Chiropractic: A Flexible Option for Busy Lifestyles

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Genevieve Cunningham

How often do you feel your best? Sounds like a no-brainer, but take a second to really think about it. Are you thriving, or just surviving the daily grind? With our busy lifestyles—work, family, endless to-do lists—it's easy to let your health slip into the background.

Since the pandemic, more people believe they’re making good health a top priority, but how much attention are we actually giving it? Are you squeezing in those annual checkups? Hitting the gym? Dealing with that nagging back pain, or just hoping it’ll disappear on its own?

These self-checks are key because they lead to action—and action is what keeps you feeling great. So, where do you start when life’s pulling you in a million directions? Enter regular chiropractic care. It’s simple, effective, and can jumpstart your health journey. Why is it the perfect choice for busy people like you? Let’s dive in and find out.

What is chiropractic care?

Most people have heard of chiropractic care, and more than 35 million adults a year receive treatment. If you’re not one of them, you might be picturing a visit as all about cracking backs and popping noises, usually after an accident or injury. Sound familiar?

Well, let’s set the record straight. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession that focuses on the body’s ability to heal itself. Palmer College of Chiropractic adds that it's all about the spine, joints, nervous system, and overall health. So, who’s right? Both, actually.

Chiropractic care zeroes in on the spine and joints, keeping them in line (literally) with the nervous system to support your body’s natural healing powers. It's a conservative, non-invasive, drug-free way to help manage pain and boost your health—a solid addition to any wellness routine. And trust us, the benefits are well worth it!

Why chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is about way more than pops and cracks and twists of the spine. It may come with real benefits that can enhance multiple areas of a person’s health and life as a whole.

Pain relief: Let’s start with the big one—acute or chronic pain. Relief is the number one reason people book that first chiropractic appointment, and for good reason. Regular chiropractic care is incredibly effective at tackling chronic pain, especially in the back, neck, and joints. By keeping everything aligned and reducing nerve irritation, it’s like hitting the reset button on your body’s pain signals.

Improved posture: Slouching is practically a national pastime, but bad posture can sneak up on us until it's too hard to ignore. Consistent chiropractic care not only helps fix poor posture by increasing body awareness, but it may also reduce pain that’s keeping you from standing tall. Want to straighten up? A few visits might be just the nudge your spine needs.

Increased mobility and range of motion: Staying mobile is one of the secrets to a long, happy life. Chiropractic adjustments may help reduce joint pain and improve your range of motion, which means more freedom to move—and enjoy life—without feeling like your body’s holding you back. It’s especially crucial as we get older and want to keep that youthful spring in our step.

Help prevent injuries or chronic ailments: Sure, chiropractic care can fix pain and stiffness, but here’s the best part—it may prevent those problems from showing up in the first place. By keeping your spine in top shape, regular adjustments could ward off future aches and pains, making prevention just as important as treatment.

Reduce inflammation: Chronic inflammation is the sneaky villain behind so many aches, pains, and even more serious health issues. The good news? Chiropractic care could be your superhero. Research shows that regular adjustments may reduce inflammation markers in the body, helping you feel better all around.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines (fancy talk for inflammation-causing proteins) while boosting the anti-inflammatory kind. Translation: regular chiropractic care might not only relieve your pain but also dial down inflammation, making it a solid tool for long-term health.

Improved mental clarity and energy: Feeling foggy or sluggish? Spinal misalignments can affect the nervous system, which may drain your energy and cloud your thinking. Chiropractic care may help ensure everything is firing on all cylinders, leaving you sharper, more focused, and full of energy.

Sleep better: Sleep struggles? You’re not alone. Regular chiropractic adjustments may help improve sleep quality by easing pain and tension that keep you up at night. Plus, a healthier spine means a better connection between your body and brain, which may promote deeper, more restful sleep.

Reduction of tension headaches: If tension headaches are cramping your style, chiropractic care might just be the relief you’ve been searching for. Studies show that adjustments can help reduce the frequency and intensity of these headaches by addressing misalignments and muscle tension in the neck and upper back.

Relieve Stress: A well-aligned spine equals a well-functioning nervous system, and that translates to better stress management. Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce stress hormones and promote relaxation, giving you that "ahh" feeling after every visit.

So, while pain relief, posture, and mobility are the all-stars of chiropractic care, there’s a whole roster of benefits just waiting to make your life better—from reduced inflammation to clearer thinking and even better sleep.

