Relieving Chronic Back Pain Through Chiropractic Care

Millions of people seek help from chiropractors each year. One in three do so in order to gain relief from back pain caused by sports injuries, auto accidents, and slipped discs. Back pain is particularly troublesome because it seems to return frequently, and severely limits mobility and movement. In some cases, as with sciatica, side effects can even include loss of bladder control (though this is rare).

There are many ways to treat back pain, including surgery, medications, physical therapy (in the case of a herniated disk), and steroid injections. Each can deliver a modicum of relief. It’s worth highlighting, however, that these treatment methods are rarely successful in eliminating the root cause of the pain.

Below, we’ll explain how chiropractic care offers an effective solution. First, we’ll briefly compare the advantages of spinal adjustments over surgery. Then, we’ll describe how professional chiropractors diagnose back pain. Lastly, you’ll learn about the methods used by chiropractors to adjust the spine and provide relief.

Advantages Of Chiropractic Treatment Over Surgery

The basis of chiropractic for back pain is that the underlying cause of the pain can be traced to vertebrae that are out of alignment. Misaligned vertebrae cause a variety of problems, including impaired joint function, headaches, and back pain. By addressing spinal misalignments, chiropractors can restore uninterrupted nerve transmission and return the spine to its natural state. This allows the body to heal itself.

One of the advantages of chiropractic treatment is that it avoids the invasive nature of surgery, which can be traumatic. For example, sciatica is sometimes treated with a procedure called diskectomy during which a piece of a herniated disk is removed. The surgeon hopes to relieve pressure on the underlying nerve by removing part of the disk. In contrast, a chiropractor can perform noninvasive spinal manipulations to produce the same result.

Chiropractic care for back pain is safe and effective. It avoids the use of medications and their accompanying side effects. It also avoids invasive surgery and the potential complications it poses.

Process Of Diagnosing The Underlying Cause

Because back pain is usually due to circumstances that affect the spine, your chiropractor will conduct a number of checks across your spine to diagnose the cause. He or she will check the cervical spine starting from the base of your skull. Next, the lumbar spine is checked to identify vertebral misalignments that may be causing lower back pain. If you’re experiencing pain in the middle of your back, your chiropractor will check the twelve vertebrae that comprise the thoracic spine.

Close attention is paid to areas with limited joint mobility, muscle spasms, and slipped or herniated disks. This is done manually without invasive instruments. Your chiropractor will then examine your walk and posture to identify possible spinal subluxations. Once he or she has determined where the problem lies, treatment begins.

Treatment Options For Resolving The Pain

The methods used to treat back pain are dictated by the vertebral misalignments identified by your chiropractor. Spinal manipulation is usually done with mild thrusting to restore joint motion. Instrument-assisted manipulation may also be done, though this approach is less commonly used for patients in good health.

One particular type of spinal adjustment is performed using a method called the flexion-distraction technique. It avoids thrusting and instead, uses a specialized table that stretches the spine. This approach is common when treating disc injuries that have resulted in persistent back pain.

In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractic care may also be directed at ligaments and muscles to relieve back pain. Treatment can include trigger point therapy, massage, and joint stretching exercises.

Professional chiropractors are trained in the science of how the spine works, and the effects of vertebral misalignments. They believe the body is able to heal itself as long as the roadblocks (i.e. spinal subluxations) to health and comfort are removed.