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Should I See A Chiropractor Or Doctor For Back Pain

Do You Need Chiropractic Care

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

If you experience back pain that does not seem to go away, you may want to consider visiting a chiropractor. Be sure to prepare for your appointment by knowing what to expect so that you and your doctor can discuss your pain as efficiently as possible. The sooner you come up with a course of treatment, the faster the pain will go away.

Request an appointment here: or call Hewko Chiropractic Care at for an appointment in our Santa Ana office.

Doctor Vs Chiropractor: Who Should I See For Back Pain

Traditionally, most people dealing with back pain are advised to seek initial treatment from their family doctor or a primary care physician. In most cases, your doctor will prescribe muscle relaxers or prescription pain medications. While these treatment options can provide you with temporary pain relief, they do little to treat the actual cause of your back pain. Theres also a risk of becoming dependent on certain medications.

When Medications Dont Work

If medications dont work for managing your back pain, then your doctor may refer you to either a physical therapist or an orthopedic surgeon. Some studies suggest that physical therapy works best as a supplement to other treatment options. On its own, however, it often falls short of eliminating pain or improving mobility. And, orthopedic surgery often causes adverse effects that may make your back pain even worse.

Visiting a Chiropractor

Another popular option for back pain treatment is visiting a chiropractor. Many patients who suffer from back pain turn to chiropractors as a last resort after other treatment options have failed. They usually employ non-invasive treatment methods such as spinal manipulation, high-velocity low amplitude thrusts, and table adjustments. They may also suggest dietary or lifestyle changes to manage your pain.

The Truth About Back Pain

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.

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When Should I See A Chiropractor Or Orthopaedic Doctor

Both are experts in treating health problems related to your bone and muscle. In fact, youll often get similar treatment and advice for muscle pain. For instance, advice such as bed rest, heat or cold packs, and painkillers. Also, they both are well trained to help find out the cause of your pain. They treat accordingly by correcting your posture and teaching you exercises to strengthen your core muscles.

Generally, chiropractors are good at relieving acute and chronic pain in your neck, back and lower back. However, if your pain is because of severe osteoarthritis, symptoms are likely to recur without surgery. Your chiropractor will also refer you to an orthopaedic doctor for treatment of more serious issues. Examples are, health problems like fracture, bone deformity, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, joint dislocation, torn ligaments and tendon, and problems involving the nerve . These problems, when severe, will require more specialised input from a team of experts and may even require surgery.

What Kinds Of Conditions Does A Chiropractor Treat

Reasons You Should See a Chiropractor for Sciatica

I mainly see spine-related conditions. This includes pain in the low back, called the lumbar spine, the upper back, called the thoracic spine, and the neck . Some of my patients have had a recent injury while others have had pain for many years. Common causes of spine pain include disc problems and muscle spasm. Many patients have leg or arm pain or headaches in addition to back or neck pain. Chiropractors often work with other parts of the body, too — knee injuries, shoulder injuries, things like that — but my main focus is on the spine.

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How Does A Chiropractor Help Relieve Back Pain

When you see a chiropractor for your back pain, they will complete a thorough examination to diagnose the specific cause of your pain.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the chiropractor will be able to put together a specialized treatment plan that will effectively treat your back pain conditions.

The chiropractor may utilize a combination of spinal adjustments, manual therapies, and therapeutic exercises to help you heal quickly and optimally.

Some of the spinal manipulation techniques may include:

  • Flexion-Distraction Technique is a gentle, hands-on manipulation that involves a pumping action on the intervertebral disc instead of direct force.
  • Instrument-Assisted Manipulation uses a hand-held instrument to allow the chiropractor to apply force without thrusting into the spine.
  • Specific Spinal Manipulation helps restore joint movement using a gentle thrusting technique.

With these techniques and therapies, our chiropractors are able to restore mobility to the joints and help to relieve back pain symptoms.

