Is Spinal Manipulation Safe
Spinal manipulation is relatively safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. The most common side effects of spinal manipulation are temporary muscle soreness, stiffness, or a temporary increase in pain.
Serious complications, deaths, and delays in diagnosis of serious illnesses have been associated with spinal manipulation, including in children, but are very rare.
Strokes and Artery Tears
- A type of spinal manipulation that focuses on the neck has been linked to small, potentially dangerous tears in the artery walls in the neck, called cervical artery dissections . These tears are rare but can lead to a stroke. Any kind of sudden neck movement, such as playing sports, getting whiplash, and violent vomiting or coughing may also increase the risk of tears. The available evidence suggests that the incidence of CAD in people getting spinal manipulation is low, but patients need to be informed of this potential risk.
Spinal Manipulation and Pregnancy
- There are few reports of spinal manipulation causing problems during pregnancy or in the period after childbirth, a 2012 research review reported. The problems that have been reported ranged from mild, temporary pain to life-threatening injuries. Serious adverse events occurred only after cervical spinal manipulation.
What Do Chiropractors Do For Back Pain
If youre wondering whether or not a chiropractor is worth it, consider what chiropractors can and cannot do for back pain. A chiropractor can treat certain conditions causing back pain. In most cases, a chiropractor will address acute pain and stiffness.
Acute pain has an exact cause and is self-limited. For instance, if you tweak a nerve in your back while moving furniture, a chiropractor may be able to help relieve your pain. Many patients seek chiropractic adjustment after a sports injury, car accident or other instance of acute pain.
Chiropractic Treatments For Lower Back Pain
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 Chiropractic Methods Are Used To Treat Low Back Pain
A chiropractors signature technique of treating low back pain is spinal manipulation, with the stereotypical popping noise thats actually the sound of a gas bubble releasing between joints. Did you know that there are multiple types of spinal manipulation? Some are completed by hand and others require the help of a small, specially designed instrument.
In addition to classic adjustment methods, chiropractors use other special therapies that are designed to reduce pain and improve the health of the spine and surrounding structures.
The specific method your chiropractor will use with you depends on your physical condition and the cause for your underlying back pain. And while chiropractors approach low back pain with a holistic approach, by addressing nutrition, stress, and exercise, spinal manipulation is an important tool for making sure the musculoskeletal system is in optimal alignment and reducing pain.
Here are the most common spinal manipulation and adjustment methods.
Your Guide To Chiropractic Care For Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common health problems today. In fact, most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Normal aging and physically demanding occupations or activities can cause discs in your spine to wear out, with poor posture and unhealthy movement patterns speeding up the process.
Visiting a licensed chiropractor can not only help alleviate back pain, but can prevent future recurrences.
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Editorial Included Topics Unrelated To Its Title
EditorErnst and Assendelfts editorial is titled Chiropractic for low back pain but refers to cervical manipulations, potential overuse of radiographs by chiropractors, and a negative attitude of some chiropractors to immunisation. Therefore, one must assume that a buckshot approach aimed fairly and squarely at chiropractic has been taken, as topics unrelated to the title of the editorial have clearly been included. The apparent attempt to define chiropractic intervention in the editorials opening paragraph is incorrect, stating that, for example, chiropractic is used in the hope of correcting vertebral disc displacements and in the hope of correcting spinal misalignment. Properly qualified chiropractors do not hope to correct vertebral disc displacements by manipulating the spine, as is implied. It would be stupid to contemplate manipulating the spine for disc displacement, by which the authors presumably mean extruded disc material. Spinal misalignment can be corrected by using an appropriate shoe raise when an inequality in leg length and pelvic obliquity are the cause of the postural scoliosis .
Ernst and Assendelft apparently saw it as appropriate that Ernsts paper on chiropractors use of x ray films should be included , as well as Ernsts paper apparently referring to the negative attitude of some chiropractors towards immunisation .