Conditions that may benefit from chiropractic care

Although anyone can improve their health with the help of chiropractic care, there are certain conditions that may be mitigated especially well with regular visits to the chiropractor.

Arthritis - Think of regular chiropractic care as your joint’s best friend—giving your stiff, achy spots a much-needed tune-up. Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to help ease pain, reduce inflammation, correct dysfunctions in the joints and spine, and keep you moving. Whether it’s osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, a few gentle adjustments could help you feel like you’ve found the secret to putting some pep back in your step.

Bruxism - If you've ever woken up feeling like you went a few rounds in your sleep, you might be dealing with bruxism—fancy talk for grinding your teeth at night. It’s sneaky, common, and can wreak havoc on your dental and overall health. But here’s the good news: chiropractic care could be the secret weapon you didn’t know you needed. By focusing on alignment and easing tension, chiropractic can help tackle the root causes of bruxism, giving you a fighting chance to kick this habit to the curb.

Bursitis - Bursitis might be the bane of your gardening or tennis game, but chiropractic care may help keep that pesky inflammation in check. With gentle adjustments, we’ll help reduce joint restrictions and improve mobility, giving your body the boost it needs to tackle that swelling and pain. It's a natural, non-invasive way to keep you moving without relying on meds. So, whether you're a weekend warrior or a DIY enthusiast, chiropractic care can help keep your joints happy and healthy.

Ear infections - While ear infections can be a real pain, especially for little ones, chiropractic care may offer a natural and non-invasive way to manage the discomfort. By gently adjusting the spine, chiropractors help reduce inflammation and improve the function of the nervous system, which can support the body in clearing up those pesky blocked eustachian tubes.

Fiberomyalgia - Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing the widespread pain and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia. Through gentle adjustments, chiropractors aim to reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and support nervous system function, which may help alleviate some of the symptoms, like pain and stiffness. It’s a natural way to enhance overall well-being and manage fibromyalgia more effectively.

Growing pains - If your child’s aching legs and arms are affecting their daily lives and keeping them up at night, chiropractic care might be just what they need. By addressing misalignments and improving joint mobility, chiropractors may help alleviate discomfort from those pesky growing pains—often linked to overactivity rather than actual growth spurts.

Knee, foot, and ankle pain - Chiropractic care may help with knee, foot, and ankle pain by addressing joint misalignments and improving mobility. Through gentle, natural adjustments, we work to reduce inflammation, ease discomfort, and enhance flexibility—without drugs.

Lower back pain - Chiropractic care is like a tune-up for your lower back! When low back pain hits, The Joint Chiropractic doctors help realign your spine and reduce inflammation, all without the need for pills. Think of it as giving your back a little TLC to ease pain, improve flexibility, and get you back to your best self, naturally.

Migraines - Headaches are annoying, but migraines? They’re next-level brutal. The good news is chiropractic care may help ease that tension along your spine that’s fueling the pain. Even better? Regular adjustments might just keep those migraines from crashing your party as often—or hitting you with the same knockout punch when they do.

Neck pain - With regular adjustments, you may be able to keep those neck muscles and joints happy, reducing inflammation and discomfort without the need for painkillers. Chiropractic care not only eases the pain but also improves your range of motion and flexibility, making it easier to go about your day without the stiff-neck shuffle. Don’t live with the pain when you might be able to keep your neck in check with a natural, drug-free approach.

Neuropathy - Neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms like pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness, often in the hands and feet. Chiropractic care can help manage neuropathy by improving spinal alignment and reducing nerve interference, which may alleviate some symptoms and enhance overall nerve function. While chiropractic adjustments can support nerve health and reduce discomfort, they should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan developed with your healthcare provider.

Repetitive stress disorder - Repetitive stress disorder can turn everyday tasks into a painful grind, but chiropractic care is like hitting the reset button for your body. By helping to keep your joints moving smoothly and reducing inflammation, routine chiropractic adjustments may help manage the wear and tear that comes from doing the same motion over and over again.

Sciatica - When sciatica strikes, it's like your lower back and legs are throwing a tantrum. Chiropractic care is the calm in that storm, offering a natural way to manage the pain and inflammation without popping pills. With precise adjustments, chiropractors could help you regain mobility, reduce discomfort, and get back to your life—one pain-free step at a time.