The goal of your chiropractor is to not only treat your back pain but the person as a whole.

We might educate you on nutrition, stress management, and lifestyle goals in addition to treating your back pain.

With chiropractic care, you will also learn how to prevent your back pain from getting worse as well as how to prevent back pain in the future.

Concerned About Your Back Pain Symptoms We Can Help

Most back pain goes away on its own. But if your back pain has been lingering for more than two weeks without improvement, its been coming and going for some time, or if youre experiencing any alarming symptoms, dont delay the care you need. After all, its much easier to take care of yourself when you can move without pain.

Think PNBC may be right for you? Schedule a consultation.

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What Does Chiropractic Treatment For Back Pain Involve

A chiropractor first takes a medical history, performs a physical examination, and may use lab tests or diagnostic imaging to determine if treatment is appropriate for your back pain.

The treatment plan may involve one or more manual adjustments in which the doctor manipulates the joints, using a controlled, sudden force to improve range and quality of motion. Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation into the treatment plan. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of injury in addition to back pain relief.

Home Treatment For Back Pain

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

While it is important to know when to see a doctor for back pain, in many situations, home care is all that is needed. The best home treatments are the classic ones that have been around for ages: over-the-counter pain medications like Tylenol®, Aleve®, and Motrin®, along with hot and cold compresses. Heat increases blood flow to the area allowing for the influx of healing cells and for increased outflow to help remove the extra fluid that may cause swelling and pain. Cold decreases blood flow, preventing swelling from too much fluid in the injured area.

Also, it is important not to stay in bed immobile. Start with gentle but regular movements such as trips out of bed or the chair and walk for a minute or two depending on the pain level. Gradually increase movement as the pain allows. This is one of the most important activities for complete and rapid healing.

Before giving some general guidelines to help the pain sufferer decide when to see a doctor for back pain, it is important to note that anyone with questions, concerns, or who just does not feel comfortable managing back pain at home should make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor to be evaluated.

So, one answer to when to see a doctor for back pain is anytime a patient is unsure about home treatment or has questions. There is never a reason to avoid getting professional advice from one of the orthopedic/back pain specialists at the Orthopedic Institute of New Jersey.

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And What About A Massage Therapist

If the root of your pain is muscular in nature, like a muscle spasm, an overworked muscle, or similar problem, then your issue can be helped by massage therapy. The therapist will loosen your muscles and increase the blood flow. The increased blood flow helps heal them faster, and the loosening can stop a muscle spam practically in its tracks.

Chiropractic Treatment Program Questions

Although every individual treatment plan will differ, common questions you can ask your chiropractor may include:

  • What is a typical practice pattern or treatment program?
  • What chiropractic services do you offer? Which do you recommend for me?
  • What is your recommendation if the treatment program doesn’t seem to help?
  • Have you ever referred your patients to other health professionals? If yes, under what circumstances?

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What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Chiropractic Care

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.

Frequent Headaches Or Migraines

When Should I See a Doctor for Back Pain?

Sleeping and waking up with a headache or migraine is a serious thing and its not normal anymore. It is a sign that there is something negative happening with your joint. There are 40 percent of patients being diagnosed with this disorder and suffer frequent headaches and migraines. If you feel that you are experiencing these symptoms for several weeks already, its a better idea to see your chiropractor evaluate your situation.

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Possible Reduction Of Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis pain is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage in a joint that causes the ends of your bones to rub together. Some types of chiropractic adjustments may help align your joints and reduce how much your bones rub together.

There hasnt been a lot of research on the benefits of chiropractic manipulation for osteoarthritis. However, a found some evidence that chiropractic manipulation may help slow down the progression of arthritis by improving the status of cartilage, bone, and the joint capsule.

Who Should Treat Your Back Pain

Many types of medical professionals treat back pain, and each has different training, skills, and specialties. So how do you know which specialist is best for helping to alleviate your back pain? Heres an overview of different back pain specialists and which type or team may be right for you.

