Unlocking Wellness: The Role of a Chiropractic Neurologist

Unlocking Wellness: The Role of a Chiropractic Neurologist

Imagine a healthcare approach that’s all about fine-tuning your body’s inner workings — like a mechanic for your nervous system. 

A treatment philosophy about non-invasive, drug-free strategies that are personalized for your unique needs. 

Hang on tight as we discover the wonders of chiropractic functional neurology!

 

What is a Chiropractic Neurologist?

We’ve all heard of chiropractors, right? They’re those amazing professionals who have magic in their hands, helping to ease our aches and pains with some strategic pushing and pulling.

Now, imagine coupling that chiropractic wizardry with some deep knowledge of the human brain and nervous system — that’s what a chiropractic neurologist is all about!

A chiropractic neurologist is basically a super-specialized chiropractor. They do all that cracking and spine aligning that regular chiropractors do, while also having a deep understanding of the nervous system and brain function. They’re the perfect blend of chiropractic and neurology, equipped to handle a variety of conditions not typically associated with chiropractic care. They’ve got the skills to deal with chronic pain, vertigo, learning, movement disorders, and so much more!

 

What is the Approach of Chiropractic Functional Neurology?

Chiropractic neurology is all about the power of the nervous system. 

Our nervous system is the body’s control center, handling everything from our motor skills to our sensory experience. 

By using specific chiropractic techniques, these brainy experts can bring about changes in the nervous system. It’s almost like they can ‘rewire’ the brain and nervous system through their treatments!

 

The Differences Between a Chiropractic Neurologist and a Medical Neurologist

differences between a chiropractic neurologist and a medical neurologist

While practitioners of both professions share a common interest in the nervous system, the way they approach and manage neurological conditions is quite different:

 

Background & Education

A chiropractic neurologist starts off as a chiropractor, and then takes additional training in neurology. They follow a holistic, or whole-body, approach to health, all about non-invasive treatments, like spinal adjustments.

A medical neurologist, on the other hand, goes through medical school, a neurology residency, and a sub-specialization. They are trained to use medications and surgeries to treat neurological conditions.

 

Treatment Approach

A chiropractic neurologist focuses on functional aspects of neurological disorders. They use physical manipulations to improve neural pathways, enhance brain performance, and, essentially, trigger the body’s healing response.

Medical neurologists use a more conventional approach. They can prescribe medications, recommend physical therapy, and even perform surgeries if needed.

 

Targeted Medical Conditions

Chiropractic neurologists often treat patients with movement disorders, chronic pain, or recovery needs from injuries. They also help patients who have difficulties with balance or coordination, or who suffer from conditions such as ADHD or dyslexia.

Medical neurologists treat a wide range of conditions that affect the nervous system, such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and stroke. They also deal with issues that affect the brain, such as migraines or neuropathic pain.

 

Use of Medication

A chiropractic neurologist doesn’t typically prescribe medication. Instead, they use chiropractic adjustments, exercises, or even diet changes to help treat conditions.

A medical neurologist, however, often does prescribe medication as part of a treatment plan. They might also recommend more traditional routes, such as surgery, depending on the condition.

 

The Arduous Road to Becoming a Chiropractic Neurologist

First things first, you’ve got to become a chiropractor.

This starts with a solid pre-medical undergraduate education. A solid grasp of biology, anatomy, and other sciences is crucial. Now, don’t go thinking this training is all bookwork — you must also have good hands-on skills because of all the popping and cracking that chiropractors do.

After your bachelor’s, you’ll head to chiropractic school. This is where you’ll really dive deep into the world of spinal manipulation and patient care. These programs usually last about four years and give you a Doctor of Chiropractic degree at the end.

Next, you’ll enroll in a three-year post-doctoral program that specializes in neurology. It might be intense and rigorous, but it’s where you get to learn all about the amazing world of the nervous system!

