Chiropractic vs. Physical Therapy Chiropractic Treatment Often patients are confused when they have back pain about if they should see a chiropractor or a physical therapist? So below is a quick blog about both. Chiropractic adjustments are designed to restore the brain and bodies communication system. This allows your body to self-regulate its adaptation to stress in your life. Pain is a signal that the body is approaching a threshold like a warning signal. When you have constant pain, your body has broken and needs help. A chiropractor’s role is in evaluating the spine and nerve function that are connected to the pain areas and restoring the communication so the body can heal itself. If done correctly most patients experience quick relief and can go back to their daily routine. Often the areas of pain are not where the problem lies so at Discover Life Chiropractic in Tacoma we look at the whole spine to not miss other things that can cause your pain e.g. tech neck causing lower back pain. Physical Therapy Alternatively, physical therapy (PT) rehabilitates the affected injury or surgery after it occurs and emphasizes enhancing the flexibility and performance of bones, muscles, and joints. They often work on core strengthening and soft tissue mobilization and treat the areas of pain. They will perform a specific treatment plan and then release the patient with home care. They are limited in treating only what the prescribing doctor recommends and are not primary care physicians. Chiropractic Advantages While the two practices seem similar, there is a distinct function of chiropractic that physical therapy cannot address adjusting the nerve system. They may offer joint manipulation that seems similar, but the results are different. For example, when you have suffered an injury to the spine there will be ligamentous damage. As a result, the nerve loop can be disconnected from the joint to the spinal cord so the body can’t protect this area anymore. By analyzing the nerve distortion, the adjustment that a chiropractor gives resets this nerve loop and allows normal communication getting the body back online to protect that area. This is why chiropractors adjust the spine and not mobilize a joint. Being specific in the areas to adjust and leave the rest alone is what has set Discover Life Chiropractic apart from physical therapy for the last 34 years. Not getting results with your problems try us. Discover Life Chiropractic-Chronic Pain  

Understanding Vertigo and Dizziness: How Chiropractic Care Can Help If you’ve ever felt the world spin around you or experienced lightheadedness that threw you off balance, you’re not alone. Vertigo and dizziness are two of the most common reasons people visit a healthcare provider—and yet, they’re also some of the most commonly misunderstood conditions. At Discover Life Chiropractic, we specialize in identifying the real root causes behind vertigo and dizziness—often hidden in plain sight within the upper cervical spine. Our unique approach, including the highly effective Blye Cranial Technique, allows us to deliver consistent, long-term results to patients who’ve tried everything else without success. What’s the Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness? While often used interchangeably, vertigo and dizziness are not the same: Vertigo is the sensation that you or your environment is spinning or moving when no actual movement is occurring. It often comes with nausea, loss of balance, and difficulty standing or walking. Dizziness is a more general term that can describe lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling of being faint. Understanding the difference is important, but identifying the cause is even more critical. The Cervical Spine Connection One of the most overlooked sources of vertigo and dizziness lies in the upper cervical spine—the top bones of your neck (C1 andC2) that protect the brainstem and coordinate balance signals from your eyes, inner ear, and body. Research and clinical experience have shown that misalignments or instability in the upper cervical spine can disrupt the neurological signals responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This can result in symptoms of vertigo and dizziness, even when no inner ear problem is found. At Discover Life Chiropractic, we use upper cervical stress x-rays to look for excessive motion or misalignment that doesn't show up on standard imaging. This allows us to detect issues that are often missed by traditional healthcare providers. The Myth of the “Crystals in Your Ear” A common diagnosis given to patients with vertigo is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), which is thought to result from calcium crystals (otoconia) dislodging into the inner ear’s semicircular canals. While BPPV can be a real condition, it is frequently misdiagnosed—especially when the symptoms persist or don't respond to simple maneuvers like the Epley. In our clinical experience, many patients who were told they had inner ear crystals actually had underlying cervical spine dysfunction that was triggering or mimicking vertigo symptoms. Once this was addressed through precise chiropractic adjustments, the symptoms resolved—often permanently. The Blye Cranial Technique: A Unique Advantage Discover Life Chiropractic is one of the few clinics to incorporate the Blye Cranial Technique, a gentle, hands-on method designed to restore motion and alignment to the cranial bones and upper cervical spine. This technique is especially effective in balancing the neurological and structural systems that control equilibrium and spatial orientation. By combining Blye Cranial Technique with spinal-specific care, we’ve helped countless patients eliminate vertigo and dizziness—even after years of frustration and failed treatments. Don’t Just Cope—Get the Right Diagnosis and Care If you’re tired of living with vertigo or dizziness—or if you’ve been told it’s “just crystals” or “in your head”—it may be time for a second opinion. Call Discover Life Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your spine using cutting-edge diagnostics, and create a customized care plan to get you steady on your feet again. 📞 253 472-4400 📍 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd. E-102 Tacoma, WA 9840 Balance is possible. Let’s discover what’s really behind your symptoms—together.