When many people hear the word chiropractic, they immediately think of neck pain, back pain or spinal adjustments. While those are certainly an important part of chiropractic care, the specialty offers much more than treating sore backs. Summit Health’s chiropractic physicians provide conservative, non-surgical care for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting patients of all ages—from young children to older adults.

According to Julie Scarano, DC, a chiropractor with Summit Health, chiropractic care is designed to improve movement, relieve pain and help patients return to their daily activities while often reducing the need for medication or more invasive treatments.

A Collaborative Approach to Patient Care

As healthcare continues to become more integrated, chiropractic physicians play an important role alongside primary care providers, orthopedic specialists, pain management physicians, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals.

By working collaboratively, chiropractic care can help:

• Improve patient outcomes
• Support evidence-based, non-surgical treatment plans
• Restore movement and function
• Reduce reliance on pain medications when appropriate
• Help patients recover safely and efficiently

Rather than replacing other treatments, chiropractic care often complements a patient's overall care plan.

Chiropractic Care Is About More Than the Spine

Although spinal conditions remain one of the most common reasons patients seek chiropractic treatment, today's chiropractic physicians evaluate and treat the entire musculoskeletal system.

Common conditions include:

• Neck and back pain
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Muscle spasms
• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica and radiculopathy
• Cervicogenic headaches
• Joint pain affecting the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, feet, ribs, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

"Our care isn't limited to the spine," Scarano explains. "We treat all of the joints in the body and tailor treatment to each individual's needs."

Supporting Patients Through Every Stage of Life

One of the greatest strengths of chiropractic care is its versatility. Because treatment plans are individualized, chiropractic physicians can safely modify techniques based on a patient's age, health, condition and comfort level.

Even young patients may benefit from chiropractic care for developmental and postural concerns, including scoliosis and posture-related discomfort that can develop during periods of rapid growth.

For seniors living with arthritis, spinal stenosis, and age-related joint stiffness, chiropractic care may help improve mobility, reduce pain, and support independence through gentle, individualized treatment approaches.

Pregnancy and Postpartum Recovery

Pregnancy places significant biomechanical stress on the body as the center of gravity shifts forward. Chiropractic care can help manage the resulting back, pelvic, and joint discomfort using gentle techniques appropriate for pregnancy.

After delivery, chiropractic care can also help new mothers as they adjust to the physical demands of caring for and breastfeeding an infant.

Active Adults and Weekend Warriors

Not everyone who experiences an injury is a competitive athlete. Many adults spend their weekdays sitting at a desk before participating in recreational sports or home improvement projects on the weekends.

These "weekend warriors" frequently experience muscle strains, joint pain, and back injuries that respond well to conservative treatment and movement-based rehabilitation.

Office Workers

Hours spent sitting at a desk can contribute to poor posture, neck pain, shoulder tension, and lower back discomfort. In addition to treatment, chiropractic physicians can provide ergonomic recommendations and movement strategies to reduce recurring pain.

A Broad Toolkit for Musculoskeletal Care

Modern chiropractic care extends far beyond the traditional spinal adjustment.

Depending on each patient's diagnosis and comfort level, treatment may include:

• Spinal and extremity adjustments
• Soft tissue and myofascial therapies
• Functional movement assessment
• Stretching and joint mobilization
• Rehabilitation exercises
• Supportive modalities for pain relief and recovery

Scarano emphasizes that treatment is highly individualized. While some patients benefit from traditional high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) adjustments, others may require gentler techniques.

Additional therapies may include:

• Flexion-distraction therapy for the lower back
• Sacro-occipital technique (SOT)
• Pelvic blocking techniques
• Active Release Techniques (ART)
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to address scar tissue
• Passive therapies and therapeutic stretching

Every treatment plan is selected based on the patient's specific condition, age and overall health.

Who May Benefit from Chiropractic Care?

While there are some medical conditions that make chiropractic treatment inappropriate, there are relatively few absolute contraindications.

Patients who often experience the greatest benefit include those who:

• Are seeking conservative, non-surgical treatment options
• Have musculoskeletal pain affecting the spine or joints
• Prefer to minimize medication use when appropriate
• Cannot take certain medications due to other health conditions
• Are not surgical candidates
• Prefer to avoid injections or invasive procedures
• Have not achieved sufficient relief with other conservative treatments
• Need help improving movement, function, and recovery

Even patients who are unsure where to turn for persistent musculoskeletal pain may benefit from a chiropractic evaluation.

Whether someone is recovering from an injury, managing chronic joint pain, navigating pregnancy, or simply hoping to move more comfortably, chiropractic care provides a personalized, evidence-informed approach focused on restoring movement and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy.

For more information or to make an appointment with a chiropractor, click here.