This continuing education will teach you how to diagnose and treat conditions that involve the nervous system. But it’s not all about the brain — you’ll also learn how it connects with every part of the body! This way, you can figure out how a problem in one part of the nervous system may affect other parts of the body. It’s like becoming a detective but for the body!

 

Chiropractic Neurologists are Certified by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board

At the end of all that learning, there’s one final hurdle: the board exam, organized by the American Chiropractic Neurology Board (ACNB). It’s not a piece of cake, but if you’ve made it this far, you’re more than ready for it. Once you’ve aced that exam, you can officially call yourself a chiropractic neurologist!

 

7 Conditions Treated Through Chiropractic Neurology

conditions treated through chiropractic neurology

Chiropractic neurology addresses a pretty wide range of conditions by focusing on how disorders in the nervous system can impact the rest of the body and vice versa, such as:

  • Movement Disorders: Whether it’s an issue like tremors or something more complex like Parkinson’s, these specialists use hands-on techniques to improve movement and coordination.
  • Neurodevelopmental Conditions: This includes conditions like ADHD, Autism, and dyslexia, where a little tweak in the nervous system might lead to improved function and less distress.
  • Balance Problems: Feel like you’re always about to tip over? These specialists work to enhance the neural connections that help keep you steady.
  • Chronic Pain: Chiropractic neurologists are known to help manage this pesky condition, especially if it’s related to nerve dysfunction.
  • Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries: A chiropractic neurologist has the techniques to stimulate healing and manage the symptoms of post-concussion syndrome or the lingering effects from a brain injury.
  • Learning and Behavioral Difficulties: The brain is like the CPU of the body, and sometimes, a glitch can lead to learning and behavior issues.
  • Vertigo and Dizziness: If you’ve been feeling like you’re on a non-stop merry-go-round, these specialists might be able to help by addressing the underlying neural misfires.

 

What are the Advantages of Chiropractic Functional Neurology?

advantages of chiropractic functional neurology

  • Non-Invasive: No scalpels or stitches here! Chiropractic neurologists use hands-on techniques and exercise-based treatments, meaning there’s typically no need for surgery or invasive procedures.
  • Drug-Free: They focus on improving your body’s function through natural methods. So, you’re looking at fewer prescriptions and a lower risk of side effects!
  • Personalized Care: No one-size-fits-all approaches in this field. Chiropractic neurologists create tailored treatment plans based on your body’s specific needs.
  • Whole-Person Approach: A chiropractic neurologist doesn’t just focus on one part of the body. Instead, they look at how all of your systems interact, leading to more effective treatment.
  • Improved Quality of Life: By addressing the root causes of symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves, patients often experience better overall health, increased performance, and improved quality of life.
  • Comprehensive Treatment: Chiropractic neurologists can often help with a wide range of conditions — from movement disorders to chronic pain — offering versatile treatment options.

 

Learn More About Chiropractic Care With Dr. Doerr and His Expert Team!

At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere. 

Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic adjustments!

 

References

  1. “Chiropractic Neurologists Are Experts in the Brain, Spine, and Nervous System Who Have Received Extensive Training and Certification.” ACNB, acnb.org/. Accessed 28 July 2023.
  2. Margach, Russell W. “Chiropractic Functional Neurology: An Introduction.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), Apr. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413643/. Accessed 28 July 2023.
Game Changers: Treating the 15 Most Common Sports Injuries

Game Changers: Treating the 15 Most Common Sports Injuries

Ever been sidelined with an annoying injury when you’re just starting to hit your stride? 

Yep, it’s the worst. 

But, worry not, because when sports injuries strike, experts like Dr. Doerr from Bergen Chiropractic have got your back … and your knees, and your shoulders! With extensive knowledge of sports-related injuries and a comprehensive arsenal of treatment techniques, Dr. Doerr is just the person you need to get you off the bench and back in the game.

So, stick around as we dive deeper into some of the most common sports injuries, their causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how sports chiropractors come to the rescue!

 

Am I Susceptible to a Sports Injury?

