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Should I Go To Doctor Or Chiropractor For Back Pain

What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Chiropractic Care

Kingwood chiropractic doctor answers when to go see a chiropractor for neck and back pain

Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are generally considered safe, effective treatments for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from moving furniture or getting tackled. Acute back pain, which is more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better on its own.

Research has also shown chiropractic care to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. In addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to the moderate pressure used both by chiropractors and practitioners of deep tissue massage.

Studies have not confirmed the effectiveness of prolotherapy or sclerotherapy for pain relief, used by some chiropractors, osteopaths, and medical doctors, to treat chronic back pain, the type of pain that may come on suddenly or gradually and lasts more than three months. The therapy involves injections such as sugar water or anesthetic in hopes of strengthening the ligaments in the back.

People who have osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, or inflammatory arthritis, or who take blood-thinning medications should not undergo spinal manipulation. In addition, patients with a history of cancer should first obtain clearance from their medical doctor before undergoing spinal manipulation.

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Risks And Side Effects Of Chiropractic

Chiropractic is generally safe when performed correctly by a trained and registered chiropractor.

Some people may experience side effects from treatment, such as:

  • aches and pains
  • tiredness

These side effects are usually mild and pass in a few days.

There is a risk of more serious problems, such as slipped disc and stroke, from spinal manipulation.

Speak to a GP if you’re unsure whether chiropractic is safe for you.

Page last reviewed: 11 September 2020 Next review due: 11 September 2023

The Definition Of Physiotherapy

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapist’s definition of physiotherapy is as follows:

Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that works with people to identify and maximise their ability to move and function. Functional movement is a key part of what it means to be healthy. This means that physiotherapy plays a key role in enabling people to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Physiotherapists use their professional knowledge and practical skills, together with thinking skills and skills for interaction in their day-to-day practice. This combination of knowledge and skills means that practitioners can work in partnership with the individual and other people involved with that person.

Physiotherapists recognise that physical, psychological, social and environmental factors can limit movement and function. They use their knowledge and skills to identify what is limiting an individual’s movement and performance, and to help individuals decide how to address their needs.

Physiotherapy’s values means that practice is person-centered, ethical and effective. The evidence-base underpinning physiotherapy is constantly evolving as practitioners develop new knowledge and understanding through critical reflection, evaluation and research. This evolving evidence base supports the use and development of physiotherapy’s scope of practice.

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What Happens When I Visit A Back Doctor

We gather a full medical history of your back problems and perform detailed physical examinations, said Dr. Guo. That includes checking for tenderness, spine range of motion, strength, sensation, and reflexes. Depending on your symptoms, we may perform provocative tests to find out what triggers your pain. We may order imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. We may order electromyography and a nerve conduction study, which assess whether you have muscle and/or nerve problems that may cause your symptoms. We use all the information to help identify the cause of your back pain and associated symptoms, and provide the most appropriate treatments for you.

Why Are Healthy Shoulders Important To The Body

When Should I Go To The Doctor For Back Pain

What is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body? Yep, you guessed it. With the fingers racing just behind, the shoulder is the most commonly dislocated joint in the body. The amount of action that this joint gets from the activities of our normal lives is tremendous. Sports, movement of large heavy objects, work-related duties, and repeated basic daily tasks all put this important joint at risk for injury and pain.

Function and mobility of the shoulder joints rank at the height of importance for many individuals. From combing our hair to tying our shoes, our shoulders must operate to help us complete nearly all of the tasks that we encounter. We would look pretty funny trying to brush our teeth with our knees. Were we to desire to brush with our feet, chances are our shoulders would still shift in the process. Their placement on the body makes them functionally important to the rest of the body.

Falls add to the likelihood of shoulder and elbow injury. If we lose our balance or begin to fall, we often try to catch ourselves with an arm in some manner. This movement places the shoulder and elbow right in the line of impact, often causing these joints to absorb the force of the fall. Ouch!

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Reason : Frequent Chiropractic Treatments Keep You Healthy

Finally, if you go to see the chiropractor on a regular basis, then you will stay healthy. Even though most people associate chiropractic care with back injuries, this is a medical profession that focuses on overall health and wellness. The reality is that a chiropractor is also trained to help people deal with stress, sleep issues, digestive problems, and more. The goal of this profession is to find ways to not only treat injuries and illnesses but also prevent them from coming back in the future.

When Should I See A Doctor For Back Pain

When your back first starts to hurt, try taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and applying ice in the first 48 hours. You may apply heat after 48 hours. You may need to take it easy for a while, but its best to stay as active as tolerated, and to avoid absolute bed rest, said Dr. Guo.

