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Can A Chiropractor Help With Lower Back Pain

How Does Chiropractic Care Help With Spinal Stenosis

How a Chiropractor can help Low Back Pain, by Dr. Pecoraro, Chiropractor NJ

Chiropractic care is a wellness approach that targets healing through spinal manipulation.

There is reliable evidence to show that non-invasive and all-natural treatment options are effective against many forms of illnesses and health issues. Chiropractic is especially appropriate for spinal stenosis because it corrects and re-aligns dislocated and herniated discs, thus reducing pressure on the spinal cord and its joints and nerve networks.

Apart from spinal manipulation, chiropractors use a variety of techniques to address stenosis symptoms.

For instance, we may use expert massage in a chiropractic session to help to treat pain and reduce inflammation or various mechanical tools that can help address numbness and restore function to your muscles.

Personalized exercise and physiotherapy, which is also a part of chiropractic care, ultimately leads to physical strength, flexibility, and optimal spinal support.

Chiropractic Care For Stenosis Vs Surgery

Chiropractic care for spinal stenosis is non-invasive, as seen earlier. After an initial diagnosis, the chiropractic doctor will identify the affected areas of your spinal cord and direct manual or machine-assisted spinal manipulations on those areas.

These processes happen without you having to go under the knife. Chiropractic treatment for spinal stenosis is often preferable because it is non-invasive, takes less time for patients to recover after the treatment and the costs involved are comparatively much lower.

On the other hand, a surgical approach to spinal stenosis may require that the surgeon removes a part of your vertebrae to take the pressure off your nerves. They may also have to widen the spinal spaces where the nerves exit. These procedures may be done in several areas of your spine and bone grafts or metal implants are later used to join the affected areas of your spine.

The invasive nature of surgery is associated with risks. Something could go wrong during the procedure or the internal alteration and removal of parts of your spine could lead to future complications. The costs for the procedures are high, and it takes a long time for patients to recover. Thats not to say surgery is never a good choice but it makes sense to evaluate all your options.

Top 10 Benefits Of Getting A Chiropractic Adjustment

Are you experiencing frequent negative health symptoms like back pain, headaches, or stress? Pain medications can only do so much, and they wonât fix your problem.

Visiting a chiropractor, like us here at Pierce Chiropractic, may be able to help you overcome some or all of your symptoms. A chiropractic adjustment refers to a chiropractor physically adjusting the vertebrae in your back. This type of procedure can have a myriad of positive benefits without the stress or invasiveness of surgery or other more intense techniques.

Is a chiropractic adjustment right for you? To help you answer that, we are going to take you through some of the top benefits of getting a chiropractic adjustment.

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Big Benefits Little Risk To Hands

In addition to saving you time,a visit to the chiropractor may also decrease your reliance on painkillers. Astudy by the American College of Physicians listed these as the first line ofdefense for lower back pain:

  • Applying heat.
  • Massage.
  • Acupuncture.

Anti-inflammatory pain relievers and muscle relaxants are asecond course for treating pain, with narcotics and injections taking the backseat, says Dr. Bang. There are very few side effects to chiropractictreatment. Medications, on the flip side, arent free of side effects,especially after prolonged use.

Some Possible Causes Of Back Pain:

Back Pain: Can a Chiropractor Help?
  • Poor posture while sitting at a desk, driving or on the couch
  • Lack of exercise or exercising the wrong way
  • Emotional stress
  • Falls, sports injuries, car accidents, fights
  • Poor diet / obesity
  • Lifting too much weight or lifting it with poor posture
  • Wear and tear on the spine
  • Drugs
  • Vertebral subluxation

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What Happens In A Typical Chiropractic Treatment

The first meeting with a chiropractor is an evaluation to assess the functionality of the spine, including alignment, range of motion, and strength and flexibility of supporting muscles and ligaments.

We also discuss possible root causes of a patients back pain, which may include postural habits or activities of daily living that could be straining the back and causing pain, explains Matthew H. Kowalski, DC, a licensed chiropractor at The Osher Clinical Center for Integrative Medicine at Brigham and Womens Hospital, and President of the New England Spine Institute.

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

It is important to understand what is causing your lower back pain in order to properly treat it. Your Cedar Park chiropractor will use a combination of physical exam and diagnostic imaging tools to diagnose your lower back pain. A physical examination will involve inspecting your spine from your neck to your tailbone and inspecting where in your lower back that you experience the most pain. Diagnostic imaging tools like X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans can further help your chiropractor to get a clear picture of what is going on in your lower back that is causing you pain. Common types of injuries and issues that lead to lower back pain include muscle strains, herniated discs, sciatica, arthritis, and more.

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Tips For Naturally Treating Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a widespread problem and one of the top reasons for missed workdays. Thats because the lower back bears the upper bodys weight and is subject to a lot of strain and stressespecially while performing everyday actions like twisting and lifting.

One of two things usually causes low back pain: Either aging and arthritis or an injury. No matter the cause of your low back pain, here are some suggestions that can help relieve your pain and prevent future problems.