Anybody is susceptible to a sports injury, whether you’re a pro athlete, a weekend warrior, or just someone trying out a new physical activity. Certain risk factors increase your predisposition to both minor and more serious injuries, including:

  • Activity Type: High-intensity sports like football, basketball, or rugby often come with a higher risk of injury. But even lower-impact activities like jogging or swimming can lead to acute injuries. 
  • Training and Preparation: Skipping warm-ups or cool-downs, not using proper gear, or not following good form or technique can all put you in the injury zone. 
  • Fitness Level: Your body will protest if you’re out of shape and jump into an intense activity. It’s important to build up your fitness level gradually. 
  • Age: Kids and teens are more prone to certain injuries because their bodies are still growing. Older adults may also have a higher risk due to decreased bone density and muscle flexibility. 
  • Previous Injuries: Repeated injuries and partial recovery make you more susceptible to recurring issues.

 

6 Causes of Sports Injuries

causes of sports injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence, whether you’re casually shooting hoops in the backyard or you’re running a marathon. While accidents can happen anytime, certain factors increase the likelihood of sports injuries:

  • Poor Training Practices: If you don’t warm up/cool down properly, if your form is off, or if you’re not using the right equipment, you’re setting yourself up for potential injuries. 
  • Overdoing It: Going too hard, too fast, or too long can lead to overuse injuries. Your body needs time to recover and adapt to new levels of physical stress. 
  • Being Out of Shape: Couch potatoes are never ready for intense physical activity. Start off with baby steps, slowly allowing your body to prepare for the upcoming physical stress. 
  • Environment: Slippery or uneven surfaces, poor lighting, extreme weather conditions — they can all lead to injuries if you’re not careful. 
  • Not Using Proper Gear: Whether it’s the right footwear, protective padding, or equipment suited to your size and ability level, appropriate gear is essential to preventing injuries. 
  • Ignoring Fatigue or Pain: Not heeding your body’s signals is a risky move. If you’re feeling worn out or you’re in pain, it’s best to take a break. Playing through pain will only worsen an injury.

 

8 Common Symptoms of Sports Injuries

8 common symptoms of sports injuries

Getting sidelined is every athlete’s worst nightmare. That’s why you must learn to recognize the signs of an impending injury.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of sports injuries:

  • Pain: Sharp, persistent pain — anything different from the typical “feeling the burn” sensation — is a sign that something might be off. 
  • Swelling: It’s normal to experience swelling right after an injury, but if it doesn’t recede after a few days or gets worse, it’s time to see a physician. 
  • Limited Mobility: The inability to move a joint as far as usual might be a sign of an injury. 
  • Weakness: Feeling unusually weak or unstable in a specific area, like your knee giving out when you’re running, can be a sign of an injury. 
  • Visible Deformities: If something looks out of place (like a bone or joint), immediately seek out medical attention. 
  • Numbness or Tingling: These can be signs of nerve damage. 
  • Changes in Skin Color: If the skin around an area is red, blue, or looks different than usual, you might have an injury. 
  • Tenderness: If an area is particularly sensitive to touch or pressure, it could be injured.

 

15 Most Common Sports Injuries

Achilles Tendinitis

achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis occurs when your Achilles tendon — the tough band of tissue connecting your calf muscle to your heel bone — gets irritated from too much running, jumping, or even walking. It’s like a nagging pain or stiffness in the back of your leg or just above your heel.

Runners experience Achilles tendinitis most often, especially if they exert themselves too hard or too quickly. Also, weekend athletes who suddenly want to relive their high school glory days can get hit with it.

The key is to gradually increase your activity level, warm up before you start, and listen to your body when it’s telling you it’s time to chill!

 

Ankle Sprain

An ankle sprain is like the classic misstep of the sports world. It’s when you roll, twist or awkwardly land on your ankle causing the ligaments (those elastic bands of tissue that hold your ankle bones together) to stretch or tear.

