Yes, you should see a chiropractor when experiencing pain. At Advanced Spine & Rehab in Mesa, AZ 85206, our complete staff of medical professionals is trained in the latest chiropractic and rehabilitative techniques to address pain at its source. Whether from daily strain, trauma, or injury, chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and support healing. Early intervention is key to preventing long-term issues and promoting full recovery.
How Can You Tell a Good Chiropractor from a Bad One?
A good chiropractor conducts a thorough assessment, explains your diagnosis clearly, and develops a personalized treatment plan based on evidence-based practices. They listen attentively, prioritize your comfort, and avoid high-pressure sales tactics. In contrast, a bad chiropractor may skip evaluations, rely heavily on one-size-fits-all approaches, or recommend excessive visits without clear rationale. Look for transparency, professionalism, and collaborative care as key indicators of quality chiropractic treatment.
What Are the Red Flags for Chiropractors?
Red flags for chiropractors include skipping a proper medical history or physical exam, making unrealistic promises of instant cures, or pressuring you into long-term treatment plans without clear reasoning. Other warning signs include discouraging necessary medical evaluations, ignoring imaging or test results, and avoiding collaboration with other healthcare providers. Ethical chiropractors prioritize patient safety, explain each step of care, and refer to other specialists when appropriate.
What Are the Symptoms of Toxic Release After Chiropractic Adjustment?
Toxic release is a term sometimes used to describe temporary symptoms some patients experience after an adjustment. These may include mild headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, or flu-like symptoms. It’s thought to result from the body’s response to changes in spinal alignment and the release of stored tension or metabolic waste. These effects are generally short-lived and resolve within 24–48 hours. Always inform your provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
What Is Subluxation Theory?
Subluxation theory refers to the chiropractic concept that misalignments of the spinal vertebrae—called subluxations—can interfere with nervous system function, potentially impacting overall health. This theory suggests that correcting these subluxations through spinal adjustments may help restore proper nerve communication and improve bodily function. While the term “subluxation” has evolved, modern chiropractic care often integrates this concept with evidence-based approaches to musculoskeletal and neurological health.
How Do I Tell If I Need a Chiropractic Adjustment?
You may benefit from a chiropractic adjustment if you experience persistent back or neck pain, frequent headaches, joint stiffness, reduced range of motion, or poor posture. Other signs include muscle tightness, tingling in the arms or legs, or pain aggravated by daily activities. A thorough evaluation by a qualified chiropractor can determine if spinal misalignments are contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.
Symptoms That Prompt Chiropractic Care for Pain
Persistent Back Pain
Ongoing discomfort in the upper, middle, or lower back often signals spinal misalignment, muscle strain, or disc irritation. Chiropractic care can help restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and address the root mechanical issues contributing to chronic or recurring back pain.
Neck Pain or Stiffness
Limited range of motion, soreness, or sharp pain in the neck may result from poor posture, injury, or nerve irritation. Chiropractic adjustments target spinal alignment to alleviate pressure, improve movement, and support overall neck and upper back health.
Frequent Headaches
Tension headaches or migraines often stem from tight neck muscles, postural stress, or misaligned vertebrae. Chiropractic care can relieve muscular tension, improve blood flow, and address contributing factors to reduce headache frequency and intensity.
Joint Pain or Stiffness
Painful or restricted movement in the shoulders, hips, knees, or other joints may indicate biomechanical imbalances or inflammation. Chiropractic therapy helps restore proper alignment, reduce stress on surrounding tissues, and improve joint function.
Radiating Pain, Tingling, or Numbness
Symptoms that extend into the arms or legs often point to nerve compression from spinal misalignment or disc issues. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve nerve pressure, decrease pain, and support long-term nerve health and function.
5 Medical Causes of Pain Symptoms Leading to Chiropractic Care
Herniated or Bulging Discs
Discs pressing on nearby nerves can cause back pain, radiating leg or arm discomfort, numbness, or tingling, often worsening with certain movements or posture.
Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
Overuse, poor lifting mechanics, or sudden injury can strain soft tissues, leading to localized pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected area.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related disc wear causes loss of cushioning between vertebrae, resulting in chronic back or neck pain, stiffness, and occasional radiating nerve symptoms.
Spinal Misalignment (Vertebral Dysfunction)
Abnormal vertebral positioning can irritate nerves and strain muscles, contributing to localized pain, restricted movement, and secondary headaches or joint discomfort.
Nerve Compression (Radiculopathy)
Pinched or irritated spinal nerves cause pain, tingling, or numbness radiating into extremities, often from herniated discs, bone spurs, or spinal misalignment.
Top 5 Medical Treatments for Pain Symptoms
Chiropractic Adjustments
Manual spinal corrections restore proper alignment, reduce nerve pressure, and improve mobility, helping alleviate pain caused by misalignment, joint dysfunction, or nerve irritation.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Targeted exercises, stretching, and manual therapy strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and restore proper movement patterns to aid recovery and prevent future injury.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Over-the-counter or prescribed medications reduce inflammation and pain, providing short-term relief for conditions like muscle strain, nerve irritation, or degenerative disc disease.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections around irritated nerves reduce inflammation and pain in cases of herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or nerve compression-related conditions.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Modifications
Adjusting posture, workplace ergonomics, and daily movement patterns helps reduce strain on the spine, support healing, and prevent recurrence of musculoskeletal pain.
Top 5 Chiropractic Treatment Approaches for Pain
Spinal Manipulation (Adjustments)
Precise manual adjustments correct vertebral misalignments, restore joint motion, and reduce nerve pressure, helping alleviate pain and support the body’s natural healing process.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Techniques such as trigger point therapy and myofascial release target tight muscles, reduce inflammation, and enhance circulation to accelerate recovery from strain or injury.
Therapeutic Exercise Programs
Customized stretching and strengthening routines improve posture, enhance stability, and prevent future injuries by supporting proper spinal alignment and muscular balance.
Electrical Stimulation and Ultrasound Therapy
Modalities like e-stim and ultrasound reduce pain, increase blood flow, and promote tissue healing in inflamed or injured areas of the spine and joints.
Lifestyle and Posture Counseling
Guidance on ergonomics, activity modification, and spinal health habits ensures long-term relief by preventing recurrent pain and supporting overall musculoskeletal wellness.
Summary
Chiropractic care offers effective solutions for pain related to spinal misalignments, muscle strain, and nerve irritation. Common symptoms prompting care include back and neck pain, headaches, joint stiffness, and radiating nerve discomfort. Medical causes such as herniated discs, degenerative changes, or soft tissue injuries often respond well to evidence-based treatments, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercise. Combining targeted chiropractic techniques with lifestyle guidance and ergonomic support promotes healing, improves mobility, and helps prevent future musculoskeletal issues.
Meet The Professional Staff
At Advanced Spine & Rehab in the Phoenix East Valley, we invite you to experience truly individualized care delivered with compassion, understanding, and integrity. Our calm and encouraging environment is designed to support your comfort as we guide you on your road to recovery. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to help patients find effective solutions and lasting relief from pain, blending advanced techniques with a personalized approach to restore mobility, enhance wellness, and improve your overall quality of life.
Take the first step toward living pain-free today by scheduling your appointment with Advanced Spine & Rehab in the Phoenix East Valley. Our experienced team is ready to provide personalized, compassionate care to address your unique needs. Whether you’re dealing with recent injuries, chronic discomfort, or seeking to improve overall mobility, we’re here to guide you toward effective solutions and lasting relief. Call us or visit our clinic to start your journey toward better health and renewed quality of life.
Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive, evidence-based path to pain relief, recovery, and long-term wellness. From addressing back and neck pain to resolving joint stiffness and nerve irritation, timely intervention can prevent chronic issues and improve overall function. At Advanced Spine & Rehab in the Phoenix East Valley, our compassionate team combines advanced techniques, personalized treatment plans, and a supportive environment to help every patient achieve lasting results. Your journey to relief, recovery, and a healthier, more active life starts here.