Common Chiropractic Treatments for Back Pain Relief
Ah, the dreaded back pain – that ever-present annoyance that just seems to follow us wherever we go. Back pain can be both painful and disruptive to our daily lives, making even simple tasks difficult or impossible. Fortunately, there are several treatments that chiropractors can provide to help ease back pain. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring some of the most common chiropractic treatments for back pain relief, so read on if you’re interested in learning more!
Quick Definition
Common chiropractic treatments for back pain may include adjustments or spinal manipulation, massage therapy and electrical stimulation. Additionally, your chiropractor may recommend lifestyle changes such as proper ergonomics, exercises, and stretches to help reduce the severity of your back pain.
Introduction to Common Chiropractic Treatments
Chiropractic treatment is a holistic approach to back pain relief based on manual therapy and joint manipulation. It is often used instead of medications or surgery, as it provides an alternative way to reduce, manage, and in some cases, even cure back pain. Despite being a very popular treatment option for people experiencing chronic back pain, there may still be a lack of understanding surrounding chiropractic care and the different treatment options available.
The various treatments offered by chiropractors are beneficial in relieving joint and muscle pain stemming from a wide range of causes. This includes neck and back pain caused by misalignment, poor posture, arthritis, injury, and even scoliosis.
Regular visits with a qualified practitioner help alleviate muscle tension and soreness associated with musculoskeletal issues while restoring balance within the body. Research has also shown very promising results in reducing stress in certain study groups through spinal manipulation and massage therapy techniques during chiropractic visits.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healing approach that focuses on optimizing your body’s ability to heal itself. The practice is rooted in the principle that spinal misalignment causes neuro-musculoskeletal disorders and physical health disorders. Chiropractors use their hands to locate and restore the normal alignment of the spine by using manipulations and adjustments. It’s a clinically applied science that involves detecting, correcting, and preventing mechanical disturbances in the body utilizing a range of safe, specific, and gentle adjustments to the spine and other joints of the body.
Chiropractic care has developed into an increasingly popular form of natural healthcare, with strong evidence suggesting short-term effectiveness for neck pain and low back pain – two common sources of chronic or recurrent pain. Treatment options work to reduce discomfort through manipulation of the spine while reducing inflammation which can lead to lasting improvements in symptoms as well as overall health.
With this understanding in mind, let’s explore further how effective these treatments can be in providing relief from back pain and discomfort.
Hands-On and Manipulation Treatments
Hands-on and manipulation treatments are one of the most common chiropractic treatments for lower back pain relief. These treatments involve the application of manual force to the spine, extremities, muscles, and other body tissues to restore lost mobility and increase the restricted range of motion. Hands-on treatments often focus on mobilizing joints and soft tissue to reduce muscle tension, decrease pain, and improve posture. Manipulation, meanwhile, is typically used to treat specific joint issues or to address restricted mobility caused by misalignments in the bones. Depending on the type of problem that needs to be addressed, manipulations may involve hands-on manual adjustments or lower-force instrument-aided adjustments.
Adjustment and Manipulation Methods
Adjustment and Manipulation methods are a common form of chiropractic treatment for those suffering from back pain. These methods involve the chiropractor using their hands to change the body’s alignment in order to promote healing. The idea behind manipulation is that it can help restore proper alignment and motion, break down scar tissue, reduce muscle spasms, and improve areas with restricted range of motion while providing immediate relief.
Manipulation techniques are popular in helping to relieve back pain and have been used by millions around the world for over a century. This hands-on approach has proven to be beneficial for many patients, and it may just be something worth considering when dealing with spine or posture-related issues. With that said, it is important to note that there are other treatments available that do not involve hands-on manipulation such as instrumental adjustments, specific therapeutic exercises, ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulation, heat/cold therapies, Dry Needling, etc., which may provide more lasting relief than manual manipulation alone. Moving forward we will discuss some of these non-manipulative approaches to treating back pain.
Non-Manipulation Treatments
Non-manipulation treatments are also available within chiropractic medicine and offer relief to those with back pain. Some of these treatments include Dry Needling, massage therapy, ultrasound, ice or heat therapy, and electrical stimulation. Massage therapy helps relax the muscles and can decrease muscle spasms. Ultrasound helps improve circulation and reduce pain, while ice/heat therapy for pain can help reduce inflammation. Electrical stimulation sometimes referred to as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy, delivers small electrical impulses through electrodes on the skin to help manage back pain.