Scoliosis - Scoliosis might have your spine doing a bit of a dance, but chiropractic care may be the backstage pass to a more comfortable life. With targeted adjustments, chiropractors help straighten out the discomfort, boost flexibility, and reduce inflammation, all without the side effects of medication. It's a natural way to keep your spine in check and help you move with ease.

Shoulder and elbow pain - Shoulder and elbow pain cramping your style? Chiropractic care can step in with precise adjustments that could tackle inflammation, boost flexibility, and ease discomfort.

Spondylosis - Spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the spinal discs and vertebrae, often resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Chiropractic care may help manage spondylosis by addressing misalignments and improving spinal function through gentle adjustments. While it won't reverse the degenerative changes, chiropractic care could alleviate discomfort, enhance mobility, and support overall spinal health.

Spondylitis - Spondylitis is inflammation of the spinal vertebrae, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Chiropractic care could help manage spondylitis by improving spinal alignment and mobility through adjustments and other techniques. While it won't cure the condition, chiropractic care may reduce joint restrictions and alleviate discomfort, supporting better function and quality of life. Be sure to discuss your specific symptoms and medical history with your doctor of chiropractic so they can determine if treatment is right for you.

TMJ - TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the joint connecting your jaw to your skull, causing pain, clicking, and difficulty moving the jaw. Chiropractic care may be a game-changer for the symptoms caused by TMJ. By using targeted adjustments and therapies, chiropractors can address misalignments and muscle tension around the jaw, helping to reduce pain and improve jaw movement. This approach could relieve symptoms like jaw pain, headaches, and clicking sounds, making your smile a bit more comfortable.

Upper back pain - Upper back pain making you feel like a hunchback? Chiropractic care can set things straight with targeted adjustments that could ease discomfort, reduce inflammation, and boost flexibility.

Vertigo - Chiropractic care may offer support for vertigo by addressing misalignments in the cervical spine that may contribute to dizziness. Through specific adjustments and therapies, chiropractors aim to improve spinal alignment and nerve function, which can help alleviate symptoms and enhance overall balance. This approach may not be a cure-all, but it can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing vertigo.

So, whether you're dealing with stubborn pain, stiff joints, headaches that just won't quit, or you want to keep your body moving like it should, chiropractic care could be your secret weapon. It’s not just about fixing what's wrong—it's about keeping you feeling great long-term. Because let’s face it, life’s too short to be sidelined by aches, pains, or tension. With regular chiropractic care, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever comes your way and do it feeling your best.

Why The Joint Chiropractic?

We’ve all been there—conditioned to think that getting healthcare is a giant headache. Long waits, confusing paperwork, and way too much hassle. But here’s the thing: chiropractic care doesn’t have to be a chore. If you’re ready to make chiropractic a part of your routine, it can be really easy with The Joint Chiropractic.

• Professional, quality care - Doctors of chiropractic undergo extensive schooling and receive ongoing training in the latest chiropractic techniques. Before treating a patient, they may review notes from recent visits to address any ongoing concerns and review the treatment previously provided. This personalized approach allows our chiropractors to tailor their techniques to each patient's specific needs.
• Skip the insurance runaround - No insurance drama here. Say goodbye to co-pay confusion and wondering if chiropractic care is even covered. We keep our prices affordable by cutting out the middleman—we don’t accept insurance so you can get straightforward, budget-friendly care when you need it.
• Same-day care - Forget scheduling months in advance or sitting around a waiting room forever. Appointments are a thing of the past. Just pop in when it works for you, get adjusted, and carry on with your day.
• Affordable prices - No surprise bills, no outrageous costs. You don’t have to break the bank to feel your best. With our Wellness Plans and packages, your cost per visit is typically more affordable than a single insurance copay would be. You’ll never fork over hundreds of dollars. And, we also accept HSA and FSA dollars.
• Access to clinics across the US - Whether you’re at home or on the go, we have you covered with locations all across the country. Just pull up the map, and you’ll find a clinic nearby—vacation, work trip, or family visit, easy peasy.

Doctors at The Joint want you to feel your best. No games. No hoops to jump through. No extra stress in an already stressful world. If you want quality care in an easy way, find your local clinic and check it out. A happier, healthier life might be waiting for you—all you have to do is walk in the doors.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.