Top Spinal Treatment Methods to Enhance Your Mobility

Living with spinal issues can significantly affect your quality of life, making everyday tasks challenging and reducing your overall mobility. Fortunately, there are a variety of spinal treatment methods that can help alleviate pain and enhance mobility. Whether you are dealing with chronic back pain or recovering from a herniated disc, there are spinal treatments available to help you regain freedom of movement.

Medication

Medication is a common method of managing spinal pain and improving mobility, particularly when combined with other treatments. While medication does not target the underlying cause of the spinal pain, it can make it easier to function in day-to-day life.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, medical providers may prescribe stronger medications, such as muscle relaxers or opiates. It is important to use prescription medication as directed by a healthcare provider to avoid potential side effects and dependency issues.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is often the first line of defense against spinal problems. It involves exercises and stretches tailored to the patient's specific condition. These personalized exercises focus on strengthening the muscles supporting your spine.

Practitioners use a variety of physical therapy techniques, including manual therapy, to reduce pain and improve mobility. For example, If the patient is an athlete, their sports rehabilitation practitioner can recommend sports-specific strengthening and agility drills. Depending on the patient's condition and needs, the techniques may include:

• Strengthening exercises for their back, abdominal muscles, and hips
• Low-impact exercise that causes less stress on the spine (e.g., swimming, cycling, and walking)
• Training in proper weightlifting form
• Endurance training
• Pool therapy
• Education and training for good posture
• Improving balance to avoid falls and injuries

It may take time before the patient begins to experience improved mobility and pain relief. However, physical therapy aims to address the root cause of the patient's pain, promoting long-term health rather than providing temporary relief.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This spinal treatment balances the body's energy and promotes natural healing. It can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall function.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractic care is a well-established spinal treatment method that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. Chiropractors employ a variety of techniques to improve spinal alignment and overall function.

Spinal manipulation

Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, involves applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine. This technique aims to improve spinal motion and physical function, reducing pain and enhancing mobility. Regular chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis.

Soft tissue therapy

Chiropractors often incorporate soft tissue therapy, such as massage and myofascial release, to complement spinal manipulation. These techniques target the muscles, ligaments, and fascia surrounding the spine, reducing tension and promoting better alignment. Soft tissue therapy can improve flexibility and reduce pain, contributing to overall spinal health.

Exercise and rehabilitation

Similar to physical therapy, chiropractic care can encompass personalized exercise and rehabilitation programs to address specific spinal issues. These programs may include stretching, strengthening, and mobility exercises tailored to each patient's needs. By incorporating these exercises into daily routines, patients can enhance their spinal stability and prevent future spinal injuries.

Regenerative medicine

This spinal treatment method leverages the body's natural healing ability to repair damaged tissues, offering hope to those living with chronic spinal issues. Popular techniques in regenerative medicine include:

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy involves extracting stem cells from a patient's bone marrow and injecting them into the affected area of the spine. These cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types. With this ability, they can repair and regenerate damaged spinal tissues. Stem cell therapy can greatly reduce pain and inflammation, which can improve one's mobility.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP therapy uses a centrifuge to process a patient's blood, separating the platelets into a concentrate. The provider can then inject these platelets into the affected spinal area to accelerate the healing process. PRP therapy is particularly effective in treating degenerative disc diseases and spinal injuries, helping patients regain mobility and reducing discomfort.

Learn more about our spinal treatment options

The Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine team understands dealing with spinal issues can be debilitating. However, with the right spinal treatment plan, we can help you significantly improve your mobility and overall quality of life. Call our Ooltewah office to learn more about our spinal treatment services or to schedule a consultation.

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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