Most people think chiropractors can only help with back pain, slipped discs, stiff necks, and whiplash. But while chiropractic care is an excellent way to treat those conditions, it can treat far more. In fact, chiropractic treatment can treat many conditions that might surprise you.

Here are 5 of the most surprising conditions chiropractic care can treat:

1.  TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction)

Approximately 12% of people in the U.S experience TMJ disorders at any one given point, with women being affected more than men.

TMJ disorders are conditions that affect the jaw joints and surrounding ligaments and muscles. It can be caused by arthritis, an improper bite, grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep or stressful situations, physical injuries, autoimmune diseases, and dental surgery. 

Other causes may be environmental, genetic, or hormonal. For example, violinists are more prone to suffering from TMJ than the general population, given that their job involves holding an instrument under the jaw.

Common symptoms of this disorder include jaw tenderness, earaches, headaches, and facial pain.

How Can a Chiropractor Help with TMJ

They can perform an adjustment to the jaw to relieve tension. This involves working with key muscles such as the temporalis, the masseter, and the pterygoid until jaw adjustment is achieved. They can provide soft tissue release to the TMJ musculature and the surrounding ligaments and tissues in the face, upper back, and neck. They may also recommend TMJ-related exercises to assist with the loosening up and strengthening of the jaw. These exercises are meant to maintain good TMJ movement while preventing future issues.

2.   Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It involves the inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes.

This condition commonly causes stabbing pain that usually occurs when you take your first steps in the morning. The pain decreases as you move around but might resurface after long periods of standing or when you stand up after sitting for an extended duration.

While plantar fasciitis can develop without any obvious cause, some factors increase your chances of developing this condition, including:

• Age: This condition is lowest in people aged 18-44 (0.53%) and highest in people aged 45-64 (1.33%) (NIH)
• Gender: Females are 2.5 times more likely to report plantar fasciitis than males (NIH)
• Type of exercise: Activities that put a lot of pressure on the heel and surrounding tissue, such as ballet dancing and long-distance running, can contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.
• Weight: Obese people are more likely to develop this condition.
• Occupation: Occupations that keep you on your feet, such as teaching, which requires a lot of walking or standing, can increase the risk of plantar fasciitis.

How a chiropractor can help treat this condition:

They can perform adjustments to your ankles, feet, knees, hips, and spines to ease the pressure on the bottom of your feet. They can help you perform specific exercises, stretches, and movements to reduce inflammations and help alleviate the aches and pains. They can also help you make ergonomic adjustments that shift your weight as you sit or stand over your feet.

3.   Headaches

According to a recent study, a headache disorder yearly affects 52% of the global population, with roughly 14% reporting migraines. Some headaches are persistent, some dull and nagging, and others cause excruciating pain and nausea. While most people take a painkiller and hope the headache goes away, there's a better way of treating a headache.

Research has found that spinal manipulation is effective for treating tension headaches and headaches that begin in the neck. 

How a chiropractor can help with headaches:

They can perform chiropractic adjustments and spinal manipulation to enhance spinal function and alleviate stress.

They can offer advice on ergonomics, posture, exercises, and relaxation techniques. They can provide nutritional advice and recommend a change of diet.

4.   Tennis/Golfer's Elbow

Tennis elbow is an overuse and muscle strain injury most common in adults aged 30-50 that results in an inflammation of the outside of the elbow and forearm regions. One of the most common symptoms of this condition is pain radiating from the outside of the elbow, forearm, and wrist. You may also feel pain when undertaking tasks that involve lifting, grasping, or reaching. Carpenters, painters, and plumbers are prone to this condition due to the repetitive nature of their job.

Golfer's elbow, on the other hand, is an irritation on the inner side of the arm and elbow caused by activities that require repeated flexing or twisting of the wrist. Typically, it's caused by the overuse of the forearm muscles. Golfer's elbow can develop when you engage in activities such as shoveling, gardening, and playing tennis or golf.

How a chiropractor can help with Tennis/Golfer's Elbow

• They can break scar tissue to return to normal muscle function.
• They can perform joint manipulation to realign your elbow.
• They can perform joint adjustments to reduce inflammation.
• They will work with you to diagnose and assess your injury and then provide personalized exercises and stretches.
• They can provide treatments such as acupuncture, manual therapy, and laser therapy.

5.   Rib Pain

Rib pain generally makes it difficult to breathe, put pressure on your chest, or twist your body. A wide range of conditions can cause rib pain, including bruised or broken ribs, pulled muscle, internal injury, inflamed cartilage, muscle spasm, sports injuries, accidents, or even anxiety. Sometimes rib pain can be caused by a heart attack or even pregnancies.

How a chiropractor can help relieve rib pain:

• They can put ribs back into alignment to ease the pain and improve your breathing.
• They can perform manual spinal adjustments to correct any misalignments.
• They can adjust where the ribs meet the spine to decrease stress and improper function and increase proper range of motion.

Get Chiropractic Treatment To Remedy Different Conditions

If you're struggling with any of these conditions, HD Performance Chiropractic can provide the treatment you need. Depending on your specific condition, Dr. Hollier will discuss which treatment modalities will be best for you. Dr. Hollier will also ensure you're comfortable and not in pain throughout the treatment. Book an appointment today.