If your back pain lasts more than two weeks and keeps you from participating in normal, daily activities, see your family doctor. If your pain is severe, you should see a doctor sooner. You should seek urgent medical care if you have:

  • Fever associated with back pain
  • Back pain after trauma
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Loss of strength in your arms and legs
  • Unexplained weight loss associated with back pain

Also, always be more cautious if you have special risk factors for cancer, infection, or fractures that may affect the spine.

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Should You Go To A Doctor Or Chiropractor For Back Pain

The answer is always yes.

You should see a back pain doctor or chiropractor. In such a case, theres no difference between a back doctor vs. chiropractor any help is good.

Back pain could resolve itself easily with minor changes in your life, such as switching out your shoes for ones with more supportive souls or buying a firmer mattress.

Often, though, youll need a highly-trained lower back pain doctor to determine how best to treat your back pain. Perhaps theres something wrong with the discs in your back, or theres a pinched nerve somewhere.

You wont know until you have a doctor or chiropractor check your back out.

While you shouldnt ignore back pain, there are many reasons why someone wouldnt want to see a doctor for their spine.

First off, in the United States, back pain doctors or chiropractors tend to congregate in larger cities, meaning they might not be available in your area. Luckily, Beach Pain Center is located just east of downtown Fort Worth.

Secondly, it might cost too much to see them. Most insurance companies should cover you if you have back pain especially if youre growing older. But some might be more skeptical, as many have claimed back pain to acquire insurance benefits. The potential of having to cover medical costs out of pocket could be enough to determine anyone from receiving care.

Youll learn to manage it, but youll never learn to treat it until you go to a doctor or chiropractor.

More Affordable Treatment For Chronic Back Pain

When Should You See a Doctor For Back Pain? [Northbrook, IL Chiropractor]

Chiropractic treatment may be a cheaper alternative to conventional treatment for chronic low back pain.

In a 2016 study, researchers looked at the potential financial benefits of chiropractic treatment for Medicare recipients with chronic back pain.

The researchers found that people who received chiropractic treatment had a lower overall treatment cost. The study also determined that their treatment duration was shorter than that of those who had conventional medical treatment.

Read Also: Exercise For Lower Back Pain Mayo Clinic

Our Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney Has Experience With Claims Involving Chiropractic Care

Our Kansas City personal injury attorney routinely helps clients who are receiving care from chiropractors and other medical specialists. We can help you understand your options and legal rights regarding an accident claim.

We understand how insurance companies attack accident claims involving chiropractic care. Our Kansas City personal injury law firm represents injured individuals throughout Missouri and Kansas. If the insurance company refuses to pay chiropractic bills after an accident, call us to discuss what you should do next to protect your legal rights.

Reasons To Consider Chiropractic Care Even If Nothing Hurts

Whether you struggle with a chronic condition that causes pain, like arthritis, throw your back out suddenly, or undergo surgery such as knee replacement, one type of noninvasive, gentle therapy can make a dramatic difference chiropractic care.

Your musculoskeletal and nervous systems are what your chiropractor treats, but the effects of treatment greatly benefit your overall health. This is why about 35 million Americans receive chiropractic care yearly.

The chiropractic expertise of Dr. Jacob Holdren keeps patients returning to the Regenerative Health & Wellness Medical Center. Most people associate chiropractic care with specific problems like back pain and migraines, but its also a great form of self-care even if youre pain-free.

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Chiropractic Treatment After An Accident In Missouri & Kansas

Any accident that results in an injury can be stressful and upsetting. For example, after a car accident, our Kansas City personal injury attorneys often hear from people who experience aches and pains. They may go to an emergency room in Kansas or Missouri, or they may visit their primary care doctor. Often, they are told that their pain will subside in a few days or weeks.

Unfortunately, many times pain in ones spine or back not only continues but grows worse after an accident. You may be wondering if you should see a chiropractor or other medical provider for evaluation and treatment.

More information about chiropractic treatment after an accident in Missouri and Kansas is below. If you believe someone else is at fault for your accident and injury, call our Kansas City personal injury attorney at 816-203-0143 for a free, no obligation case review. We can answer questions about your legal claim and help you evaluate treatment options.

Chiropractic Adjustments For Back Pain

How Often Should You See a Chiropractor? A Helpful Guide

When the spine is misaligned, it can cause pain, difficultly moving, or impaired nerve function. Doctors of Chiropractic, who study chiropractic care and its application, perform chiropractic adjustments to manipulate the spine. A chiropractic adjustment can be done manually or with the help of tools. There are a number of manual chiropractic techniques used when you visit a chiropractor for back pain, that well discuss in more detail below.

In addition to relieving neck and back pain, chiropractic care can relieve muscle stress around the spine, increase range of motion, and improve muscle strength. People who receive chiropractic care might also be able to decrease medication use and recover from injuries more quickly.