1. Apply ice or heat on an injured back.

If youve suffered a lower back injury, applying ice within the first two days can reduce swelling and ease the pain. Afterward, apply heat to help relax tense muscles. Heat is also helpful for chronic lower back pain that isnt linked to an injury. To prevent skin damage, neither heat nor ice should be used for more than 20 minutes at a time.

2. Maintain proper posture during activities and when sitting.

To avoid lower back injury, its crucial to maintain the correct posture when performing physical activitiesespecially if you have a job that requires repetitive motions or play sports. When lifting, do not bend from the waist. Instead, bend and straighten from the knees. Be sure to move your hips when turning your body to the side.

3. Perform Stretches.

4. Stay active and exercise.

5. Wear supportive footwear.

6. Sleep on a quality mattress.

7. Get a back massage.

8. Visit a chiropractor near you.

Is A Chiro Or Physio Better For Lower Back Pain

How To Treat Lower Back Pain Sciatica at Advanced Chiropractic Relief

Its the age-old question as to which practitioner one should reach out to, for lower back pain treatment. Do you see a Chiropractor or do you see a Physiotherapist?

Before you can be confident enough with your decision, you should first take a step back and gain as much information about the types of conditions they treat, and then cross reference your lower back pain with the services they offer.

What conditions to Chiropractors treat?

Chiropractors treat back pain, neck pain, sciatica, joint problems, sprains, strains, osteoarthritis, herniated discs and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Can Chiropractors prescribe drugs or surgery?

Chiropractors do not prescribe drugs or surgery but traditionally rely on a variety of manual therapies, including spinal manipulation and mobilisation, to improve function and help provide pain relief for patients. Besides helping to relieve pain, chiropractic care may also help to reduce inflammation.

What treatments do Chiropractors use?

While chiropractic adjustments of the joints are commonly associated with this profession, Chiropractors are not just limited to manipulation of the spine.

Many evidence-based chiropractic treatments that are part of modern chiropractic care, include but are not limited to the use of physiologic therapeutics like ultrasound, electrical nerve stimulation, cold laser, ESWT and traction,acupuncture, dry needling, the incorporation of home exercises,nutrition and postural advice for self-management strategies.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Spinal Stenosis

As mentioned before, when the spinal bones press together, they interfere with the signal transmission functions of the nerves within the spinal cord. This neurological signal impairment often leads to:

  • Feelings of pain and numbness in the neck and back
  • Numbness in the legs and lower back
  • Problems with balance and stability
  • Difficulty in mobility in extreme cases of stenosis in the cervical spine

The above symptoms will affect either your upper back or lower back, depending on the part of the spinal cord where the stenosis has occurred.

What A Chiropractor Does For Back Pain

If youve got back pain, a good chiropractor can help. The best part? You can get relief quickly and easily and avoid back pain through exercises you can do at home. Especially for acute low back pain, spinal manipulation can be one of the best modes of relief to take the edge off. Best of all: Chiropractic for back pain is safer than pain medications.

How long should it take for a chiropractor to fix a bad back? That depends on whats wrong:

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Curious To Know If Chiropractic Is For You

Millions of people around the world have found relief from pain and mobility issues by getting a lower back adjustment from a chiropractor. Here in the U.S., most insurance policies cover this treatment, so theres no reason not to give it a try. And who knows you might soon find yourself starring in one of those YouTube videos!

Ready to give chiropractic a try? Contact our office to schedule an appointment!

What Can A Chiropractor Do For Lower Back Pain

Can a Chiropractor Help with Lower Back Pain ?

Lower back pain is a common reason why people seek out chiropractic care. Whether you have chronic low back pain or have a recent injury or illness, a ProCare Cedar Park chiropractor can help you do more than just manage your pain. Chiropractic care helps you to experience lasting pain relief by identifying the source of your lower back pain and restoring proper alignment in your whole spine. Lower back pain can be related to your spine, muscles, or nerves, and often times it is a combination of all three. With chiropractic care, you can experience healing and relief through all-natural, non-invasive techniques that are gentle and long-lasting.

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How Effective Is Chiropractic For Lower Back Pain

Many people who look for chiropractic care, do it for the treatment of lower back pain. In fact, neck pain and back pain are known to be two of chiropractic cares specialties.

According to a 2018 study from the World Health Organization, patients who chose to try chiropractic treatments reported less pain intensity, less disability and improvement in functionality. They also reported high satisfaction with their treatment and needed less pain medicine.

Also, unlike pain medications, chiropractic treatments rarely cause side effects. That makes chiropractic care a great alternative for people who have already taken heavy medications but still experience persistent pain.

What Type Of Certification And Training Do Chiropractors Have

Chiropractors must earn a postgraduate degree called a Doctor of Chiropractic . It usually takes 4 years to complete. Admission to the program requires at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework, and some programs require a bachelors degree.

All states also require chiropractors to be licensed. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, but all states require a chiropractor to pass the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exams.

Some chiropractors specialize in a particular area of chiropractic treatment and go on to do a residency for several more years.

According to the American Chiropractic Association, there are more than 70,000 chiropractors in the United States.

