Is it a Muscle Strain or Something More Serious? A Victoria BC Chiropractor Explains

How Chiropractors Can Diagnose Muscle Strains and Much More

Muscle strain is a common musculoskeletal injury, especially in Victoria, BC, given the number of active people we have! 

Muscle strains, or pulled muscles, often occur after repetitive movements, dehydration, fatigue, improper warming up, or incorrect exercise form. 

Chiropractic care, once primarily known for spinal manipulations, has become increasingly popular recently as a means of maintaining one’s overall health. In my own practice here in Victoria BC, I see patients turn to chiropractic care for exactly this reason.

But what exactly does a chiropractor do? And how can a chiropractor help with muscle pain? 

Key Takeaways

• Three degrees of severity – muscle strains range from mild overstretching to a complete tear, and the right treatment depends on which one you’re dealing with.
• Chiropractic care supports healing – chiropractic care may help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and support muscle function during recovery.
• Not every ache is “just a strain” – ongoing pain, swelling, or a loss of function can point to something more serious, like a herniated disc.
• A proper assessment matters – a thorough chiropractic exam can help determine whether rest, icing, or hands-on treatment is the right next step for your recovery.

How Chiropractors Can Help with Bone and Muscle Pain

It’s not uncommon for people to experience muscle strain or pain in their back, neck or limbs. This can be linked to anything from sitting at a desk for too long, a muscle injury, or even something more serious such as a herniated disc. 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, visiting a chiropractor can help alleviate the pain by employing various treatment techniques. These treatments aim to put the spine in ideal alignment, thus reducing pressure on nerves and other sensitive structures.

By having the spine in a more aligned position, muscles can fully relax and recover. Try to visualize the human skeleton as a system of wires with muscles attached to each wire. Whenever a strained muscle pulls on the wire (aka bone), it pulls the skeleton out of its proper alignment. A chiropractic adjustment can put the bone back into place and reset the muscle’s position, allowing it to heal. 

Grades of Muscle Strains

If you are injured and think you may have strained or torn a muscle, my team and I at Mind Body Spine in Victoria BC will do a thorough assessment and work with you to create a recovery plan. 

When it comes to muscle strains, there are 3 degrees:

• 1st degree (mild) – slight over-stretching of the muscle. Minimal pain, and some muscle fibres may be affected, but generally the person can achieve full range of motion and has soreness for only a few days.
• 2nd degree (moderate) – more significant “over-stretching” of the muscle with some tearing of the fibres. The person will have swelling and noticeable pain at the site of injury, with a slight decrease in strength and function. 
• 3rd degree (severe) – severe tearing or rupture of the muscle, where the muscle is torn from the tendon (more common) or the muscle belly is torn in half. The person will have extreme pain, swelling and loss of function.

Depending on the severity of your muscle strain, your treatment plan will include a combination of rest, icing, rehabilitation, treatment, and home care exercises.

Who Are Chiropractors, And What Do They Do?

Chiropractors have advanced training in treating disorders related to the spine, muscles, and nervous system. They have completed a minimum of seven years of post-secondary education to achieve the status of “Doctor of Chiropractic.” As someone who completed my own Doctorate of Chiropractic after studying Kinesiology and Human Biology at UVic, I know firsthand how much training it takes to tell a muscle strain apart from something that needs a closer look.

Chiropractic care is a safe, evidence-informed way to support recovery from many musculoskeletal injuries. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques and diagnostic tests to identify problems within the musculoskeletal system. They use corrective manipulation of the spine and many instrument-assisted methods to restore proper joint function and improve nerve communication throughout the body.

Chiropractors also work closely with doctors, physical therapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists and others to provide comprehensive treatment plans.

What Do Chiropractic Adjustments Treat/Manage?

A chiropractor will examine your condition and determine which treatment would be most beneficial for you. Then, they will perform a thorough examination of your entire spine, including looking at the neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. 

A neurological examination is often performed, testing your reflexes and the strength of specific muscles to test your nerve roots. 

Your chiropractor will then recommend specific exercises, stretches, and modifications to help prevent future problems. Sometimes they recommend seeing another health provider, such as a massage therapist or physiotherapist, to further achieve a patient’s health goals.

How Does A Chiropractor Know If It’s A Pulled Muscle Or Something Else?

A chiropractic examination determines whether the problem relates to the bone, or back strain, for example. The doctor may also check for other conditions, such as arthritis or spinal stenosis. In addition, chiropractors use various manual and diagnostic techniques to diagnose musculoskeletal disorders. 

A chiropractor will examine your entire body to see where you are out of alignment. X-rays may be used when clinically necessary, such as to rule out fractures or other underlying conditions. 

A series of treatments may be recommended to ensure that your body responds appropriately to the proposed treatment. In subsequent visits, your chiropractor can determine if any underlying issues may have predisposed you to muscle strain in the first place. 

More often than not, people walk around with minor injuries and compensations they have been carrying for a long time. Over time, the body makes adjustments to accommodate these weakened areas so you can continue to function at your highest capacity. 

However, when overloaded for too long, it doesn’t take much to push your body beyond its capacity; a muscle strain occurs. Patients commonly report that they are “not sure why they got injured,” “it was just a small movement,” “slept wrong,” or just “moved the wrong way,” and their muscles seized up. This explains why. 

How Chiropractic Treatments Can Help With Muscle Pain

Muscle knots and muscle pain are common problems that many people deal with daily. 

Many people don’t realize that treating muscle knots and pulled muscles is possible without resorting to drugs or surgery. Chiropractors offer some of the best treatments for muscle knots and muscle pain because they focus on the body’s natural healing mechanisms to restore function.

Some techniques used at Mind Body Spine to heal muscle injury include:

• Joint manipulation – a technique used to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility. This treatment involves adjusting vertebrae and joints to realign the body and restore normal function. 
• Active release – a soft tissue technique that uses the body’s natural eccentric muscle lengthening while pressure is applied, releasing adhesions and restrictions.
• Spinal decompression – this treatment helps reduce muscle spasms and decrease pain. It is also effective at treating a wide range of neck and back problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Do I Know If My Pain Is A Muscle Strain Or Something More Serious?

If your pain, swelling, or stiffness doesn’t start improving within a few days, or if you notice a real loss of movement, it’s worth getting checked. I can do a full assessment to help figure out whether you’re dealing with a muscle strain, a disc issue, or something else entirely.

• Can Chiropractic Care Help With A Severe Muscle Strain?

It depends on the severity. For a more serious (grade 3) strain, I’ll often recommend rest and may refer you to a physiotherapist or physician alongside chiropractic care, so your recovery is supported from every angle.

• Does ICBC Cover Chiropractic Care For Muscle Strains From A Car Accident?

Yes. Under ICBC’s Enhanced Care program, chiropractic treatment for car-accident injuries, including muscle strains and whiplash, is covered regardless of fault, and you typically don’t need a referral to get started. I’m happy to walk you through the details at your first visit.

If You’re Experiencing Muscle Pain, We Can Help

If you’ve been experiencing pain in your spine, muscles or bones, you should consider seeing a chiropractor here in Victoria, BC. Chiropractic care is one of the most trusted ways to support recovery from muscle strains and pulls.

My team and I at Mind Body Spine are trained to diagnose and treat these injuries, as well as other musculoskeletal conditions. We offer treatment for acute injuries (sudden strains) and chronic injuries (ongoing problems). 

Contact us at 250-885-2320 or see Mind Body Spine on Google to schedule an appointment today, right here in Victoria, BC!