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Orthopedic Vs Chiropractor Services: The Bottom Line

When experiencing pain, you want to ensure the specialist you’re visiting follows a plan of action that is not only effective but that you feel comfortable with. For broken bones and torn muscles, visit an orthopedist to repair the immediate damage surgically. If you feel as though you would benefit from a noninvasive and more natural treatment, contact a chiropractor to find which methods would have optimal results for you.

ChiroCare of Florida is waiting to get you off the sidelines and back into action again. If pain has sidelined you, call to book your free consultation today.

What Education Is Required For Their Job

Physical therapists receive their Doctorate in Physical Therapy following competition of a doctoral program from an accredited PT school. They then must pass the national licensure exam to practice. A PT graduate program takes around three years to complete and comprises of about 80% classroom and lab study, and 20% clinical rotations. PTs then require annual continuing medical education to maintain their license.

Chiropractors receive their Doctorate of Chiropractic after completing a doctoral program through an accredited chiropractic school, passing a national board exam, and getting a license in the state in which they plan to practice. The graduate program curriculum blends time in the classroom and lab with clinical internships. Chiropractors must meet yearly continuing education requirements to maintain their licensure.

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Reason : Chiropractic Care Is Non

So, if a chiropractor does not use medications or surgery to help someone recover from back discomfort issues such as sciatica, then how does he or she help people struggling with back pain?

A chiropractor uses manual therapy called adjustments and manipulations to help patients recover. Chiropractors believe that the body has the power to recover naturally. It simply needs to be placed in the correct position to do so. This means making sure that the vertebrae in the back are properly aligned. A chiropractor will make sure that the bones in the back are working with the muscles, ligaments, and tendons to provide a strong foundation for the rest of the body. Then, the body will heal itself naturally without side effects or complications.

Signs Its Time To See A Chiropractor For Your Lower Back Pain

WHEN/WHY YOU SHOULD SEE A CHIROPRACTOR | back pain, neck pain, emotional stress, injury, etc.

For many patients with lower back pain, accepting that chiropractic treatment is needed and booking the first appointment is far more difficult than following through with consistent treatment over time. Many will try massage therapy before trying chiropractic care because it seems more relaxing and hints that the condition causing back pain is less severe, but that form of treatment might not be enough. Others simply live with the pain until it becomes unbearable and facing the problem is no longer an option. Here are some signs it might be time to see a chiropractor for your lower back pain.

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Contact Our Kansas City Personal Injury Attorney For A Free Consultation

Contact our office for your free consultation with personal injury attorney in Kansas City by calling 816-203-0143 or completing our online contact form.

We care about what happened to you and want to help you recover the money you deserve after sustaining injuries in an accident.

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Should You See A Chiropractor For Back Pain

Nearly everyone suffers from back pain at some point. One treatment option is chiropractic care, which often includes spinal manipulation , exercise advice, and self-care recommendations. A review of research found that spinal manipulation can help relieve pain and improve function in people with acute low-back pain, one of the most common types of back pain.

Duke chiropractor Eugene Lewis, DC, MPH, answers questions about how chiropractic care can help.

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Chiropractors Offer Other More Gentle Forms Of Treatment

On a personal note, we see and are able to help a lot of people with back pain and sciatica in the clinic. A mistake is thinking that chiropractic care is only about getting your back cracked . Most modern chiropractors have a variety of treatment approaches to help relieve your pain and get you moving again. Treatments such as gentle soft tissue therapies, intermittent traction and graded mobilization.

Good chiropractors also combine your treatment with active care. This would include self-help strategies to:

  • relieve your pain
  • resume your normal activities in ways that are safe for your back, called Spine Sparing Strategies

If you are wondering whether a chiropractor can help you with your back pain and/or sciatica but are nervous the treatment might make you worse, feel free to contact us. Were happy to chat with you on the phone prior to see if our treatment are appropriate for you.

Here is a link to the research article:

What Does This Mean

Should I Go To The Chiropractor When Iâm Not In Pain?

Back pain can be caused by a bulging or herniated disc. It often begins as back pain but can progress to sciatica . People with back pain often visit a chiropractor or their family doctor . Unfortunately, some of those people experience a rapid progression of their herniated disc and have to visit an emergency department and then go on to need surgery.

This study shows that this progression of symptoms was not not caused by the chiropractic treatment any more that it could have been caused by visiting the family doctor.

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How Do Chiropractors Help Reduce Back Pain

Chiropractic Doctors are specially trained physicians whose expertise lies in treating conditions and injuries to the Musculoskeletal and Nervous system, which includes the upper, middle, and lower back. Chiropractors use treatment methods such as Spinal Manipulation, Chiropractic Adjustments, Exercise Therapy, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Ultrasound, Spinal Decompression, and more to help reduce back pain in patients.

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