Here are some suggestions for finding a qualified chiropractor in your area:

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Signs You Need To See A Chiropractor For Back Pain

  • Your back pain began because of a sudden trauma, like a car accident or slip and fall.
  • Your pain persists.
  • Fever along with back pain.
  • When you bend or flex the back, the pain becomes worse.
  • It is vital for you to know what type of pain is common for you and what type of pain is abnormal.

    If your everyday aches and pains become more intense, it may be time to visit a Chiropractor Near You.

    Back pain should not keep you from living your normal everyday life or stop you from doing the activities that you enjoy.

    Recognizing signs early on will help you to take a proactive step towards your spine health.

    Chiropractic Treatments For Lower Back Pain

    Severe Lower Back Pain Gone After 1 Adjustment At Advanced Chiropractic Relief

    Chiropractic is a health care profession dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system and/or musculoskeletal system. Generally, chiropractors maintain a unique focus on spinal manipulation and treatment of surrounding structures.

    Many studies have concluded that manual therapies commonly used by chiropractors are generally effective for the treatment of lower back pain1,2, as well as for treatment of lumbar herniated disc for radiculopathy3,4 and neck pain, among other conditions.5

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    What Are Some Other Aspects Of Chiropractic Care

    I spend about 20 to 25% of my time talking with and listening to my patients. We talk about flexibility we talk about strength-building we talk about balance. I look at your ergonomics: What do you do for work? How do you bend, turn, lift? Do you ride in a car all day? Do you sit in front of a computer? I try to understand what may be contributing to the pain or other symptoms you may be experiencing.

    Often Im trying to help patients by encouraging them: Yes, you can do this, or When something like this happens, try to do this instead of that. That way, theyre not anticipating pain and causing more pain and more muscle spasms. Pain scientists have found that anticipation of pain can lead to more episodes, more muscle spasms, more headaches, and so forth. So teaching patients how to think about pain is important.

    Our goals focus largely on returning people to the activities that are important in their lives, whether those are job-related, family or socially oriented, or recreational in nature. Active people are more healthy and more happy.

    Understanding Lower Back Pain And How Chiropractic Care Can Help

    Approximately 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain at any given time. A lower back injury can be mild and irritating and work up to debilitating and severe.

    When your back hurts, many other things suffer too. Everyday tasks like putting on a coat, getting out of a car, sitting at a desk, picking up a child, or standing for too long may be unbearable. Back pain has many causes, such as injury, heavy lifting, aging, recreational activities, pregnancy, and everyday life stress. Achy pain, dull pain, spasming, or burning in the lower back makes life hard for many, but you dont have to tough it out alone. A visit to your Hiram, GA chiropractor can help ease your pain and discomfort and get you back to doing what you love.

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    Why Do People Use Spinal Manipulation

    Among U.S. adults who used chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, about 67 percent used it to treat a specific health condition, and 53 percent used it for wellness, the 2012 NHIS found. Specifically:

    • 43 percent used it for general wellness or disease prevention
    • 25 percent used it because it focuses on the whole personâtheir mind, body, and spirit
    • 16 percent used it for improved energy
    • 11 percent used it for better immune function
    • 5 percent used it to improve memory or concentration.

    Previous research found that people report positive experiences and reduced pain as a result of receiving spinal manipulation, the NHIS authors noted.

    What Is Low Back Pain

    Can a Chiropractor Help My Low Back Pain?

    Your low back is perfectly engineered to provide strength, support and flexibility to your upper body. Its no wonder that your lower back is so sensitive to pain and injury from everyday life. Low back pain can source from a number of causes, as well as range in severity. A low back injury can be mild and annoying and work up to severe and debilitating. In fact, at any given time, approximately 31 million Americans experience low back pain or discomfort.Dull pain, achy pain, burning or spasming in the lower back is nothing to mess with.

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    How Often Should You See A Chiropractor For Back Pain

    A typical course of chiropractic treatment can last two to four weeks, perhaps eight weeks for an acute bout of pain. Depending on the severity the symptoms, a patient may see a chiropractor 1-3 times a week.

    After a course of treatment, many patients return periodically for maintenance care to make sure that their spine is functioning optimally, and that theyre doing their exercises or stretches correctly, says Dr. Kowalski.

    How To Find The Right Chiropractor For Your Lower Back Adjustment

    Its clear that chiropractors have a lot to offer their patients, especially those dealing with back pain.

    If you want to see the best results from your chiropractic care, its important to do your homework before choosing a chiropractor. Dont just type in chiropractor near me and visit the first person who pops up.

    Here are some tips to keep in mind that will help you choose the right chiropractor for your specific needs:

    • Ask for a referral from a friend or family member
    • Research their education and find out how long theyve been practicing
    • Check to see if they specialize in a particular type of care
    • Check to see what kinds of treatments they offer in their practice
    • Read reviews and testimonials from past patients

    Its always best to schedule a consultation, too.

    A new patient appointment gives you an opportunity to describe your symptoms and get a clear diagnosis from the chiropractor before they begin the adjustment process. It also allows you to see how well you get along with this chiropractor and determine whether or not theyre a good fit.

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