You know you’re dealing with an ankle sprain when you get that sudden sharp pain, swelling, bruising, or even trouble walking.

Athletes are prone to it, especially if they play sports that involve jumping, running, or any quick change in direction. The good news is, most of the time, with a bit of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (for example, the RICE treatment), you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

 

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

anterior cruciate ligament injury

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is the superstar of sports injuries.

The ACL is one of the four main ligaments in your knee, playing a big role in keeping your knee stable. So, hearing about an ACL injury is about as fun as stepping on a Lego barefoot.

It often occurs when you’re making a sudden change in direction or landing a jump — think basketball or soccer. It feels like your knee just can’t hold you up anymore.

These injuries range from mild (a small tear) to severe (the ligament is torn completely or detached from the bone).

 

Broken Bones

A bone fracture is basically when the load on a bone is way heavier than what it can handle. It’s like if you pile too many books on a thin shelf, eventually, it will crack or break.

Bone fractures manifest themselves either as stress fractures (tiny cracks in the bone from overuse, like running marathons or dancing ballet on repeat) or as traumatic fractures (think about crashing on your bike or getting tackled hard during football practice).

Either way, it’s a bummer because it means rest and healing time, but it’s also your body’s sign that it needs a break!

 

Concussions

A concussion is essentially your brain getting shaken up inside your skull, often due to a hard hit or sudden jolt.

Think of your brain as a soft organ floating in fluid inside your hard skull. A blow to the head or even a swift whiplash-like movement can cause the brain to smack into the skull, resulting in a concussion.

Symptoms can range from headaches, dizziness, and confusion, to even loss of consciousness.

But here’s the kicker — symptoms might not show up immediately. So if you or a teammate takes a hard knock, it’s super important to immediately get checked out by a physician ASAP, even if you feel fine at first. After all, we’re talking about the brain here! Safety first, and playing sports comes second.

 

Golfer’s Elbow

golfer's elbow

A golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons on the inside of your elbow get irritated or damaged, usually from overuse. Imagine the strain on your forearm when you’re doing a golf swing, throwing a baseball, or even just lifting weights — that’s the spot.

Despite its name, you don’t have to be a golfer to get it. It can be a real pain, literally, causing discomfort on the inner side of your elbow and sometimes even down your forearm. You might also notice weakness in your hand and wrist.

If you’ve got it, rest and ice are your best friends. Don’t forget to stretch and strengthen those muscles to prevent it from happening again!

 

Groin Pull

Groin pull is a sports injury you definitely want to dodge. Imagine the muscles of your inner thigh having a major disagreement with a sudden move you make, like a quick side-step, twist, or intense sprint. That’s what we call a groin pull or a groin strain.

This type of injury happens when those inner thigh muscles get stretched beyond their comfort zone. It may range from mild discomfort or an acute injury. If you feel a sudden sharp pain, weakness, or even a popping feeling in the groin area during your workout or game, you may have pulled your groin.

Rest and ice the area right after the injury, and if the pain sticks around, see a healthcare professional to get it sorted.

 

Hamstring Strain

Hamstring strains occur when you overstretch or tear the muscles along the back of your thigh. It’s a common sports injury, especially in activities that involve sprinting or jumping.

Ever seen a soccer or basketball player suddenly pull up and grab the back of their leg? Probably a hamstring strain.

You will typically feel a sudden sharp pain, and might even hear or feel a “pop”. It can put you on the bench for a bit, but with some rest, ice, and physical therapy, most people can get back in the game before too long!

 

Knee Sprain

A knee sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments in your knee gets overstretched or torn. In sports, this can happen with a hard hit, a bad landing, or a sudden twist.

You might experience pain, swelling, maybe even a popping sound at the time of the injury. Not to forget the instability — it might feel like your knee could give way when you put weight on it.

Don’t push through it, though! Rest up, put some ice on it, and see a physician if it doesn’t get better. They will recommend physical therapy or, in severe cases, surgery.

