If you have back pain, chiropractic may be able to help. Chiropractors are primary-care physicians who diagnose and treat patients using manual therapies, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations. Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach focused on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine, using manual spinal manipulations and other techniques to align the body's musculoskeletal structures and promote healing.
Studies have also shown that chiropractic care can help treat neck pain and headaches. Additionally, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to moderate pressure applied by both chiropractors and deep tissue massage practitioners.
Chiropractic for Back Pain: How It Works
Chiropractic for back pain works by supporting and strengthening your back with a healthy end range of movement while reducing inflammation and improving circulation. Many health problems can be traced back to the spine. When the spine is misaligned or not functioning correctly, it can put pressure on the nerves that run through the spinal cord, causing pain and sometimes disability.
Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are widely recognized as safe and effective treatments for acute low back pain, a type of sudden injury from moving, lifting heavy furniture, or playing contact sports. Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to manipulate the spine and correct these misalignments. These back and neck chiropractic techniques may include:
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Chiropractic back adjustment: A chiropractor uses their hands or a special instrument to apply controlled force to the joints of the spine. This helps to restore proper alignment and range of motion.
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Spinal mobilization: A gentler alternative to spinal adjustment, spinal mobilization involves slow, low-velocity movements to loosen tight joints and muscles.
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Soft tissue therapy: Chiropractic for back pain may also involve the use of massage, stretching, and other techniques to help loosen tight muscles and other soft tissues.
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Exercise and rehabilitation: Chiropractors may prescribe exercises and stretches to help strengthen the muscles that support the spine and improve flexibility and range of motion.
Chiropractic for back pain is a holistic approach that also incorporates practices such as nutrition, physical therapy, and lifestyle counseling to get you started back on the path to wellness.
Benefits of Chiropractic for Back Pain
For many people, back and neck chiropractic care is a much more effective option for relieving pain than traditional medical therapy or surgical intervention. One of the biggest benefits of chiropractic for back pain is that it can help you get out of pain quickly. There are many potential benefits of back and neck chiropractic care. A chiropractor back adjustment may include:
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Pain relief: Chiropractic for back pain can help alleviate both short-term and chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments.
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Improved mobility: By restoring proper alignment and range of motion to the spine, back and neck chiropractic care can help improve mobility and flexibility.
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Reduced need for medication: Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional pain management approaches, which may help reduce the need for medication.
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Improved quality of life: By reducing pain and improving mobility, back and neck chiropractic care can help improve the overall quality of life.
Risks of Chiropractic Back Adjustment
During your first appointment, your chiropractor will ask about your medical history, including any back pain or other symptoms you're experiencing. You may also receive a physical exam to evaluate your range of motion, posture, and other factors. They may use X-rays or other imaging tests to examine your spine and pinpoint areas that may be causing pain.
While many people experience back pain and feel as though back and neck chiropractic care will help, it’s important to weigh the benefits of recovery against the risks of chiropractic back adjustment. Additionally, there are other treatment options besides chiropractic for back pain that may be able to relieve your pain symptoms, such as physical therapy or prescription medications.
Risks of back and neck chiropractic care may include:
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Soreness and discomfort:
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After a chiropractic back adjustment or other treatment, it's common to experience some soreness and discomfort. This usually goes away within a few days.
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Rare but serious complications:
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In rare cases, chiropractic adjustments can cause serious complications, including stroke, nerve damage, and herniated discs. However, the risk of these complications is very low.
Based on your evaluation, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This may involve one or more of the techniques discussed above, as well as lifestyle changes or other recommendations to help improve your overall health and well-being.
Back and neck chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option for those suffering from back pain. If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your back pain, please consider chiropractic back adjustment as part of your holistic approach. It is important to work with an experienced practitioner who will tailor their treatments to meet your specific needs and provide long-term relief from this painful condition.
That's where AFC Physical Medicine & Chiropractic Centers come in—our team thoroughly evaluates the patient's injury before ordering diagnostic imaging to determine the exact cause of pain. If the tests confirm sciatica, a comprehensive physical therapy regimen may be developed and implemented in conjunction with trigger point therapy, massage therapy, and other services offered at AFC.