According to the CDC, 39% of Americans struggle with back pain which can be caused by a variety of factors. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help alleviate the discomfort associated with back pain. One excellent option is chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatments involve manual manipulation of the spine in order to realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on nerves and muscles. This type of treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing back pain and improving overall health.
Should You See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?
Chiropractic care is a natural, effective and safe treatment for back pain. Chiropractic treatments are designed to reduce inflammation and pain in the musculoskeletal system and improve mobility. These treatments can also help to reduce muscle tension and spasms, which can be a major cause of back pain, not to mention headaches.
A recent JAMA Network study investigated 750 active military personnel who reported having back pain. Half of those studied was subjected to standard treatment plans involving physical therapy and medications which relieve discomfort, while the rest were given chiropractic care. After 6 weeks, patients who underwent chiropractic care reported far less pain intensity and higher satisfaction with their treatment.
Common Causes of Back Pain Chiropractors Can Treat
Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain, and injury. Chiropractic care can help to address many of these causes. Here are some common causes of back pain that chiropractors can treat:
- Poor Posture: Poor posture is one of the most common causes of back pain. When your spine is not properly aligned, it can cause tension in the muscles and joints, leading to discomfort and pain. A chiropractor can help to realign your spine and improve your posture so that you experience less pain.
- Muscle Strain & Spasms: Muscle strain is another common cause of back pain. When muscles become overworked or strained due to repetitive motions or activities, they can become tight and painful. A chiropractor can use manual manipulation techniques and massage therapy to reduce muscle tension and provide relief from the discomfort associated with muscle strain.
- Injury: Injury is another potential cause of back pain. If you have suffered an injury such as a back sprain, a chiropractor may be able to help reduce inflammation and promote healing by using gentle manipulation techniques on the affected area.
- Herniated discs or Bulging Discs: Herniated discs occur when the soft inner material of a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer, causing pain. Bulging discs occur when the outer layer of the disc weakens, allowing it to bulge outward and press on nearby nerves.
- Pinched Nerves: A pinched nerve is a common cause of back pain. It occurs when a nerve in the spine becomes compressed or irritated due to an injury, inflammation, or misalignment of the vertebrae. A chiropractor can help to reduce pressure on the affected nerve by using manual manipulation techniques to realign the spine and reduce inflammation. They may also use massage or stretching techniques to relax tense muscles and provide relief from discomfort.
- Sciatica: Sciatica is a condition that can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, buttocks, and legs. It is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back to the feet. Chiropractic care can help to relieve sciatica symptoms by reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.
- Scoliosis: Scoliosis can cause pain, discomfort, and even difficulty breathing. Chiropractic care can help scoliosis by using manual manipulation techniques to realign the spine and reduce inflammation. They may also use massage or stretching techniques to relax tense muscles and provide relief.
How Chiropractors Diagnose Back Pain
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to diagnose the cause of back pain. First, they will take a detailed medical history and ask questions about your symptoms. They may also perform a physical exam to assess your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, they may order imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to get a better look at the spine and identify any potential problems. Once the cause of your back pain has been identified, the chiropractor can develop an individualized treatment plan to address it.
What Happens During a Chiropractic Treatment Session?
During a chiropractic session, the chiropractor will assess the patient's condition and discuss their symptoms. The chiropractor may then use manual manipulation techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in order to reduce pain and improve mobility. They may also use massage or stretching techniques to help relax tense muscles and reduce inflammation. Additionally, they may provide advice on lifestyle changes that can help to prevent future episodes of back pain.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
- Reduce Inflammation & Promote Healing
- Alleviate Pain
- Improve Mobility
- Restore Proper Spinal Alignment
- Reduce Muscle Spasms
- Reduce Headaches that are Caused by Musculoskeletal Issues
- Non-Invasive Drug Free Treatment: This makes it a safe and effective option for many people who suffer from chronic back pain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for back pain. It can help to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and restore the natural alignment of the spine. Additionally, chiropractic is an all-natural treatment that does not involve the use of medications or surgery. During a chiropractic session, the chiropractor will assess the patient's condition and discuss their symptoms before using manual manipulation techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in order to reduce pain and improve mobility. They may also use massage therapy or stretching techniques to relax tense muscles. With these benefits in mind, it is clear that chiropractic care is a safe and effective option for many people who suffer from chronic back pain.