 

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, or runner’s knee, is a fancy name for pain in the front of your knee and around your kneecap. It’s pretty common in people who love to run, jump, or squat a lot.

This condition often occurs because your kneecap is not sliding smoothly in the groove at the end of your thigh bone. The knee pain worsens when going up or down stairs, kneeling, or sitting with your knee bent for a long time.

Fortunately, with rest, physiotherapy and a few tweaks to your workout, athletes can effectively manage this condition!

 

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries occur when any of the four muscles and tendons that make up your rotator cuff are injured — the part of your shoulder that helps you lift and rotate your arm.

Athletes who do a lot of overhead action, like swimmers or baseball pitchers, are the ones who usually get hit with such injuries.

They can feel like a dull ache deep in your shoulder and might disturb your sleep, especially if you lie on the affected side. Even everyday things like combing your hair or putting on a shirt might even feel like you’re trying to win an Olympic gold medal.

It’s a real drag, but with some rest and the right treatment, it’s something you can bounce back from!

 

Shoulder Injuries

shoulder injuries

Shoulder injuries in athletes often happen due to a lot of repetitive, overhead motions. Think swimming, tennis, pitching in baseball — all of these can lead to shoulder issues. These injuries usually involve the muscles, ligaments, and tendons, rather than the bones.

Athletes are at risk for shoulder injuries like strains, sprains, dislocations, and conditions like rotator cuff injury or bursitis.

Symptoms include pain (especially when moving the shoulder), stiffness, swelling, and loss of mobility.

 

Sciatica

Sciatica is basically a pain party that your body throws, starting from your lower back and shooting down through your butt and legs. It’s caused by irritation or compression of your sciatic nerve, which runs all the way from your lower spine to your feet.

Athletes experience sciatica pain from heavy lifting, bending, or direct impact injuries. The pain can be quite sharp and even cause numbness or tingling.

Treatment often involves rest, physical therapy, and sometimes pain management. Most athletes feel better over time, but severe cases require more intensive care. Always good to get it checked out if you’re hurting!

 

Shin Splints

Shin splints, or medial tibial stress syndrome, occur when your shins throw a fit after you’ve been running or jumping a lot. It’s this nagging pain along the inner part of your shinbone (the big bone on the front of your lower leg).

Shin splints are common, especially among runners, dancers, or folks in military training. Usually, it’s a sign that you’ve been overdoing it and your muscles, tendons, and bone tissue are under too much stress.

Giving your legs some well-deserved rest, icing the area, and doing some specific exercises often help calm things down. If the pain keeps hanging around, it’s best to get it checked out by a healthcare professional.

 

Tennis Elbow

tennis elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury among athletes. It’s basically a muscle strain injury usually caused by damage to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow joint, leading to pain around the outside of the elbow.

Despite its name, it’s not just tennis players who get it. Anyone performing a lot of repetitive gripping activities, especially if they use the thumb and first two fingers, can develop tennis elbow.

 

How to Prevent Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can really put a damper on your fun, so it’s essential to take steps to avoid them.

Here’s what you can do to stay safe during games or practice:

  • Warm up before you start: Don’t go from 0 to 100 in a second! Your body needs a heads-up that you’re about to get active. A good warm-up includes light jogging, jumping jacks, or dynamic stretches. 
  • Don’t skimp on the cool down: Just like you need to gear up before you start, it’s equally important to wind down when you finish. 
  • Stretch, stretch, stretch: Flexibility is crucial in preventing injuries. Regularly stretching keeps your muscles loose and ready for action. 
  • Gear up: Always use the right equipment for your sport. Whether it’s a helmet, shin guards, or the right shoes, every bit of equipment plays a role in keeping you safe. 
  • Mix it up: Don’t overuse one set of muscles. Cross-training will keep all your muscles in shape and prevent overuse injuries. 
  • Know your limits: Listen to your body! If something hurts, take a break. 
  • Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water keeps your muscles hydrated and less prone to injury. 
  • Get a physical: Regular check-ups can spot potential red flags before they become serious. 
  • Learn the right technique: Especially for activities like lifting weights, proper form is critical to sports injury prevention.

prevent sports injuries

Learn More About Sports Injury Prevention With Dr. Doerr!

