If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic neck or back pain, you may be wondering if back pain chiropractic care is a good option for you. Chances are you have heard both positive and negative things about chiropractic care, so it can be difficult to know what to believe. Let’s take a closer look at chiropractic care and its potential benefits for people with neck or back pain.
What Is Chiropractic, and How Can It Help With Neck And Back Pain?
Chiropractic is a form of alternative medicine that emphasizes spinal manipulation and other manual therapies to treat health problems. It is based on the theory that misaligned bones in the spine can cause disease elsewhere in the body.
There are many benefits of chiropractic care for neck and back pain relief. Chiropractic care is a drug-free, hands-on approach to health care that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors who treat back pain use different methods to relieve pain, improve function, and stop further injury.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective for treating neck pain, headaches, low back pain, and other conditions associated with musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, a growing body of research is demonstrating the efficacy of chiropractic for treating chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Aside from treating musculoskeletal problems, chiropractic care has also been shown to help with allergies, asthma, and digestive problems.
How Does A Chiropractor Treat Neck And Back Pain?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, emphasizing the treatment of the spine. Chiropractors use many different methods to reduce pain and improve function, such as spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercises, and counseling on how to live a healthier life.
Spinal manipulation is the most common technique used by back pain chiropractors to treat back and neck pain. It is a hands-on treatment used to treat certain neck and back pain types. Spinal manipulation involves applying gentle but firm pressure to the joints in the spine. This pressure can help relieve pain by improving joint function and promoting circulation.
Soft tissue therapy is a type of physical therapy that aims to treat pain in the body’s soft tissues, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal of soft tissue therapy is to promote healing and pain relief by releasing tension in the soft tissues, improving blood circulation, and breaking up scar tissue. There are a variety of techniques that can be used in soft tissue therapy, such as massage, stretching, and trigger point release. When combined with other types of physical therapy or exercise, soft tissue therapy can help treat neck and back pain.
Therapeutic exercises are often used to treat neck and back pain. These exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in the back and neck, which can help to take pressure off of the spine. Therapeutic exercises can also help to increase flexibility and range of motion in the back and neck, which can help to improve overall function. Therapeutic exercises can also help the area heal by bringing more blood and nutrients to it.
Neck and back pain can also be treated with lifestyle counseling by addressing the patient’s specific needs. For example, if a patient is overweight, they will be advised to lose weight to reduce the amount of stress on their neck and back. Patients may also be advised to exercise regularly, avoid sitting for long periods, and correct their posture. In some cases, patients may also need to modify their work environment or use special equipment to help them manage their neck or back pain.
What Should You Expect During A Chiropractic Session?
When you go in for a chiropractic appointment, the chiropractor will have you sit down and take a health history. They will ask about your current condition, any pain you are experiencing, and any other symptoms. This is to help the back pain chiropractor determine which treatment is best for you.
After the health history, the chiropractor will do a physical examination. They will look at your posture and check for any areas of tension or inflammation. They will also palpate (feel) your spine to see if there are any restrictions in the range of motion.
If the chiropractor feels that there is a need for treatment, they will begin with an adjustment. The adjustment is a gentle manual manipulation of the spine. The goal of the adjustment is to improve joint function and reduce pain. After the adjustment, the chiropractor may give you some exercises or stretches to do at home.
Chiropractic treatment is generally a safe and effective way to treat neck and back pain. However, there are potential risks associated with any medical treatment. These risks should be discussed with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
When to Visit a Back Pain Chiropractor?
If you’re experiencing back pain, it’s important to seek out professional help. A chiropractor can provide relief and guidance on how to manage your pain. Here are a few signs that it’s time to visit a back pain chiropractor:
- Your pain is constant and is significantly impacting your quality of life.
- You’ve tried at-home remedies and self-care, but your pain persists.
- You have a history of back problems or injuries.
- You’re starting to experience neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling in your extremities.
- Surgery is not an option for you or recommended but hasn’t provided relief.
- X-rays or MRIs have shown that you have a spine injury or condition.
- You’re pregnant and experiencing back pain.
Neck and back pain can be debilitating, but chiropractic care may provide relief. If you’re suffering from neck or back pain, call us at Peak Potential Family Chiropractic-Houston Heights today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced back pain chiropractors. We’ll help you get on the path to recovery and better health. Plus, our experts are the best in the field, so you’re in good hands!
