical dysfunction. Current medical treatment includes Epley maneuvers, vestibular therapy, and medications like meclizine. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits upper cervical subluxations disrupt vestibular nerves. Adjustments aim to restore balance, with evidence for cervicogenic vertigo, complementing medical interventions.
Ear Infections and Hearing
Otitis media is a middle ear infection causing pain and potential hearing loss, common in children. Current medical treatment includes antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin), pain relievers, and ear tubes for recurrent cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect eustachian tube drainage. Adjustments aim to reduce infections, with limited evidence, complementing antibiotics or tubes.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy involves recurrent seizures from abnormal brain activity, ranging from mild to severe. Current medical treatment includes antiepileptic drugs (e.g., levetiracetam), ketogenic diets, and surgery for resistant cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations affect seizure pathways. Adjustments aim to stabilize nerve function, with anecdotal evidence, complementing medications.
Eye Problems
Eye problems like glaucoma or refractive errors cause vision issues, often linked to optic nerve or structural issues. Current medical treatment includes corrective lenses, eye drops (e.g., timolol), or surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect cranial nerve function. Adjustments aim to improve vision processing, with no strong evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia causes widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, linked to pain processing dysfunction. Current medical treatment includes duloxetine, pregabalin, CBT, and exercise. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits subluxations amplify pain signals. Adjustments aim to reduce pain, with some evidence for symptom relief, complementing medications or therapy.
Gastro-Intestinal Issues
GI issues like IBS or gastritis cause abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea, often triggered by diet or stress. Current medical treatment includes dietary changes (e.g., low-FODMAP), antispasmodics, and anti-inflammatories. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests thoracic subluxations disrupt digestive nerves. Adjustments aim to improve function, with limited evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Headaches
Headaches, including tension and cervicogenic types, involve head or neck pain, often from stress or posture. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, triptans for migraines, and preventive medications. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets cervical subluxations causing tension. Adjustments have strong evidence for tension headache relief, making it a primary option alongside medical treatments.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension is persistently high blood pressure, increasing heart disease risk, linked to diet or stress. Current medical treatment includes lifestyle changes, ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), and diuretics. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect autonomic regulation. Adjustments may lower blood pressure, with limited evidence, complementing medications.
Immune Function
Immune function issues, like autoimmune diseases or immunodeficiencies, cause infections or tissue damage. Current medical treatment includes immunosuppressants, immunoglobulin therapy, and vaccinations. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits subluxations impair immune nerves. Adjustments aim to enhance immunity, with limited evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Infertility
Infertility is the inability to conceive after a year, due to hormonal or structural issues. Current medical treatment includes ovulation induction (e.g., clomiphene), IVF, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests lumbar subluxations affect reproductive nerves. Adjustments aim to improve function, with anecdotal evidence, complementing fertility treatments.
Insomnia
Insomnia involves difficulty falling or staying asleep, often linked to stress or medical conditions. Current medical treatment includes CBT-I, sleep hygiene, and medications like zolpidem. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations disrupt sleep regulation. Adjustments aim to improve sleep, with limited evidence, complementing CBT-I.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS causes abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, triggered by diet or stress. Current medical treatment includes low-FODMAP diets, antispasmodics, and rifaximin. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests thoracic subluxations affect digestive nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce symptoms, with limited evidence, complementing dietary changes.
Knee Pain
Knee pain stems from osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, or tendonitis, causing discomfort and limited mobility. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, and surgery (e.g., arthroscopy). Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits lumbar subluxations affect leg nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce pain, with evidence for associated back pain, complementing therapy.
Learning Disorders
Learning disorders like dyslexia impair reading or math skills, despite normal intelligence. Current medical treatment includes educational interventions and accommodations. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect cognitive processing. Adjustments aim to improve focus, with anecdotal evidence, complementing tutoring.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain, often from muscle strain or disc issues, causes discomfort and limited mobility. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, and surgery for severe cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets lumbar subluxations to relieve nerve pressure. Strong evidence supports chiropractic as a primary treatment alongside therapy or medications.
