Who – Besides You – Is Getting Adjusted?
Chiropractic care has grown significantly as a non-invasive, holistic treatment approach to musculoskeletal pain. Millions of people worldwide visit their chiropractor seeking relief from chronic pain, improved mobility, and better overall health. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), chiropractors treat more than 35 million Americans annually, including adults and children.
With a focus on the spine and musculoskeletal system, chiropractic care offers drug-free, hands-on treatment methods such as spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and exercise recommendations. From everyday desk workers to elite athletes, many rely on chiropractic care to manage pain symptoms that often disrupt daily life.
Famous names like Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Eva Mendes have openly credited chiropractic care for enhancing their health and performance. But what are the most common pain complaints that chiropractors treat? Below, we dive into the most frequent symptoms, the science behind chiropractic treatments, and real-world examples that show how chiropractic care impacts lives.
Chiropractors focus on spinal manipulation, posture correction, and strengthening exercises to address the underlying causes of low back pain. Research supports the efficacy of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) in reducing pain and improving function in patients with acute and chronic low back pain.
Real-World Example: NFL legend Tom Brady has credited chiropractic care as a critical component of his training routine, helping him manage back pain and maintain performance throughout his career.
Common Pain Symptoms in Chiropractic Clinics
1. Low Back Pain
Low back pain is arguably the most common reason people seek chiropractic care. Studies estimate that up to 80% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives. The pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating episodes that impact daily activities, work, and sleep.
Chiropractors focus on spinal manipulation, posture correction, and strengthening exercises to address the underlying causes of low back pain. Research supports the efficacy of spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) in reducing pain and improving function in patients with acute and chronic low back pain.
Real-World Example: NFL legend Tom Brady has credited chiropractic care as a critical component of his training routine, helping him manage back pain and maintain performance throughout his career.
2. Neck Pain and Cervicogenic Headaches
Neck pain is another frequent complaint, often stemming from poor posture, trauma, or stress. Prolonged screen time has exacerbated this issue, giving rise to “tech neck” — a repetitive strain injury caused by looking down at devices.
Chiropractors perform cervical adjustments, myofascial release, and posture correction exercises to relieve neck pain and prevent future episodes. Moreover, many patients suffer from cervicogenic headaches — headaches originating from the cervical spine — which respond well to chiropractic care.
Real-World Example: Actress Eva Mendes has publicly shared her reliance on chiropractic care to manage neck and back pain caused by long hours on set.
3. Sciatica and Radiculopathy
Sciatica — pain radiating down the leg from the lower back — is a hallmark of nerve root compression or irritation, often due to herniated discs or spinal misalignment. Chiropractic adjustments help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and improving mobility.
Systematic reviews support chiropractic care as an effective conservative option for sciatica and radicular pain, especially compared to invasive surgical treatments.
Real-World Example: Golf champion Tiger Woods has spoken about managing back issues, including sciatica, through chiropractic adjustments during his career.
4. Shoulder and Upper Extremity Pain
Shoulder pain, often resulting from rotator cuff injuries, frozen shoulder, or repetitive stress, is another reason patients visit chiropractors. Manual adjustments, joint mobilization, and soft tissue therapy target these problems effectively.
Studies show that chiropractic manipulative therapy (CMT) can reduce pain and improve range of motion in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome (Bang & Deyle, 2000).
5. Hip and Lower Extremity Pain
Chiropractors also treat hip pain linked to joint dysfunction, arthritis, or muscular imbalances. Knee and ankle issues, often arising from poor biomechanics or overuse, also fall within chiropractic care’s scope.
For instance, hip joint manipulation combined with exercises significantly improves pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis.
6. Migraine and Tension Headaches
Many people are surprised to learn that chiropractors help manage migraines and tension headaches. Spinal adjustments may reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches by correcting musculoskeletal dysfunctions that trigger them.
A 2011 systematic review found that spinal manipulation could reduce migraine days and intensity compared to usual care.
Real-World Example: NBA legend Michael Jordan was a frequent chiropractic patient, using adjustments not only for back pain but also to manage headaches and optimize performance.
7. Postural Issues and “Tech Neck”
With remote work and digital device usage surging, poor posture has become a modern epidemic. “Tech neck” leads to chronic muscle strain, headaches, and even disc degeneration if untreated.
Chiropractic care addresses these issues through postural corrections, ergonomic education, and spinal adjustments, helping patients build sustainable habits that prevent further damage.
Jaw pain and TMJ also are relieved with chiropractic adjustments. Go here for more information on how I treat these issues.
The Science Behind Chiropractic Adjustments
Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), the cornerstone of chiropractic care, involves applying controlled force to joints, primarily in the spine. This practice aims to restore joint mobility, reduce nerve irritability, and improve function.
How Does It Work?
- Neurophysiological Effects: SMT stimulates the central nervous system, which may explain its ability to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Biomechanical Corrections: Restoring proper joint alignment reduces mechanical stress on muscles, ligaments, and discs.
- Improved Range of Motion: Spinal adjustments improve flexibility and mobility, critical for preventing recurring pain.
Evidence-Based Support
Several meta-analyses support chiropractic care as an effective, non-pharmacological treatment for various musculoskeletal pain conditions:
- Low Back Pain: SMT is more effective than placebo and as effective as conventional treatments like exercise and physical therapy (Paige et al., 2017).
- Neck Pain: Cervical adjustments reduce pain and improve function in patients with mechanical neck pain.
- Headaches: Spinal manipulation reduces migraine days and intensity in migraine sufferers.
Famous People Who Use Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care isn’t limited to those with chronic pain — it’s also a staple for athletes and celebrities seeking peak performance.
- Tom Brady: Incorporates chiropractic adjustments in his training for improved mobility and recovery.
- Michael Jordan: Said he wouldn’t have played without his chiropractor’s care, stating, “Since I’ve been in chiropractic, I’ve improved by leaps and bounds.”
- Arnold Schwarzenegger: A long-time advocate, regularly credits chiropractic care for supporting his bodybuilding and acting career.
- Tiger Woods: Utilized chiropractic adjustments to manage back issues throughout his golf career.
- Eva Mendes: Shares that chiropractic care helps relieve neck and back pain from long hours on set.
These real-world examples highlight that chiropractic care is not only about pain relief but also about optimizing the body’s performance.
Chiropractic care offers effective, non-invasive treatment for a range of common pain symptoms — from low back and neck pain to sciatica, headaches, and postural problems. With growing scientific evidence supporting chiropractic treatments and high-profile advocates confirming its benefits, chiropractic care continues to gain acceptance in mainstream healthcare.
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a busy professional, or someone suffering from chronic pain, chiropractic care provides a drug-free alternative that focuses on the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain balance. By addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction, chiropractors play a vital role in enhancing patients’ quality of life.