At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere. 

Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic adjustments!

 

References

  1. “Rice Method for Injuries (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/first-aid/rice-method-injuries. Accessed 30 July 2023.
Align Your Life: Chiropractic Aid for Pelvic Tilt

Align Your Life: Chiropractic Aid for Pelvic Tilt

If you’re dealing with a funky pelvic tilt and feeling like you’re out of alignment, check in with a pelvic tilt chiropractor. These skilled professionals can help get your hips back in the groove.

How, exactly?

Let’s explore the world of chiropractic care for pelvic tilt, as well as other DIY physical therapy approaches to bring everything back in alignment!

 

What is a Pelvic Tilt?

You know that bony structure sitting at the base of your spine, the one you’re probably sitting on right now? That’s your pelvis.

The term “pelvic tilt” refers to the orientation or alignment of the pelvic region in relation to the thigh bones.

Imagine your pelvis is a bowl of soup. In a perfect world, that bowl is nice and level, right? But sometimes, the front of your “bowl” dips forward, backward, or to one side, causing the 3 types of pelvic tilt.

 

The 3 Types of Pelvic Tilts

pelvic tilt

Anterior Pelvic Tilt

When dealing with an anterior pelvic tilt, the front of your pelvis drops, and the back of it lifts up. It’s like spilling the soup out the front of your bowl. 

This misalignment can lead to a pronounced curve in your lower back (imagine a duck’s posture). Common signs of anterior pelvic tilt include tight hip flexors and a slightly bulging belly.

 

Posterior Pelvic Tilt

When dealing with a posterior pelvic tilt, the front of your pelvis rises, and the back drops. It’s like you’re trying not to spill your soup as you lean back in your chair.

Posterior pelvic tilts can result in a flattened lower back, as well as tight hamstrings and glutes.

 

Lateral Pelvic Tilt

Due to a lateral pelvic tilt, one hip is higher than the other, causing your pelvis to tilt sideways. Imagine tilting your soup bowl to one side.

This tilt can result in one leg appearing shorter than the other, throwing your whole body’s alignment off.

 

8 Most Common Causes of Pelvic Tilt

pelvic

Poor Posture

Slouching isn’t just bad for your back — it can throw your pelvis out of whack, too. Spending a long time sitting or standing with poor posture can lead to a muscle imbalance and, voila, a tilted pelvis.

 

Sedentary Lifestyle

If your favorite position is couch potato, then your body might not be getting the movement it needs to preserve muscle balance. Inactive muscles can get tight or weak, causing an anterior or posterior pelvic tilt.

 

Exercise Imbalance

On the flip side, too much of a good thing can also lead to problems. If you’re overworking certain muscles while neglecting others during your workouts, you could end up with a muscle imbalance leading to a tilted pelvis.

 

Pregnancy

Carrying around a growing baby for nine months can put a lot of pressure on the pelvis. The added weight and shift in the body’s center of gravity can lead to an anterior pelvic tilt.

 

Obesity

Carrying around extra weight, especially in the belly area, pulls the pelvis forward, leading to an anterior tilt.

 

Injury or Surgery

Any injury or surgery affecting your range of motion can change the alignment of your pelvis.

 

Leg Length Discrepancy

If one of your legs is longer than the other (and we’re talking more than a tiny difference), it can cause a lateral pelvic tilt.

 

Does Hip Replacement Cause Pelvic Misalignment?

Hip replacement surgery may indeed affect your pelvic alignment, at least temporarily.

During a hip replacement, the surgeon installs an artificial joint that may not exactly match the length or angle of your original hip. The new joint leads to a change in your body’s biomechanics, potentially leading to a tilted pelvis.