Chiropractic Addresses The Entire Body
How common is chiropractic care? Approximately 22 million Americans visit the chiropractor each year. Of that number, about a third 35% do so in the hopes of finding relief for their back pain.
However, chiropractic adjustments can be effective for many different issues. These include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
Chiropractic care also helps alleviate stress and tension. It has even been shown to boost the immune system. Plenty of people who do not suffer from chronic pain visit the chiropractor regularly. They want to keep their body in alignment and allow their energy to flow freely.
It might not seem as though cracking your spine or moving your limbs about could help with issues arising elsewhere in the body. However, chiropractic care is holistic and affects the entire system. You might be surprised at what a difference it can make in your overall physical condition and well-being!
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What To Expect At The Chiropractor
Your first visit to the chiropractor will begin with an assessment. You will likely be given a list of health questions to complete. Your chiropractor may also want to know if you have a history of migraines and your sleeping patterns, your diet, and if you are physically active.
You will also have a physical exam including your posture, a test of your muscle strength, your arm and leg mobility, and anything out of the ordinary like a shoulder or hip out of alignment.
Your chiropractor may also take an x-ray.
During a Chiropractic Procedure
Your chiropractor is trained in over 150 techniques, most of which rely on gentle manipulation.
To access various areas of your body, your chiropractor may position you in different ways. But usually, you will be on a specially padded chiropractic table, face down for chiropractic adjustments. As your chiropractor realigns your spine or joints using controlled force, you may hear popping and cracking sounds.
Your chiropractor may place you on a drop table, designed with sections that drop down when pressure is applied to the back. Another piece of equipment your chiropractor may use is known as an activator, a small device that may be used for gentle manipulation.
Following a Chiropractic Procedure
For several days following your visit, you may have a mild headache or feel fatigued, or have soreness in the treated areas.
On rare occasions following a chiropractic procedure some people experience problems that include:
What Is Chiropractic All About
Did you know that this form of treatment dates back to the 1890s? Its true! Perhaps because of that longevity, chiropractic is widely considered a safe, effective alternative or complement to traditional medical care for certain issues, that is.
Chiropractic is based on the notion that physical problems can be traced back to a musculoskeletal system that is out of whack. Those who practice it are particularly focused on the spine. Given the important role that the spine plays in supporting the body and allowing it to move properly, that makes sense.
Chiropractors use what is called manipulation, or an adjustment. This guides the spine and other areas of the body back into alignment. Manipulation is gentle, although it may sound alarming to the uninitiated: the noise of a patients back and other joints cracking can be a bit concerning. However, the vast majority of chiropractic advocates say that it doesnt hurt. On the contrary, most patients say that an adjustment feels fantastic in the moment. It can also help to relieve both acute and chronic pain.
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What Causes Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is caused by many different factors in different people. It can be caused by an injury, like a sprain or a strain, but can also be the result of a sports injury, fall, or car accident. These types of incidents can lead to chronic back pain. Sometimes, lower back pain can be the result of your job, like those of us that work at a desk all day hunched over our computers. Sitting all day and leading a generally sedentary lifestyle can slowly cause your back muscles to weaken, leading to pain. Even lifting heavy objects incorrectly can lead to back issues. Age, excess weight and lack of exercise can all be contributing factors, and studies show that people with psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety, smokers, and people with diseases like arthritis and cancer are more prone to lumbar pain.
What Are Some Of The Pain Conditions For Which Spinal Manipulation Has Been Used
For Sciatica
- Sciatica is pain associated with the sciatic nerve, which controls muscles in the back of the knee and the lower leg it also provides feeling to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg, and the sole of the foot.
- Manipulation isnt widely used to treat sciatica but it may help, a 2015 research review of a variety of sciatica treatments suggests. However, the studies had many limitations, the authors noted.
