Conditions We Treat

At Scott Chiropractic of Fort Collins, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality of chiropractic care. Our experienced team uses advanced chiropractic techniques tailored to each patient’s needs. We understand that every individual’s body is different, and we pride ourselves on offering personalized, compassionate care. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, a recent injury, or long-term discomfort, our goal is to alleviate your pain, improve your quality of life, and promote overall wellness.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. Whether it’s caused by poor posture, overuse, an injury, or a chronic condition, lower back pain can be debilitating and impact your daily life.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

• Herniated or slipped discs: This occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out, putting pressure on nearby nerves.
• Muscle strains: Overexertion or improper movements can lead to strains in the muscles or ligaments of the lower back.
• Degenerative disc disease: As we age, the discs in our spine lose hydration and flexibility, leading to pain.
• Poor posture: Sitting for long hours or maintaining improper posture can lead to chronic lower back pain.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

At Scott Chiropractic, we use spinal adjustments and targeted therapies to alleviate tension in the lower back, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. Our goal is to restore proper spinal alignment, which not only reduces pain but also helps prevent future flare-ups. For lower back pain, chiropractic adjustments can increase mobility, improve posture, and significantly reduce discomfort.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a complex joint that allows for a wide range of motion, but this also makes it vulnerable to injury. Shoulder pain can arise from repetitive motions, poor posture, or even traumatic injuries such as dislocations.

Causes of Shoulder Pain

• Rotator cuff injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. Tears or strains in this area can cause pain and limit movement.
• Frozen shoulder: This condition leads to stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, making it difficult to move.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder can cause pain, often triggered by repetitive motions.
• Arthritis: Wear and tear of the joint, common in osteoarthritis, can lead to chronic shoulder pain.

Chiropractic Approach to Shoulder Pain

Chiropractic adjustments focus on restoring proper alignment to the shoulder joint and spine, which can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. We also incorporate exercises to strengthen the shoulder muscles and prevent future injuries. Chiropractic care for shoulder pain is often combined with soft tissue therapy to relax tight muscles and reduce tension in the surrounding areas.

Headaches & Migraines

Headaches and migraines can significantly impact your ability to function, making it difficult to concentrate, work, or enjoy daily activities. Chiropractic care offers a natural and effective solution for managing and treating both headaches and migraines without relying on medications.

Common Types of Headaches

• Tension headaches: These are the most common type and are often caused by stress, poor posture, or muscle tension in the neck and upper back.
• Migraines: Characterized by throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, migraines can be accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.
• Cervicogenic headaches: These headaches originate from issues in the cervical spine (neck) and can mimic migraine symptoms.

Chiropractic Solutions for Headaches & Migraines

At Scott Chiropractic, we address the root causes of headaches, whether they stem from spinal misalignments, muscle tension, or nerve irritation. Through gentle spinal adjustments and therapies, we aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines. Chiropractic care can also improve overall spinal health, helping prevent recurring headaches.

Whiplash & Neck Pain

Whiplash is a common injury following car accidents or sudden impacts, and it often results in neck pain and stiffness. Even minor car accidents can lead to significant neck injuries that may not show symptoms until days later. Left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.

Symptoms of Whiplash

• Neck pain and stiffness: The most common symptoms, these can develop gradually or suddenly after the injury.
• Headaches: Often originating from the neck, these can be persistent and worsen with neck movement.
• Dizziness: Some people may experience balance issues or a feeling of lightheadedness.
• Limited range of motion: The neck may feel stiff, and turning the head can be painful.

Chiropractic Treatment for Whiplash

Our chiropractic care focuses on reducing inflammation, restoring proper neck function, and alleviating pain. Spinal adjustments, along with rehabilitative exercises, help restore mobility to the neck while relieving pressure on surrounding nerves. We also use therapies like massage or ultrasound to promote healing and reduce muscle tension in the neck.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas. Patients with fibromyalgia often experience a heightened sensitivity to pain, making it essential to approach treatment with care.

Common Symptoms

• Widespread pain: This pain often feels like a constant dull ache and can affect various areas of the body.
• Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia frequently feel tired, even after a full night’s sleep.
• Cognitive difficulties: Also known as “fibro fog,” this can involve difficulty concentrating, remembering information, or focusing on tasks.
• Sleep disturbances: Despite feeling exhausted, many fibromyalgia patients struggle with insomnia or non-restorative sleep.

Chiropractic Care for Fibromyalgia

Chiropractic adjustments can help manage fibromyalgia symptoms by improving spinal alignment, reducing nerve irritation, and alleviating pain in tender points. Additionally, chiropractic care often involves gentle therapies that help increase mobility and decrease muscle tension, contributing to an overall sense of well-being. Our goal is to reduce the intensity of fibromyalgia flare-ups and improve your quality of life.