After a hip replacement, you’ll be taking it easy for a while, during which time certain muscles weaken from disuse, potentially causing a tilted pelvis. Furthermore, you might start favoring your non-operated leg while moving around, throwing your pelvis off-kilter.

 

7 Symptoms of a Tilted Pelvis

pelvic tilt1

  • Lower back pain: The most noticeable symptom of pelvic instability. Your lower back will feel tense or sore, especially after a long day of standing or sitting.

  • Hip or knee pain: Your hips or knees will start acting up, too, because a tilted pelvis puts extra strain on these areas.

  • A noticeable difference in leg length: When your pelvis tilts, it can make one leg seem shorter than the other.

  • Stiffness or restricted movement: You might find it hard, awkward, or uncomfortable to move around as freely as before.

  • Changes in your posture: Anything from a protruding belly (even if you’re otherwise slim) to an overly curved or flat lower back.

  • Difficulty with certain activities: Things like running, squatting, or climbing stairs might become more challenging.

  • Weak or tight muscles: Depending on the type of tilt, some of your muscles (for example, your hip flexors or lower back muscles) may feel unusually tight, while others (your abdominal muscles or glutes) may seem weak or hard to engage.

 

How Do Chiropractors Correct a Pelvic Tilt?

Chiropractors are experts at manipulating the body to improve alignment, reduce pain, and increase function — all issues related to pelvic tilts.

First, your chiropractor will start with a thorough evaluation. They’ll check your posture and gait to figure out your sort of pelvic tilt, as well as what’s causing it.

Next, they’ll use an array of techniques to help correct the tilt:

  • One of the main chiropractic techniques is spinal adjustments or manipulations. These are quick, controlled movements aimed at realigning your spine and pelvis.

  • Chiropractors also recommend treatments such as massage, heat or cold therapy, and electrical stimulation.

  • Your chiropractor will also teach you DIY exercises and stretches to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight ones — the key for maintaining proper alignment.

 

3 Exercises to Correct Anterior Pelvic Tilt

Exercise is an awesome way to strengthen and stretch the muscles behind an anterior pelvic tilt:

1. Bridges: Lie flat on your back, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor. Then, lift your hips off the floor while keeping your back straight. Hold for a few seconds, then lower back down. Start with a few reps, and work your way up.

Postpartum exercise: Pelvic tilt with bridge


2. Planks: Everyone’s favorite! They’re tough, but excellent for core strength. Make sure you’re keeping your body straight like a plank of wood. No sagging or lifting your butt too high.

Core Exercise: Plank

3. Hip flexor stretches: Your hip flexors are often tight if you have an anterior pelvic tilt. To stretch them, kneel on one knee, and push your hips forward. You should feel a stretch in the front of your hip. Hold for 20-30 seconds, then switch sides.

Hip flexor stretch

 

2 Exercises to Address Posterior Pelvic Tilt

If you’ve got a posterior pelvic tilt, you need to strengthen your abs and stretch your hamstrings:

1. Leg raises: Lie flat on your back, then slowly lift one leg at a time. Keep your legs straight and your toes pointed.

How to Do Leg Raises

2. Hamstring stretches: You can do these stretches while standing or sitting. Just reach for your toes and keep your legs straight. You’ll feel a nice stretch in the back of your legs.

How to do a seated hamstring stretch

 

Dr. Doerr’s Chiropractic Adjustments Will Help Correct Your Pelvic Tilt!

At Bergen Chiropractic and Sports Rehabilitation Center, our chiropractic team, under the leadership of Dr. Gregory Doerr, adheres to the highest and most professional medical standards to provide superior chiropractic help. Our mission is to provide unparalleled patient care in a comfortable, healing atmosphere. 

Access our contact form or call us at (201) 945-4075 to learn more about our chiropractic care services! Our offices at 532 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010, and 62 Summit Ave, Hackensack, NJ 07601, are ready to welcome you as we proudly serve the areas of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, PA, and Baltimore, MD. Also, feel free to access our blog, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information on chiropractic adjustments!