Chiropractic and Back Pain
Back pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It is pain felt in the back, which can be classified as neck pain, middle back pain, lower back pain, or coccydynia based on the segment affected. The lumbar area is the most common area affected. An episode of back pain may be acute, subacute or chronic depending on the duration.
Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Muscle strain or injury: This is the most common cause of back pain. It can be caused by lifting something heavy, twisting suddenly, or sitting or standing in a bad position for a long time.
Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition that occurs as the discs in the spine break down over time. This can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness in the back.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra slips out of alignment with the vertebrae below it. This can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the back.
Sciatica: This is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which runs down the back of the leg, is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the back and leg.
Tumor: A tumor in the spine can cause back pain.
Back pain can range from mild to severe. It can be constant or intermittent. It can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back or legs.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Chiropractic care can help with back pain. In fact, a number of studies have shown that chiropractic care can be an effective treatment for acute low back pain. One study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that people who received chiropractic care for acute low back pain were more likely to report improvement in their pain and function than those who received standard medical care.
Chiropractic care is based on the idea that misalignments of the spine, or subluxations, can cause pain and other problems. By adjusting the spine, chiropractors aim to relieve pressure on nerves and restore normal function.
In addition to spinal manipulation, chiropractors may also use other techniques to treat back pain, such as:
Exercise therapy
Massage therapy
Heat therapy
Cold therapy
Stretching
If you think you are struggling with back pain you can call our office to make yourself an appointment. We specialize in the above and look forward to helping you in our practice.