Pinched Nerve

A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues, such as muscles or bones, compress a nerve, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling. This can occur in various areas of the body, including the neck, lower back, or even limbs.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

• Radiating pain: Pain that extends from the affected area to other parts of the body, such as down the leg (sciatica) or arm.
• Numbness or tingling: A pinched nerve can cause these sensations, especially in the arms, legs, hands, or feet.
• Muscle weakness: Over time, a pinched nerve can lead to muscle weakness if left untreated.

Chiropractic Approach

Chiropractic adjustments help alleviate the pressure on the nerve by restoring proper spinal alignment. In addition to adjustments, we use targeted exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility, which can prevent future nerve compression. Our holistic approach ensures that not only is the immediate pain addressed, but the underlying causes are treated as well.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the elderly but can also impact younger individuals due to injury or genetic predisposition. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

• Joint pain: Most commonly affecting the hands, knees, hips, and spine, osteoarthritis pain worsens with movement.
• Stiffness: Joint stiffness is especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Loss of flexibility: Joints may become difficult to move or fully extend.
• Swelling: The joints may swell, becoming tender to the touch.

Chiropractic Care for Osteoarthritis

Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate osteoarthritis pain by improving joint mobility and reducing inflammation. We focus on enhancing the range of motion in affected joints and strengthening the surrounding muscles to provide better support. Chiropractic care can also slow down the progression of osteoarthritis and improve your overall joint function, allowing you to maintain an active lifestyle.

Slipped Disc

A slipped or herniated disc occurs when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the tougher exterior, often compressing nearby nerves. This condition can cause severe pain, particularly in the lower back or neck.

Symptoms of a Slipped Disc

• Pain in the affected area: Sharp or burning pain that worsens with movement.
• Radiating pain: Pain may spread to other parts of the body, such as the legs or arms, depending on the location of the herniated disc.
• Numbness or tingling: These sensations often occur in the area served by the affected nerve.
• Muscle weakness: A slipped disc can lead to weakness in the muscles surrounding the affected nerve.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic adjustments aim to relieve the pressure on the affected nerves, allowing the disc to heal naturally. We also incorporate exercises and stretches designed to strengthen the muscles around the spine, improving stability and reducing the risk of future disc problems.

Slipped Rib

A slipped rib occurs when one of the ribs moves out of its normal position, often causing sharp pain in the chest or back. This can happen due to injury, overuse, or even poor posture.

Symptoms of a Slipped Rib

• Sharp pain: Pain that worsens with movement, deep breathing, or coughing.
• Tenderness: The area around the affected rib may feel tender to the touch.
• Radiating pain: Pain may radiate to the back, shoulder, or abdomen.

Chiropractic Care for Slipped Ribs

Our chiropractic treatments focus on gently repositioning the rib back into its proper alignment. This not only alleviates pain but also helps restore normal movement and function. We may also recommend exercises to improve posture and strengthen the muscles supporting the rib cage to prevent future issues.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. Sciatica is often caused by a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal stenosis compressing part of the nerve.

Symptoms of Sciatica

• Radiating pain: Pain that extends from the lower back down through the buttock and into the leg.
• Numbness or tingling: These sensations often occur in the leg or foot.
• Weakness: Muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot is common.
• Pain when sitting: Sciatic pain can intensify after sitting for long periods.

Chiropractic Approach

Chiropractic adjustments can relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve, reducing pain and promoting healing. We also focus on improving spinal alignment and strengthening the muscles around the lower back to prevent future sciatic episodes.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally to the side, forming a “C” or “S” shape. While scoliosis can develop at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. If left untreated, scoliosis can worsen and lead to pain and other health issues.

Symptoms of Scoliosis

• Uneven shoulders or hips: A common sign of scoliosis is one shoulder or hip appearing higher than the other.
• Back pain: In more severe cases, scoliosis can cause pain and discomfort in the back.
• Limited range of motion: Severe spinal curvature can affect flexibility and movement.

Chiropractic Care for Scoliosis

Chiropractic adjustments help improve spinal alignment and reduce pain associated with scoliosis. While chiropractic care cannot cure scoliosis, it can help manage symptoms, improve mobility, and prevent further curvature progression. Our goal is to provide relief and support a healthy, active lifestyle for scoliosis patients.

Schedule an Appointment Today

At Scott Chiropractic of Fort Collins, we are committed to being your trusted partner on the journey to a healthier, pain-free life. Through advanced chiropractic techniques, personalized treatment plans, and compassionate care, our dedicated team is here to help you manage and overcome a range of conditions, from lower back pain and headaches to scoliosis and fibromyalgia.

We believe in treating the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms, allowing you to experience lasting relief and improved well-being. Reach out today to schedule an appointment and discover the benefits of chiropractic care tailored just for you. Take the first step towards a better quality of life—your journey to wellness starts here!