Your doctor may have recommended that you visit a chiropractor if you're having back problems, or are experiencing headaches, shoulder pain, and other stiffness with your joints and muscles. While only your doctor or chiropractor can answer specific questions about your condition and recommended treatment, note a few general questions you might have about visiting a chiropractor, and this can help you to know why these sessions are so beneficial, and what to expect during your sessions.

Is visiting a chiropractor the same as getting a massage?

A massage is meant to relax muscles, allowing for more blood flow and flexibility. A chiropractic treatment is designed to help correct misalignment of the spine. If your spine is misaligned, you may be putting undue pressure on certain muscles so that they become tense, and a massage may help. However, getting a massage may mean only treating the symptoms of a spinal misalignment, and not addressing the actual problem that is causing your pain and stiffness. Getting a massage can be very relaxing and enjoyable, so there is certainly nothing wrong with having regular massages, but a chiropractic treatment may offer long-term rather than just short-term results for your condition.

Does chiropractic treatment interrupt your workout routine?

A chiropractic session shouldn't be painful, and it should actually make you feel more rested and limber. Your chiropractor may recommend that you simply rest for the remainder of the day after a session, so that your body can also rest after being adjusted and manipulated, but you typically don't need to interrupt your workout routine when you visit a chiropractor. He or she can tell you what adjustments to your schedule might be needed, but don't assume that getting this type of treatment will mean that you should just cancel your gym membership!

Is chiropractic treatment only good for back muscles?

If your posture is poor, your digestive system may be suffering from undue pressure and the weight of muscles that are pushing against it. Straightening your posture can then allow for better digestion. Proper posture and spinal alignment can also take undue weight off of certain joints, so they aren't as stiff and sore. Improper alignment of the spine can also cause pressure along the jaw, so that you grind your teeth or tense the muscles of the neck and jaw line; chiropractic treatment can then alleviate that pressure, and any resultant headaches that come with it. This is why it's good to visit a chiropractor for a wide range of problems, and not just for stronger back muscles.