Ménière's Disease
Ménière’s disease causes vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss from inner ear fluid buildup. Current medical treatment includes low-sodium diets, diuretics, and intratympanic injections. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations affect vestibular nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce symptoms, with limited evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Menopause Symptoms
Menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings result from declining estrogen levels. Current medical treatment includes HRT, SSRIs, and lifestyle changes. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests subluxations affect hormonal regulation. Adjustments aim to ease symptoms, with no strong evidence, complementing HRT.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines cause severe headaches with nausea or aura, triggered by stress or hormones. Current medical treatment includes triptans, CGRP inhibitors, and preventive medications. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets cervical subluxations causing vascular changes. Adjustments have moderate evidence for migraine prevention, complementing medical treatments.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease damaging myelin, causing fatigue and weakness. Current medical treatment includes disease-modifying therapies (e.g., ocrelizumab) and symptomatic treatments. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits subluxations exacerbate symptoms. Adjustments aim to improve function, with limited evidence, complementing medical therapies.
Neck Pain
Neck pain, often from muscle strain or disc issues, causes stiffness or discomfort. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, and surgery for severe cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets cervical subluxations to relieve nerve pressure. Strong evidence supports chiropractic as a primary treatment alongside therapy or medications.
Neuralgia
Neuralgia is severe nerve pain, like trigeminal neuralgia, often from nerve irritation. Current medical treatment includes anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine) and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations irritate nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce pain, with limited evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Neuritis
Neuritis is nerve inflammation causing pain or numbness, often from infections or autoimmune issues. Current medical treatment includes corticosteroids and treating underlying causes. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits subluxations exacerbate nerve irritation. Adjustments aim to reduce symptoms, with anecdotal evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or ALS affect the brain or nerves, causing varied symptoms. Current medical treatment includes levodopa for Parkinson’s, riluzole for ALS, and supportive therapies. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests subluxations disrupt nerve function. Adjustments aim to improve symptoms, with limited evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy involves nerve damage causing numbness or pain, often from diabetes or chemotherapy. Current medical treatment includes gabapentin, glycemic control, and physical therapy. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits subluxations worsen nerve irritation. Adjustments aim to improve sensation, with some evidence for pain relief, complementing medications.
Numbness
Numbness results from nerve compression or damage, often linked to neuropathy or pinched nerves. Current medical treatment includes addressing causes (e.g., surgery for compression, gabapentin for neuropathy). Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets subluxations causing nerve pressure. Adjustments have evidence for numbness from pinched nerves, complementing medical treatments.
Otitis Media (Ear Infections)
Otitis media is a middle ear infection causing pain, common in children. Current medical treatment includes antibiotics, pain relievers, and ear tubes. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect drainage. Adjustments aim to reduce infections, with limited evidence, complementing antibiotics.Parkinson’s DiseaseParkinson’s disease causes tremors and rigidity from dopamine neuron loss. Current medical treatment includes levodopa, dopamine agonists, and deep brain stimulation. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations affect neurological pathways. Adjustments aim to improve mobility, with limited evidence, complementing medications.
Pinched Nerves
Pinched nerves cause pain or numbness from nerve compression, often in the spine. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets subluxations to relieve pressure. Strong evidence supports chiropractic as a primary treatment alongside therapy or injections.
PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
PMS involves physical and emotional symptoms before menstruation, linked to hormonal changes. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, SSRIs, and oral contraceptives. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests lumbar subluxations affect pelvic nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce symptoms, with anecdotal evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Reproduction Issues
Reproduction issues like infertility stem from hormonal or structural problems. Current medical treatment includes ovulation induction, IVF, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits lumbar subluxations affect reproductive nerves. Adjustments aim to improve function, with anecdotal evidence, complementing fertility treatments.Restless Leg SyndromeRestless leg syndrome (RLS) causes an urge to move legs, often with discomfort, worsened at night. Current medical treatment includes dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole) and iron supplements. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests lumbar subluxations affect leg nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce symptoms, with limited evidence, complementing medications.
Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus)
Tinnitus is perceived ringing without an external source, often from hearing loss or nerve issues. Current medical treatment includes hearing aids, sound therapy, and CBT. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations affect auditory nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce ringing, with limited evidence, complementing sound therapy.
Sciatica
Sciatica is pain along the sciatic nerve from lumbar nerve compression. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets lumbar subluxations to relieve pressure. Strong evidence supports chiropractic as a primary treatment alongside therapy or injections.
Scoliosis and Posture
Scoliosis is abnormal spinal curvature; poor posture causes misalignment without structural issues. Current medical treatment includes bracing, surgery for scoliosis, and physical therapy for posture. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets subluxations to improve alignment. Evidence supports pain relief, not curvature correction, complementing bracing or therapy.Seizure DisordersSeizure disorders like epilepsy involve recurrent seizures from brain activity issues. Current medical treatment includes antiepileptic drugs, ketogenic diets, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations affect seizure pathways. Adjustments aim to reduce frequency, with anecdotal evidence, complementing medications.
Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain from rotator cuff issues or arthritis causes discomfort and limited mobility. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect shoulder nerves. Adjustments have evidence for pain relief, complementing therapy or injections.
Skin Disorders
Skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis cause inflammation or lesions, often from immune or genetic factors. Current medical treatment includes topical corticosteroids, biologics, and phototherapy. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits subluxations affect immune nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce inflammation, with no strong evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Sore Throat
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is throat pain from infections or irritants. Current medical treatment includes supportive care, antibiotics for bacterial causes, and pain relievers. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations affect immune function. Adjustments aim to support recovery, with no evidence, complementing medical care.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries like sprains or fractures cause pain and limited function from athletic activity. Current medical treatment includes RICE, physical therapy, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets subluxations to improve biomechanics. Evidence supports chiropractic for musculoskeletal injuries, complementing RICE or therapy.
Swallowing Disorders
Swallowing disorders (dysphagia) involve difficulty swallowing, often from neurological or esophageal issues. Current medical treatment includes speech therapy, dietary changes, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations affect cranial nerves. Adjustments aim to improve swallowing, with anecdotal evidence, complementing therapy.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is tendon inflammation from overuse, causing pain and stiffness. Current medical treatment includes rest, NSAIDs, and surgery for severe cases. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests subluxations affect tendon nerves. Adjustments aim to reduce pain, with evidence for symptom relief, complementing therapy.
Tingling Sensations
Tingling (paresthesia) results from nerve irritation, often from neuropathy or compression. Current medical treatment includes addressing causes (e.g., gabapentin, surgery). Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets subluxations causing nerve pressure. Adjustments have evidence for tingling from pinched nerves, complementing medical treatments.
TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction causes jaw pain or clicking, often from stress or misalignment. Current medical treatment includes bite splints, NSAIDs, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations affect jaw nerves. Adjustments have moderate evidence for pain relief, complementing splints or therapy.
Torticollis
Torticollis involves neck muscle spasms causing head tilting, often congenital or acquired. Current medical treatment includes physical therapy, Botox, and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy suggests cervical subluxations cause spasms. Adjustments have evidence for symptom relief, complementing therapy or Botox.
Trigeminal (Atypical) Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia causes severe facial pain from nerve irritation. Current medical treatment includes anticonvulsants and surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy posits cervical subluxations irritate the trigeminal nerve. Adjustments aim to reduce pain, with limited evidence, complementing medical treatments.
Whiplash
Whiplash is a neck injury from rapid head movement, causing pain and stiffness. Current medical treatment includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, and rarely surgery. Specific Chiropractic philosophy targets cervical subluxations to relieve nerve pressure. Strong evidence supports chiropractic as a primary treatment alongside therapy or medications.