How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Weight Loss

You probably know that chiropractic care is great for adjustments, especially of the spine, and maybe you even know that it can help with headaches, sleep difficulties, respiratory problems, and a slew of other health concerns.

Chiropractors focus on the central nervous system, since a misalignment can “choke off” nerves, which in turn can have an impact on every part of the body. However, many people don’t know that chiropractic care and weight loss (or management) is another viable treatment program.

Maybe it’s not a sluggish metabolism or those cheat days make you plateau. Maybe it’s an issue that a chiropractor can address.

First, you must recognize that just because you used to be heavy and may have lost weight the old-fashioned way or even with surgery, that doesn’t mean your body snapped back to perfect health. Carrying excessive weight can do a number on every part of your body, but especially the bones and joints.

Some chiropractors even specialize in overweight/obese patients because they know all too well what excessive weight can do to the spine. Losing the weight is only half the battle; there may be a host of issues below the surface you’re unaware of.

But can chiropractic care help you actually lose weight?

There’s no avoiding the necessity of a healthy diet and exercise, but chiropractic care can be an excellent complement to a solid weight-loss strategy. It can help promote weight loss, help you lose weight faster and more safely, and aid in making the entire process a little more bearable (and even enjoyable).

Chiropractors don’t just offer adjustments, but are also experts in nutritional advice as well as providing exercises to boost your journey. They’re a great resource if you want another expert opinion on your lifestyle and goal setting.

Your chiropractor is your health and wellness ally, and they’re happy to help you stay accountable for what’s ahead. Numerous studies showcase that people who approach weight loss with a multi-faceted game plan tend to see better results that last longer.

Studies show that overall, getting regular adjustments help with weight loss because they remove spinal pressure so exercising becomes easier. You don’t have to scrape by on the elliptical while dealing with pain or discomfort, and a subluxation-free spine puts you in a better position to process those good nutrients and oxygen (in other words, your diet and workouts become more effective).

It makes sense when you think about it, but remember that adjustments can also firm and tone your muscles. They’re not a replacement for a lifting session, but they can certainly make those weight days even better (kind of like that protein shake you enjoy).

With a reduction in adipose tissue (or excess fat), muscles firm up and it becomes more difficult for your body to put on unhealthy weight. Plus, an adjustment after a workout is a great way to relax and you don’t even have to struggle through a session in the steam room to enjoy it.

Chiropractic care offers motivation, an incentive to exercise (like that adjustment coming afterward), and a boost for your efforts.

Even better, your chiropractor will be able to spot injuries before they become worse, or notice when your body isn’t responding to a certain workout. Bad form when lifting can lead to lifelong and even fatal injuries.

However, a chiropractor’s trained eye will notice if your body is showing early signs of poor form. Like a personal trainer, he or she can help you perfect your form, serve as a reminder to watch your posture during lifting, and perhaps even advise you on better workouts that your body responds to more naturally.

If you’ve been following a diet and exercise regimen and aren’t seeing the results you want, or you’ve been putting off getting started because it seems so hard, stop for a moment and consider what you’re really doing this for.

Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to medicine. These professionals help you battle weight issues in a loving and feasible way. No matter where you are on your journey, a chiropractic examination can help you pinpoint problem areas that you may not even know exist, though they’re contributing to your challenges.

A chiropractor can tweak or customize your plan of action, including diet and exercise, so it better suits your needs and body.

Usually, this starts with an evaluation of your lifestyle and nutritional needs. You may have already done something similar with a personal trainer or nutritionist, but it’s always a good idea to get another professional opinion, especially when it comes from a unique perspective.

Changing up your diet plan and modifying workouts to focus on areas of the body that aren’t doing their job (yet) might be enough to break you out of that plateau and boost your morale. There’s no such thing as too many doctors in your corner, especially if it includes someone like a chiropractor who complements everything from Western to Eastern medicine, massage therapy to acupuncture, or a registered dietician; they all have your best interests at heart.