Since the severity of back pain can vary per patient and the type of injury, it is crucial to seek professional medical guidance from someone experienced in this field. Fortunately, a chiropractor has experience identifying and treating chronic back pain through a variety of non-invasive treatment options.
Often, when one begins having back pain, they revert to at-home remedies such as resting, the hot and cold therapy method, and over-the-counter pain medication. While these methods work for some, they do not work for everyone. Back pain can result in prolonged or worsening symptoms, taking a toll on one's entire quality of life. This is when they typically seek professional medical care.
Chiropractors often forgo traditional back pain treatments such as medicine or invasive surgeries. Instead, they may use the patient's body to promote healing. They believe that correcting the body's misalignment issues, also known as subluxation, can restore its healing capabilities. However, they do not stop at body manipulations; they are doctors; therefore, they can provide sustainable and comprehensive information on the patient's lifestyle habits to remove or incorporate to prevent their back pain from worsening.
The type of back pain treatment a chiropractor employs will depend on the patients themselves. During a consultation, the chiropractor will determine the true source of the back pain through a physical examination and possibly image testing. Additionally, they will review the patient's medical history, identifying medications, surgeries, or recent physical therapy visits.
Taking a deeper look into each patient, they may also inquire about their lifestyle habits, such as their normal level of physical activity, what they do for work, and any other information necessary to pinpoint the cause of strain. After the evaluation, the chiropractor will employ one or multiple forms of the following back pain treatments:
Also known as a spinal adjustment, spinal manipulation is considered the cornerstone of chiropractic care. The chiropractor will strategically apply a certain amount of force using their hands or various devices to specific points in the spine. The aim is to improve patients' spinal alignment, restore range of emotion, and alleviate pain. In most cases, if the patient is seeking lower back pain treatment, this is the method the doctor will start with.
Mobilization is another back pain treatment that people associate with spinal manipulation, but it is completely separate. Instead of applying direct pressure to the spine, mobilization involves the chiropractor gently stretching the spine and joints, employing various techniques and devices. These techniques aim to improve joint function, increase flexibility, and reduce pain.
Encompassing three different techniques: targeted massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release, soft tissue therapy aims to address underlying tension and possible inflammation causing back pain. A targeted massage can help relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain. It is often the choice if the patient is overweight or pregnant.
Trigger point therapy involves the chiropractor applying pressure to "trigger points" or knots and bands of muscle tissue that could be causing pain anywhere in the body, including the back. This therapy aims to release tension and alleviate pain. Lastly, the myofascial release technique focuses on releasing tension in the body's fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. The chiropractor applies a gentle yet steady pressure to the back, aiming to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore the back muscles' proper function.
Sticking with the holistic treatment style, the chiropractor will recommend lifestyle modifications depending on the patient's back pain source. They will provide proper guidance on posture for everyday activities and how to perform certain tasks safely. This can be as simple as sitting at a desk for eight hours a day or when to take breaks from holding a phone.
The chiropractor may also advise on correct sleeping positions and stretching techniques to incorporate at home. In fact, few leave the chiropractic office without being "prescribed" therapeutic exercises to perform daily. However, the exercises will not be the same for everyone as the source and location of the back pain (lower, upper, middle, side) differs. However, no matter the exercises given, they will likely aim to improve spinal stability, enhance muscle balance, and reduce the risk of future back pain episodes.
If you are seeking an effective, non-invasive form of back pain treatment, give our office a call. Our team can determine the source of your back pain and devise a treatment plan to restore you to optimal health.
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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