One of the most common frustrations patients have is that their symptoms keep returning. At Complete Chiropractic, we focus on identifying and addressing the underlying cause of a problem rather than simply chasing symptoms.
Pain, numbness, or tingling are signals — not the root issue themselves.
Why Symptoms Aren’t Always the Real Problem
Symptoms are how the body gets your attention. They tell you something isn’t functioning properly, but they don’t always indicate where the true problem is coming from.
For example:
- Pain may show up far from its source
- Numbness may originate higher up the spine
- Symptoms may change or move over time
Treating only where symptoms appear can miss the actual cause.
Common Examples Patients Are Surprised By
Many patients are surprised to learn how often symptoms are referred from another area of the spine.
Some common examples include:
- Numbness or tingling in the feet or legs
This is often related to irritation or dysfunction in the lower back, not the feet themselves. - Pain, tingling, or weakness in the hands or arms
These symptoms frequently originate from the neck, where nerves travel from the spine into the arms and hands. - Headaches
Many headaches are related to tension or joint dysfunction in the neck and upper back, not the head itself. - Hip or knee pain
These symptoms may be influenced by the lower back or pelvic mechanics, even when the pain feels local.
Understanding how nerves travel through the body helps explain why symptoms don’t always match the source.
How the Nervous System Fits In
The spine protects the spinal cord and nerve roots, which control sensation and movement throughout the body.
When spinal joints aren’t moving properly or surrounding tissues become irritated:
- Nerves may not function optimally
- Signals to muscles and limbs can be altered
- Symptoms may appear away from the spine
This is why a thorough exam looks beyond the painful area.
Why Chasing Symptoms Often Fails
Treating only symptoms may:
- Provide short-term relief
- Miss underlying movement problems
- Allow the issue to return repeatedly
This is why some people feel temporary improvement but never experience lasting change.
Addressing the cause helps create more durable results.
How a Thorough Evaluation Helps
At Complete Chiropractic in Sioux Falls, SD, care begins with a detailed evaluation to identify:
- How the spine and joints are moving
- Where restrictions or imbalances exist
- How those findings relate to your symptoms
This allows care to be focused on the area’s most likely contributing to the problem, not just where it hurts.
Why Symptoms Can Change or Come and Go
Some patients notice symptoms move, fade, or return unexpectedly. This can happen when:
- The underlying issue hasn’t been corrected
- The body is compensating temporarily
- Stress or posture worsens the problem
This doesn’t mean the issue is “in your head.” It means the body is adapting as best it can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my pain show up in a different place than the problem?
Nerves travel from the spine to other parts of the body, so irritation can cause symptoms elsewhere.
If my pain goes away, does that mean the problem is fixed?
Not always. Improved symptoms are good, but function and movement matter too.
Can chiropractic help nerve-related symptoms?
Many patients report improvement when spinal and joint function are addressed appropriately.
The Bottom Line
Symptoms are important, but they are not always the root cause. Looking deeper at how the spine, joints, and nervous system are functioning helps explain why symptoms occur and why they sometimes return.
If you’re experiencing recurring pain, numbness, or unexplained symptoms and are looking for chiropractic care in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the team at Complete Chiropractic focuses on identifying the cause — not just chasing the symptoms.