Back pain happens to the best of us. Sometimes, a little rest and ice can remedy the situation; other times, a chiropractor is necessary to provide more effective treatment. Back pain can result from various factors, from general wear and tear to herniated discs. Let us explore how a chiropractor can unlock long-term relief from back pain.
Back pain, a common ailment that can occur in anyone at any age, can be isolated to the lower, middle, or upper part of the back. However, it can also radiate throughout the entire back. External and internal factors can cause back pain, such as injuries, sleeping on a bad mattress, wear and tear on the muscles, muscle spasms, or ruptured and slipped disks. Patients with worn or damaged nerves, especially sciatica, likely experience back pain that can be almost debilitating.
Regardless of the reason, people typically try to nurse the back pain, at least for the first few days, with over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and ice. However, even if the pain subsides a little, some may find themselves unable to perform movements as they once did before the pain occurred. Others may constantly need to rely on these at-home methods to help alleviate pain and get through the day or night. However, if the pain does not cease and the full function of the back does not return within a few days after it has begun, it is crucial to take the proactive step of visiting a chiropractor.
During the first visit, the chiropractor will likely take X-rays of the patient's back, chest, and neck. This allows them to ensure there are no fractures and to determine whether there is a misalignment in the vertebrae. They may also take a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the conditions of the joints and muscles.
Further, patients will have an opportunity to discuss how long they have been experiencing their symptoms and where they are primarily located. It is a good idea to bring a log of details regarding whether the symptoms are intermittent or constant, sharp or dull, and whether there are accompanying symptoms. Other symptoms to note are limited mobility, tingling sensations anywhere in the body, dizziness when standing, and headaches.
Additionally, the chiropractor may have the patient perform a series of simple stretches or movements to further assess the patient's abilities. These movements can include slowly twisting from side to side, walking down the hallway, twisting the neck from side to side, raising the arms, touching the toes, etc. This portion of the appointment can also better identify treatment methods.
Chiropractors choose treatment methods based on the current position of the musculoskeletal system. However, all methods aim to use the patient's body to heal without invasive surgeries or medications. Possible treatment methods include the following:
Decompression therapy works by creating a negative pressure between the vertebrae. Patients will lie flat on a special, mobilized table as it slowly moves to stretch their spine. This reverse pressure changes the position and force applied to the spine and disks. Disks are gel-like substances situated between each vertebra and are encased in a slightly hardened structure. Decompression therapy aims to take pressure off the nerves while repositioning the disks and vertebrae into their proper positions.
Chiropractors employ soft tissue mobilization to alleviate tension and inflammation within the muscles, not necessarily the vertebrae. Various techniques are involved in soft tissue mobilization, including chiropractors using their hands or tools like rollers, lacrosse balls, massage sticks, etc. It can also include isolated stretching and exercises to promote blood flow and flexibility.
Spinal adjustments may be the most commonly thought-of treatment from a chiropractor. They involve the chiropractor using their hands to apply controlled pressure to various areas of the body, all to manipulate the spine into its correct position. They can also employ tools such as a Y-strap to better assist a certain motion. This treatment improves blood flow, reduces pressure on the nerves, and increases flexibility.
Back pain can throw a wrench in your day. Before you buy another bottle of over-the-counter pain relievers, contact the Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine Ooltewah office to see how our chiropractor can help. We can curate a treatment plan to get you back on track.
Request an appointment here: https://sjrm-tn.com or call Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine at (423) 424-1529 for an appointment in our Ooltewah office.
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