It is a common belief that chiropractors are only capable of treating issues concerning the neck and back. While, they are effective in these areas, chiropractors can treat many other parts of the body. This can occur by focusing locally on a body part or treating the spine that is causing pain in other areas.

Here are 5 areas that a chiropractor can treat through adjustments that they do. If your ailment falls into one of the areas listed and have been unsuccessful in treating it to date, consider arranging a chiropractor appointment today.

1. Head

Lots of people are perfectly ok with taking some acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches. However, when they become chronic, this can become a problem. For these people who experience frequent, painful headaches it is common and understandable to want to get to the root of the problem rather than just address symptoms.

Chiropractors can assist with headaches, treating many people who turn to them for assistance. Headaches are often caused by misaligned vertebrae down the spine. The chiropractor can put these back into alignment through simple adjustments, taking the pressure off that causes head pain.

2. Arms

The elbow is a joint that can often come misaligned, causing severe pain from the shoulder right down to the hand. Arm pain can also be caused by a group of nerves in the area called the brachial plexus. Symptoms of issues in the brachial plexus include numbness, burning or weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

If you visit a chiropractor for an appointment, he/she can perform an examination to determine whether your arm pain is caused by compressed nerves caused by problematic vertebrae in the spine. If this is determined to be an issue, the chiropractor can treat you and make adjustments as needed.

3. Joints

In addition to the elbow, joints that are susceptible to misalignment are shoulders, knees, and hips. Arthritis can also wreak havoc on the body. When this happens pain can occur that prevents you from performing everyday activities.

Chiropractors have a proven track record in assisting people with joint pain caused by misalignment, arthritis, or injury. Similar to adjusting the spine, the chiropractor focuses his/her attention on the joint experiencing pain, maneuvering it to release tension and in turn allowing it to return to its regular function. Many patients who have visited a chiropractor due to joint pain report almost immediate relief after adjustments are made.

4. Digestive tract

Issues with your digestive tract are not pleasant. Symptoms often include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, or constipation. Due to such unfavourable symptoms it is only natural to want to address them especially if over-the-counter medications have proven to be ineffective.

Visiting a chiropractor can help the issues you are experiencing with your digestive tract. This is because the nerves in the chest and abdominal regions are linked to digestive processes. When a herniated disc is discovered in the region, it can make proper digestion extremely difficult as nerves send problematic impulses to the stomach and intestines. Addressing issues in this region can lead to a smoother digestive process.

5. Pains during pregnancy

Aches and pains are typical of pregnancy and many times those expecting experience pain in the pelvic and back regions. As a result, many pregnant women visit chiropractors and report a reduction in pain.

A chiropractor can address the occurrences during pregnancy that can cause extreme pain, such as changes in posture, changes in the pelvis, and curvatures in the back. He/she can tend to the areas causing pain, allowing for a healthier pregnancy and reducing instances of nausea that can occur during this time.