If you struggle with back pain, you’re not alone – roughly 31 million Americans struggle with back pain, and it’s the leading cause of disability at work around the world. Chiropractic treatment is one of the best ways to manage your back pain on a regular basis. Here’s what you need to know about seeing a chiropractor for back pain – and how it can help you to start feeling better.
What is chiropractic treatment for back pain?
Chiropractic treatment is a very broad field, but typically chiropractors—like Ripple Health Clinic—use spinal manipulation to improve alignment in your back, relieving tension and pain. When you go to see the chiropractor, they will start by assessing your spinal system to determine a course of action.
They will then likely perform an adjustment, which is the action of applying a short but powerful motion to parts of your vertebrae that are out of place. They also may stretch and massage your muscles more gently to reduce tension and improve flexibility in the back.
Beyond your appointment, your chiropractor is also likely to recommend exercises to help you strengthen the affected area and prevent tension from building up again. They may also recommend passive forms of therapy you can do at home, like heat, water, or ice therapy.
What causes back pain?
There are many different causes of back pain, and knowing what’s causing your back pain can go a long way towards managing it effectively. Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, and it’s thought that about 80 percent of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. Once you determine what the cause of your back pain is, your chiropractor will work with you to come up with a plan of action to treat it. Here are some of the most common causes of back pain.
- Scoliosis or similar alignment issues. This is a condition where the spine curves to the side abnormally. Many people develop scoliosis as teenagers or young adults as they are growing, but some people grow out of it and others do not. In cases of severe scoliosis, doctors may prescribe a back brace to prevent future issues. If you do not get these issues treated early in life, they could cause back pain as you get older.
- Muscle strains and spasms. If you have an active, strenuous lifestyle, there is a chance you may be overworking your back without realizing it. This is particularly common for people who frequently lift heavy objects. The tension in your back caused by this strain can lead to uncomfortable muscle spasms. This is a condition in which chiropractic care can be very helpful.
- Ruptured/bulging discs. In between each of our vertebrae, we have soft discs that support our joints. However, sometimes these discs move out of place, and this can lead to very intense back pain. While you may need surgical treatment to deal with a disc issue, a chiropractor can help you manage the pain associated with it.
- Arthritis. This is a condition that can affect the entire skeletal system, and does sometimes affect the lower back. It can also cause spinal stenosis, which is when the space around the spinal cord becomes narrower. This can lead to intense discomfort.
These are just a few of the conditions that can lead to back pain. If your back pain is affecting your work or other daily activities, it is very important to get it treated so that you can continue living a comfortable lifestyle. There are many lifestyle factors that can put you at a higher risk of back pain.
As previously mentioned, having a strenuous job with lots of heavy lifting can put a lot of pressure on your lower back. However, having a sedentary job can also cause back pain too, particularly if you don’t have good posture and are staying in the same position all day. Being overweight or obese can sometimes contribute to back pain as well, as the extra pounds can strain your back.
What are the benefits of seeing a chiropractor for back pain?
Chiropractic treatment for back pain is very effective, particularly if you have chronic back pain that needs to be managed instead of an injury that you can cure.
Many people turn to painkillers to deal with their chronic back pain, but this can have serious negative health implications over time. Chiropractic care is a natural way to deal with the back pain. Here are some of the concrete benefits of seeing a chiropractor for back pain.
- Chiropractic adjustments and treatment can improve the mobility in your back. This can make a huge difference when it comes to the pain you are experiencing. Back pain can often be exacerbated by sitting, standing, or lying in the same position for long periods of time. The more flexible and mobile you are, the easier it will be to stretch and move positions to reduce pain.
- Chiropractic adjustments can stimulate the circulatory system while at the same time reducing inflammation that exacerbates back pain. The improved blood flow makes it easier for your back to recover from stress and trauma.
- Chiropractic treatment can also have mental health benefits. These sessions are actually quite relaxing, so they can calm you and reduce stress, while also giving you a feeling of energy and revitalization. Mental stress is directly correlated with physical pain, so a relaxing, personalized chiropractic session can actually leave your back feeling less tense.
A chiropractor will work with you to identify the causes of your chronic pain and come up with a plan of action that works most effectively for your specific conditions.
Since chiropractic treatment is non-invasive and low risk, it is a great alternative to most of the other treatments available for back pain, which can be much more risky.
About Dr. Brent Wells, D.C.
Dr. Brent Wells is the author of over 700+ online articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. These articles include various types of information about how you can live a healthy and happy life. He founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998 Dr. Wells has been a chiropractor for over 20 years and has treated thousands of patients who suffer from varying problems. Dr. Wells is a member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. He continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.