Most people will experience some type of back or neck pain at some point in their lives. If the pain is chronic, it can be difficult to live a normal life. Many people turn to chiropractic care for relief from this pain. But is chiropractic treatment really effective? And is it safe?
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF BACK AND NECK PAIN?
You may start the process of receiving the proper care by being aware of the causes of your back and neck discomfort. The following are some of the common causes of back and neck pain:
Spinal stenosis
An improper narrowing of the bony duct that holds the spinal nerves or spinal cord is known as spinal stenosis. Contrary to many other spinal conditions, spinal stenosis usually develops gradually, worsening over time as the pain increases in frequency and intensity.
Herniated Disc
Most of the time, a herniated disc is the usual cause of back and neck discomfort. Whatever name you give it—a pinched nerve, a bulging or burning disc—it can cause terrible pain that lasts for a very long time.
Sciatica, or leg pain, is frequently the initial symptom of a herniated disc, a condition that affects the lumbar spine. Other signs could be tingling, severe discomfort, and weakness when elevating the leg.
Compression fracture of the vertebrae
Based on where the injury develops, a vertebral compression fracture can be a dangerous disorder that causes discomfort in your neck or back. Minor fractures in the vertebrae or the bones of the spine can lead to compression fractures.
Stretches and Sprains
Your back and neck may be strained or sprained if you have sharp starting pain or discomfort. Sprains and strains can be caused by straining due to an exercise routine, moving incorrectly, or falling. The good thing is that the pain typically goes away on their own with time and appropriate care. However, it is best to visit your neck pain chiropractor for a formal diagnosis if you are experiencing a back or neck sprain or strain.
Osteoarthritis of the spine
Cartilage degeneration in joints or discs in the neck or lower back is known as spinal osteoarthritis. In some instances, it might result in bone spurs that put severe pressure on the spinal column’s nerves.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT DURING A CHIROPRACTIC CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT SESSION?
At your initial appointment, your neck pain chiropractor will inquire about your medical background and treatment objectives. You’ll be questioned regarding your:
- past diseases and injuries
- present-day health issues
- Medications you may be taking.
- Your Lifestyle
- Your food intake
- Your Sleep patterns
- Exercise
- Your experiences with any mental strain.
- And your use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs.
If you are experiencing any physical issues which make it difficult for you to perform particular tasks, be sure to discuss it with your chiropractor. Inform your neck pain chiropractor if you have any tingling, numbness, weakness, or other nerve issues.
Treatment process and additional therapies
Before deciding whether to treat your back discomfort, a neck pain chiropractor first gathers medical information, conducts a physical exam, and might request lab testing or diagnostic imaging.
The first or second appointment is when the treatment starts in most situations. The chiropractor may urge you to lie down while performing the spinal manipulations on a specific table.
The doctor may perform one or more mechanical modifications to the joints as part of the therapy strategy to increase the range of motion and motion quality. Numerous chiropractors also include nutritional advice and physical activity/rehabilitation in their therapeutic interventions. In order to minimize back pain, chiropractic therapy also aims to prevent injuries and restore function.
The neck pain chiropractor might also administer additional therapies, such as massages and other soft tissue work. Some persons have post-manipulation pain, stiffness, and fatigue for a few days. This may be due to their body’s way of adjusting to the new alignment, which is the reason for this.
HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC HELP REDUCE NECK AND BACK PAIN SYMPTOMS?
Consulting and getting treated by a chiropractor is the best option you can choose for your long agony of neck and back pain issues and even preventing further problems or symptoms in the future. Here are some of the ways a chiropractic care helps reduce neck and back pain symptoms:
- For Back pain problems
Back problems may benefit from spinal manipulation, especially if done within the first six weeks of pain. The duration of treatment needed directly relates to how long you have experienced discomfort. Although early and accurate detection is vital, our chiropractors may also treat chronic or longer-lasting pains.
In addition to offering guidance on posture and exercise routines, our chiropractors can help you find long-term alternatives to your back trouble.
- For Neck pain problems
Chiropractic professionals can examine the neck’s movements and identify any potential muscular injury or trapped nerves.
You might just experience severe neck discomfort for a brief period and not need medical attention. Short-term issues may not always need therapy after a complete evaluation. Still, when required, chiropractic procedures may include spinal adjustment or manipulation, soft tissue techniques, acupuncture, and a detailed at-home workout routine.
Additional tips your neck pain chiropractor can give you is to consider making the upcoming minor lifestyle adjustments like:
- Improving your Posture – Your stance is critical whether you’ve been standing, sitting, sleeping, or working at a desk. Maintaining a balanced spine position at all times can avoid neck and back discomfort symptoms. Prevent using thick or several pillows and falling asleep on your stomach to reduce upper back and neck pain while sleeping.
- Increase your level of activity – Aerobic exercise is crucial for preserving your general health. People who lead more active lifestyles experience less back and neck discomfort than those who lead a simpler lifestyle.
- Stretching more often – A 10-15 minutes of daily stretching can make a big difference in how your body functions and performs.
- Practice good food intake – Appropriate nutrition is crucial to good health. Your spine will inevitably experience additional stress if you are overweight. Eating healthy such as consuming more vegetables and fruits while reducing your intake of red meat and refined carbs, would be a great start.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR NECK AND BACK PAIN SUFFERERS?
Numerous benefits can be acquired from getting chiropractic care for your neck and back pains. This includes the following:
Relieves neck discomfort
Neck pain is a typical issue, mainly if you spend a lot of time sitting, frequently craning your neck to use a phone, or even have poor posture. By rearranging your spine and pressure decreases in your neck muscles, a chiropractor may be able to reduce your neck pain.
Reduces back pain
Getting a chiropractic treatment for your back problems gives the patient many advantages. For the treatment of severe or prolonged back pain, chiropractic care may be a valuable substitute for more intrusive procedures like surgery or injections.
Helps relieve headache indications
Chiropractic treatments and therapies for tension headaches that start in your neck may be successful with spinal manipulation.
Helps to enhance posture
Chiropractic care will help you improve your posture, mainly if it was brought on from too much sitting.
Helps lessen inflammation
Chiropractic treatments have been found to significantly reduce inflammation, which can result in a variety of advantageous outcomes, such as:
– alleviate chronic lower back pain
– lessen muscular tension
– Pain relief for joints
Your chance of contracting diseases associated with excessive inflammation can be decreased with reduced inflammation.
Improve athletic performance
Adjustments to your spine might help you perform better in sports. This might be brought on by more flexible joints, less discomfort, and less tissue constraint. The body can be in top shape if inflammation, discomfort, and other comparable disorders are reduced. This is particularly true for athletes whose bodies are their primary means of movement.
If you’re one of those with a prolonged agony of back and neck pain, worry no more! Because here at Peak Potential Family Chiropractic – Houston Heights, we’re going to make sure we put an end to your discomfort. Our dedicated and professional neck pain chiropractors will help you achieve a comfortable and pain-free life. Visit our website for more chiropractic care learnings, or call us today to schedule an appointment and learn more!