See:Specialists Who Treat Back Pain

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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.

    Why Does My Back Hurt

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

    There are various causes of back pain, including muscle pain with or without muscles spasms, disc pain, joint pain, or nerve pain. In most cases, these are not harmful or dangerous.

    Muscle pain is the most common acute back pain. The period of acute pain is usually limited and may be treated at home or by primary care doctors. Sometimes, these patients may be referred to doctors who specialize in back pain. Some back pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem, like a fracture, infection, or cancer in the spine, said H. Michael Guo, MD, a Duke physiatrist who specializes in spine care. These patients should be seen by spine doctors. Fortunately, spine infections and cancer are very rare and usually only affect people with special risk factors. Spine fractures are also rare and may be associated with thinned spine bones or injuries.

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    Cracked Worn And Broken Teeth

    If the muscles, teeth, and jaw joints do not work properly, there is an imbalance in the bite. When your bottom and top teeth come together, there will be excess pressure on some teeth because of misalignment. It causes cracked, worn, and broken teeth in general. Additionally, patients with jaw misalignment disorder try to grind or clench their teeth and cause broken teeth as well. If you have a regular checkup with your dentist, they will tell you if they noticed the symptoms of crack from grinding and clenching.

    Massage Therapy Heat Therapy And Other Treatments Have Failed To Provide Adequate Relief

    Many patients enter a chiropractors office only after trying various forms of treatment without success. They may experience some pain relief as a result of other treatments, but theyre still in enough pain that their daily lives are impacted.

    This doesnt mean that they give up all other forms of treatment in order to work with a chiropractor.

    Massage therapy, dry needling, and other treatment options combine well with chiropractic treatment. A well-rounded treatment plan combines practices in order to deliver more satisfying results for every patient. Anyone struggling with lower back pain will benefit from visiting a chiropractor at least once. That initial consultation is often enough to determine whether this form of treatment is helpful in relieving pain on a case-by-case basis.

    A well-rounded treatment plan combines practices in order to deliver more satisfying results for every patient. Anyone struggling with lower back pain will benefit from visiting a chiropractor at least once. That initial consultation is often enough to determine whether this form of treatment is helpful in relieving you pain.

    Call us today to set up a free consultation.

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    Who Should I Visit For My Back Pain

    Maybe you have a 9-5 desk job, and no amount of stretching seems to relieve the tension from sitting all day. Or maybe you had to lift some heavy materials in your manufacturing job, and the sharp pain in your lower back isnt going away. You couldve slipped in the kitchen and the fall makes it hard to walk. Or–no shame–maybe youve been spending a little too much time looking down at your phone, and your neck and shoulder pain makes it hard to turn your head.

    Whatever the situation, back and neck pain isnt pleasant for anyone. Luckily, there are research-proven ways to manage the pain without relying on medication. Two common solutions are visiting a physical therapist or a chiropractor. But which one should you go see?

    Before making your appointment, here are some similarities and differences between physical therapists and chiropractors that you should consider.

    When To See A Chiropractor

    Should I see a Chiropractor for Back Pain ...

    If you suffer from neck, back, or knee pain that has an unexplained cause and not due to advanced osteoarthritis, you may benefit from seeing a chiropractor. Just make sure you see one that is licensed to practice. Patients who stand to benefit the most from chiropractic care are those who are generally healthy and without advanced joint disease. Examples include those with sciatica or old sports injuries.

    People who get tension headaches and migraines can also benefit from seeing a chiropractor, because alignment issues contribute to the occurrence of headaches. Moreover, patients with frozen shoulder syndrome can also benefit from chiropractic adjustments, which stretch muscles in the shoulder and reduce stiffness.

    Many patients seek chiropractic care for symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, lack of energy, digestive problems, muscle aches, numbness, and tingling. All of these issues can be addressed with chiropractic care.

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