If you're wondering about chiropractic care, you're not alone. According to a study by the American Chiropractic Association, more than 35 million Americans of all ages see a chiropractor annually. Many doctors and hospitals today even refer patients to chiropractors as part of an increased focus on overall wellness and pain management.

But whether it's been years since your last chiropractic visit or you're completely new to the world of spinal adjustments and posture therapy, knowing when you need to see a chiropractor can be unclear. Some people think pain and stiffness are a normal part of aging, but the truth is that these things can often be greatly improved with chiropractic care. More importantly, early chiropractic intervention can help prevent long-term issues in the first place.

Wondering when's the right time to pick up the phone? Here are five signs it's time to make an appointment with a chiropractor.

1. You're feeling stiff or have lost range of motion

Any form of stiffness or movement ability loss is worth having a chiropractor examine. From decreased arm and leg flexibility to a stiff neck that won't turn very far, many of these issues are caused by underlying spine or joint problems.

2. You're experiencing headaches

Frequent headaches are caused by a number of things, but among the most common are spine and neck misalignments. By correcting this, your chiropractor can help improve blood flow to the brain and improve headaches.

3. You have back, limb, or joint paint

Slipped discs, pinched nerves, old injuries, and general musculoskeletal misalignments can cause all kinds of recurring pain throughout the body. Rather than just masking your pain with medication, a chiropractor can help get to the root of the problem and start a treatment plan to correct it.

4. Your job puts strain on your body

Both jobs that demand physical work and those that require long hours hunched over a desk can cause back issues. Whether you're experiencing pain and stiffness yet or not, seeing a chiropractor can help prevent your job from taking a toll on your body.

5. You've been in an accident recently

If you've been in any kind of auto accident recently, it's time to make an appointment. Even seemingly mild auto accidents can cause injuries that don't reveal themselves until later on. Whiplash is incredibly common, for instance. If left untreated, it can lead to frequent headaches, lost range of motion, and other issues.

In all of these situations, the sooner a chiropractor is called, the better. The right chiropractic care will help prevent long-term issues and improve current stiffness and pain. Whatever you do, don't chalk it all up to "old age."