Yes. You can see a chiropractor if you’re overweight. You might think we shouldn’t need to write a post about this, but…
After too many times of getting asked this question, we figured we’d set the record straight.
You don’t need to lose weight before asking for help with your back, neck, hip, or another musculoskeletal problem.
This question comes up often enough online that it’s worth answering directly. Some people worry that they’re too heavy for a chiropractic table, that an adjustment won’t work, or that they’re going to be lectured about their weight when what they really want help with is pain.
That’s not how we approach it.
We Treat the Person in Front of Us
People come in all different sizes, ages, activity levels, and physical abilities.
Those differences matter when we’re deciding how to examine and treat someone, but they aren’t a reason someone can’t receive care.
A 25-year-old athlete, a 70-year-old with arthritis, someone recovering from surgery, and someone carrying significantly more body weight shouldn’t automatically receive exactly the same treatment.
The treatment should fit the person.
Does Body Size Change a Chiropractic Examination?
It can change how we perform certain parts of the examination.
We still want to understand the same basic things:
- Where does it hurt?
- What movements make it better or worse?
- How is your range of motion?
- Is your strength normal?
- Are sensation and reflexes normal when neurological testing is appropriate?
- What activities are you currently having trouble doing?
- Are there findings that suggest imaging, medical referral or another type of care would be more appropriate?
Some positions or tests may need to be modified for comfort, mobility or safety. That’s normal. We modify examinations for people every day for all kinds of reasons.
Can Chiropractic Treatment Be Modified?
Yes.
Chiropractic care isn’t one adjustment performed exactly the same way on every patient.
Depending on the problem and the person, we may use different positions, tables, mobilization, instrument-assisted techniques, soft-tissue treatment, exercise or other conservative treatment options.
If a particular position is uncomfortable or difficult, tell us. We can often approach the problem another way.
Will My Chiropractor Blame Everything on My Weight?
They shouldn’t, and if they do, then find a new chiropractor.
Body weight can influence joint loading, activity tolerance and some health conditions, so there are situations where it’s relevant to the conversation.
But being overweight doesn’t mean every painful joint is painful because of your weight.
If you come to us because your back hurts when you bend, sit or walk, our first job is to figure out what appears to be driving that problem and what we can do about it.
If weight management is something you want help with, that’s a separate conversation.
What If Pain Is Making Exercise Difficult?
This is where the two issues sometimes overlap.
Someone may want to become more active but find that walking for 20 minutes causes significant back, hip or knee pain.
Our answer usually isn’t, “You need to lose weight before you can exercise.”
Instead, we look at what you’re currently capable of doing and try to build from there.
Maybe five minutes of walking is well tolerated but 30 minutes isn’t. Five minutes gives us somewhere to start.
As pain, strength and tolerance improve, we can progressively ask the body to do more.
The goal is to build capacity, not make someone feel ashamed of where they’re starting.
Do I Have to Discuss Weight Loss at My Chiropractic Visit?
No.
Rising Sun does offer structured weight-management services, but that doesn’t mean every chiropractic patient needs or wants them.
If you came in for neck pain, we’re going to talk about your neck.
If you decide you also want help with weight management, we can have that conversation separately.
The Takeaway
You are not too overweight to have a musculoskeletal problem evaluated.
Chiropractic and rehabilitation care can be adapted based on body size, mobility, comfort, health history and the condition we’re treating.
If something hurts or you’re having trouble moving, don’t assume you need to lose weight before you’re allowed to address it.
At Rising Sun Chiropractic + Weight Loss in St. Peter, Minnesota, our goal is to meet you where you are, determine what you’re currently able to tolerate, and help you build from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a weight limit for chiropractic treatment?
Equipment has manufacturer-specific limits, but body weight by itself does not determine whether someone can be evaluated or receive appropriate conservative care. Treatment positions and techniques can be adapted when necessary.
Do I need to lose weight before getting help for back pain?
No. If back pain is limiting you, it can be evaluated now. Weight management may or may not become part of your broader health plan depending on your goals.
Can I see a chiropractor if I can’t comfortably lie on my stomach?
Yes. Tell your clinician what positions are uncomfortable. Examinations and treatment can often be modified or performed in different positions.