Doctors report that back pain is one of the most common medical complaints they hear in the field. Affecting the upper, mid or lower region, back pain is often the result of a tissue or muscular injury caused by either a traumatic event– a fall, sport’s injury, helping a friend move– or some sort of repetitive stress– sitting day after day in the same chair without proper back support, for example. Degenerative disc disease and arthritis can also wreck havoc on the back. But before turning to a surgeon, a chiropractor can be your first line of defense, and relief. Through hands-on spinal manipulation, also known as a Chiropractic Adjustment, a chiropractor works to put a patient’s musculoskeletal structure back into proper alignment. Focusing on the source of the problem, a chiropractor aims to improve overall functionality and range of movement while reducing nerve irritability, in other words, that nagging pain you’ve been experiencing.
Additionally, your chiropractor may recommend one or some of the following courses of treatment:
- Physical therapy modalities. Ultrasound, electrical stimulation and traction equipment can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Pelvic stabilization. If the cause of your back pain is flat feet, your chiropractor may place a small heel lift in the shoe or prescribe corrective arch supports to help stabilize the pelvis.
- Exercises. Your chiropractor can teach you stretching and strengthening exercises which have been shown to decrease pain while increasing range of motion.
- Ergonomics. How you stand or sit, especially if you are doing either for long stretches on a regular basis, can be the root of your back pain. Or at the very least, these habits can make the problem worse. Your chiropractor can counsel you on this and make recommendations for improvements.
- Patient education. Even small modifications to diet and/or lifestyle can have a big impact. Your chiropractor will treat your back pain from a holistic perspective empowering you with the tools and knowledge you need to get on the road to relief.