Although many patients find relief through non-manipulation treatments, there is debate if these methods provide any long-term health benefits or relief from chronic back pain. On one hand, proponents of non-manipulation therapies report an overall improvement in quality of life due to reduced levels of stress, relaxation of muscles, and release of endorphins that act as natural painkillers. However, opponents suggest that these forms of treatment are only temporary solutions as they do not directly target specific areas causing pain.
Overall, each form of non-manipulation treatment has its own advantages and disadvantages which should be discussed carefully between the patient and healthcare provider depending on their individual situation and evident needs. As patients face their own unique experiences with back pain, it is important for them to explore a variety of potential treatment options in order to determine the best approach and have the best chance at success in managing their condition. From a holistic approach, combining a variety of manipulation and non-manipulation techniques often proves more effective than relying on any single method alone.
Given the verified benefits associated with physical exercises such as strengthening abdominal muscles or improving flexibility in the lower body, transitioning from non-manipulation treatments towards physical exercise is often recommended for optimal relief from back pain issues. Furthermore, relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also be especially helpful for reducing stress levels that may be exacerbating existing symptoms and providing overall solace from painful episodes.
Physical Exercise and Relaxation Therapies
In addition to non-manipulation treatments, physical exercise, and relaxation therapies are also beneficial for chronic back pain relief. Their combined effects help to reduce inflammation, increase endorphin production, and improve mobility, leading to improved overall health and well-being.
Some chiropractors utilize physical exercises, such as swimming and cycling, and these can have great restorative powers when done gradually and mindfully in order to prevent further damage. Research suggests that when done correctly, exercise can boost your energy level and alertness which may lead to better posture and less pain.
While there is an abundance of research that supports the efficacy of exercise for relieving back pain, forced relaxation has shown promising results too as it can increase dopamine levels and decrease stress hormones which would limit unnecessary muscle tension. Moreover, relaxation techniques can help with insomnia or any sleeping disorders associated with chronic back pain.
Physical exercise and relaxation therapies appear to be complementary interventions that can empower patients to manage their back pain more effectively. Combining these treatments under the supervision of a qualified professional is recommended for the best outcomes.
Now that we have had a look at common treatments for back pain relief, let’s explore what patients should expect prior to and during chiropractic care so they can reap its full benefits.
Preparation for Chiropractic Treatment
When preparing for chiropractic treatment, it is important to be aware of both the physical and emotional aspects of your individual health status. Before beginning the treatment, you must discuss your goals with your practitioner in order to tailor a custom plan. Additionally, patience is required as treatments may take several weeks or months before desired pain relief is felt and/or stabilization of the problem area is achieved.
When setting out on a chiropractic course of action, it’s essential to understand how best to participate in the process for maximum benefit. To achieve this, some preparation may be necessary prior to the start of the treatment. It is usually beneficial to educate oneself about the various techniques used in chiropractic care and identify which techniques work best in relieving back pain. Further preparations like adequate rest, healthy nutrition, and physical exercise are key for improvement and will create an environment conducive to better response rates.
In conclusion, one should consider both physical exercise and relaxation therapy when preparing for chiropractic treatment as they both appear to have equal benefits in helping alleviate back pain. Furthermore, consulting with a qualified chiropractor will help decide what specialty method(s) are best suited for each individual patient’s recovery program as well as proper guidance in preparation tailored towards one’s personal needs.
Contact a Chiropractor Today!
If you’re interested in Dry Needling in seeing a chiropractor or getting a chiropractic adjustment, visit us at one of our offices in Erie or Longmont. The Chiropractic Center of Erie and Chiropractic Center of Longmont treat the body holistically with our award-winning treatment process which can include Dry Needling when requested. We have been voted “Best of the West” eleven times and we aim to help your body achieve and maintain optimal performance.
We specialize in treating patients suffering from spinal pain and many other maladies and have helped several patients find relief without the need for surgery. If you’d like to learn more about chiropractic care in Longmont or Erie or have questions about what to expect during your first chiropractor visit in Erie or Longmont, call our offices today at 303-828-3000 or 303-772-1950!