- In a 2014 study of 192 people with leg pain associated with back pain, participants who received spinal manipulation, personal instruction, and exercises had less pain after 12 weeks and used less medication a year later than participants who received only personal instruction and exercises. However, leg pain was the same for both groups after 1 year.
For Low-Back Pain
Many noninvasive treatments are available for low-back pain, and these include drugs and nondrug options. In its 2017 clinical guidelines, the American College of Physicians suggests that spinal manipulation is one of a number of therapeutic options that may help people with acute or chronic low-back pain .
For Neck Pain
For Headache
For Other Conditions
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What Type Of Physician Should I Visit
Perhaps you are not sure what type of physician you wish to work with from the start. Chiropractor or physiotherapist? Fear not, we will help you understand them better. First, let us go through the similarities. They both treat musculoskeletal and joint problems to decrease pain and inefficient movements.
They both have a university education. Therefore, they both have titles that allow them to practice in their respective fields. They are both trained and recognized by their respective fields to deliver quality services to their clients.
What exactly does a physiotherapist do? He or she treats neck and back pain, ligament and tendon damage, sports injuries, repetitive strain injury, swelling of joints, arthritis, and sciatica. Basically, a whole lot more than may be expected.
However, he or she uses a range of massage and manipulation methods, including electrical treatments and exercise to not only heal but restore normal movement. A physiotherapist can also offer advice on your posture and exercise.
Having said that a chiropractors main form of treatment is direct manipulative procedures which include chiropractic adjustments, such as spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, and Myofascial release among others.
Schedule an Appointment and Receive
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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Can Chiropractors Cause Arthritis In The Back
Some associate chiropractic care with developing arthritis. The association is a myth seeing a chiropractor will not cause arthritis. Instead, chiropractors restore your joint alignment. Chiropractic care can help prevent or alleviate arthritis.
The term arthritis refers to a range of joint diseases and conditions, of which there are many different forms. They can result from aging, inflammation, trauma, infection, overuse or misalignment. One common form of arthritis is facet joint syndrome, which can cause pain and spasms. Because chiropractic treatment promotes joint realignment and strengthening, it may help prevent or reduce arthritis depending on its root cause. Since arthritis is a chronic condition, other treatment methods may be necessary.
When You Might Need It
If you have an acute spinal problem that is limiting your movement, a visit to your chiropractor may be in order. They can assess your condition and provide a spinal adjustment to help you move better and feel better. Some chiropractors can also treat acute joint injuries, like shoulder pain or hip pain.
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How Can Chiropractors Help
If you experience back pain that lasts more than a few days, consult a chiropractor for an assessment. Your chiropractor will recommend a course of treatment specific to you. Most people respond well to treatment and get back to their regular activities faster than if they chose to wait it out. Here are three common treatment techniques chiropractors use to help you become pain-free:
For more information about what sort of treatment is right for you, please consult with your local chiropractor.
Archive
Reduces Reliance On Opioid Pain Relievers
People with chronic pain are often given prescriptions for opioid pain relievers to help manage their discomfort. However, undergoing chiropractic treatment may lower your need to take these pain relievers.
A large 2020 study compared the number of prescriptions for opioid pain relievers filled for adults who visited just their doctor or who visited both a chiropractor and their doctor to treat spinal pain.
The study found that adults who visited a chiropractor were less likely to get an opioid prescription filled for their pain compared to those who only saw their doctor.
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What Is The Prognosis For People Who Have Chiropractic Adjustment
Many people feel almost immediate relief from symptoms after chiropractic treatment.
But the goal of chiropractic care is to restore your health over the long term, rather than to relieve your symptoms over the short term. So a chiropractor will ask how you move throughout the day and how you sleep at night.
Learning how to position your body at your desk, when youre standing and moving, and when youre in bed and incorporating stretches into your daily routine can be invaluable in preventing future problems.
Its important to inform your primary care physician about any pain youre experiencing, whether recent or chronic . Your primary care doctor can rule out potentially serious problems that need treatment.
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.
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