Question
I've never been to a chiropractor before and was wondering what exactly they do. I'm under a lot of stress recently and have painful knots in my back and neck. My back pops abnormally loud and often when I turn in my chair and I'm sure this doesn't help my knots. Can seeing a chiropractor help alleviate any of this? I appreciate anything you have to say.

Erin

Answer
Erin,

Thank you very much for your question and I hope that I can help you.

Chiropractic is a mode of healthcare that deals mainly with the spine, muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons.  What you are experiencing is a perfect example of a chiropractic problem.  Normally, muscles do not tighten and knot up on their own.  Something has to cause irritation that leads to such a problem.  Usually the spinal vertebrae will become stuck in an abnormal position and cause decreased motion which in turn will result in tightness of the muscles.  The muscle spasm causes further stiffening of the joints and the cycle begins.  The end result is pain and the other problems you describe.

The chiropractor will examine you to determine the cause of the problem and then perform treatment, such as spinal manipulation, to release the fixations in the spine and restore normal function to the joints and muscles.  This results in a decrease and eventual, often rapid, elimination of the pain and symptoms.  He should then instruct you on things to do at home to make sure this does not return and become a recurrent problem.

I recommend you find a good chiropractor in your area and go see him.  I normally treat a problem like yours about 4-8 visits to resolve it.  

I hope this helps.  If you have any other questions, contact me through allexperts.com.

God Bless,

Dr. Boss