Is Chiropractic Effective At Treating Lower Back Pain
Chiropractic treatments have been scientifically-proven to reduce lower back pain. There have been several studies which have confirmed the effectiveness of chiropractic, including a large-scale study published in JAMA Network Open.
The study in question focused on the use of chiropractic care for treating members of the U.S. military with back soreness. It found that subjects who received a combination of chiropractic care and conventional treatment experienced less pain than participants that only received conventional treatments.
If you are suffering from lower back pain, our experienced team of Fareham chiropractors are here to help you. To book an appointment with at our Fareham Chiropractic clinic, Homewood Chiropractic Clinic, call us on 01329 280 283.
Lower Back Pain: Can A Chiropractor Help
Athletes everywhere rely on their bodies to push and pull them through the most competitive tasks. Any handicap can spell the difference between victory and defeat. When it comes down to it, pain is more than a burden, its a disadvantage, one that gives opponents an extra step.
Its no secret that athletes play through pain every single day. But, they shouldnt have to play that way and at Northeast Spine & Sports Medicine, were doing everything we can to ensure that sports players dont have to live that reality. Here at Northeast Spine & Sports Medicine, our focus has always been on providing the greatest levels of care around its lead us to an integrated approach, one that encompasses a number of treatment styles. For legal help in case of injuries you can go to
Chiropractic Help
How?
Firstly, chiropractors use a technique called spinal manipulation, commonly referred to as an adjustment, where the specialist quickly moves an abnormally placed vertebra back in place restoring range of motion and proper alignment.
Secondly, chiropractors use a technique called mobilization which moves and stretches the affected area to further increase range of motion.
What Else Do They Do?
As spinal specialists, chiropractors mainly work on the back. Their techniques have been studied to treat various conditions including:
Pain After An Accident
If youve recently been involved in a car accident or other injury-causing event and are now experiencing lower back pain, its a good idea to check in with a chiropractor. The injuries sustained from accidents are often very rough and abrupt and can lead to significant structural damage to the spine.
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Chiropractic Care Relieves Pain
Pain is how your body signals that it is in distress. Distress in the spine can manifest as back pain, neck pain, or issues in the limbs and joints.
Our roleas chiropractorsis to work on areas of misalignment in the spine and limbs to ease this distress. Through gentle force chiropractic and a whole-body approach to wellbeing, we can encourage the body to healphysically, emotionally, and mentally.
The Research
We both know that pain medication is a quick fix, right? It can be extremely effective, but it doesnt address the underlying cause of your pain. Self-care is important, but it doesnt replace professional treatment and advice. Physical therapy is a valuable tool, as part of a comprehensive health plan.
A 2018 study backed up the need for professional chiropractic care for treating lower back pain.
- 750 active-duty military personnelall suffering from lower back painwere split into two groups. Group A received pain medication, instructions for self-care, and physical therapy treatments. Group B received the same careplus 12 chiropractic treatments over a six-week period.
- At the end of the study, group B reported reduced pain intensity, improved function, lower use of pain medication, and a more positive perception of their pain symptoms.
Visiting a chiropractor when experiencing lower back pain can make a huge difference.
Common Back Injuries Caused By Car Accidents
Typically, your first visit with a chiropractor will start with a consultation and evaluation. The doctor may request diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography scans, x-rays, and magnetic resonance imaging scans to get a closer look at your condition. Once they identify the problem, they will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash is the injury most commonly associated with rear-end collisions. However, other ailments can affect the lower back as well.
Some injuries that can arise from a rear-end collision include:
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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.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Lower Back Pain
Chiropractic care is an excellent way to relieve swelling and pain caused by low back pain. Regular chiropractic care provides lower back pain therapy, a safe, non-invasive alternative to addictive pain medications.
Chiropractors deliver a gentle, non-invasive treatment called a chiropractic adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments decrease joint limitations or misalignments in the spine and other joints in the body to reduce inflammation and improve both the affected joint and nervous systems function. Here we have listed some of the health benefits chiropractic care can provide patients with low back pain:
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What Can A Chiropractor Do To Help With Lower Back Pain
Many people have sought medical assistance for lower back discomfort at some point in their life. While this is a typical occurrence, the origin of the pain is not always evident. Certain physicians recommend more rest, exercises and stretching, pain medication, surgery, or simply allowing the ailment to cure independently.
On the other hand, chiropractors spend their lives on spinal and musculoskeletal mechanical diseases. Chiropractic physicians think that these diseases can affect your neurological system and overall health, manifesting as symptoms such as lower back discomfort.
Chiropractors cure pain without using medicines or medication through spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, prescribed exercises, and healthy lifestyle modifications.
How Often Should You See A Chiropractor For Your Pain
How often you should see a chiropractor will depend on your unique needs and circumstance. You might have regular appointments once per week, once every other week or once per month. Following an injury, you may need several sessions during the first few weeks of treatment. Some patients may not have regularly scheduled chiropractic sessions instead, they schedule a visit following a pain flare-up, however often that might be. The regularity with which you should see a chiropractor will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms.
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Medina Chiropractor Or Medical Doctor For Back Pain
Most patients frequently ask if they should or can they visit a chiropractor to get treated of back pain. Several studies have shown chiropractors effectively treating back pain. But not every back pain case calls for treatment by chiropractors. Some conditions need may need an evaluation by an M.D.
When would I need to visit a medical doctor?
Many back pain cases can be treated effectively by chiropractors. It has been proven and shown that chiropractors make most effective doctors when it comes to treatment of acute back pain. But some conditions that are probably serious need consideration before treatment begins. Many conditions can be identified via thorough physical examination and history of the patients sickness.
Some of the symptoms which raise an alarm include:
- Pain leading to sleepless nights
- Pain accompanied by sweats, chills or fevers
- Numb extremities
- Problems which control functioning of bladder or bowel
Furthermore, some symptoms like the ones mentioned below are better if an orthopedist attends to them than a chiropractor.
- Weakness of legs muscles
- Legs tingling or becoming numb
- Back pain alongside leg pain
The symptoms above are noted in patients having some other problem apart from strain of the lumbar muscle or the ligament.
If the problem underlying of ligament sprain or muscle strain, treatment by chiropractor becomes more effective.
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A Chiropractor For Sciatica
Chiropractors are a great place to start when you havesciatica-like shooting pain or associated symptoms such as leg or foottingling, numbness or weakness.
Chiropractors are a portal of entry, meaning you dont need a referral to see one, says chiropractor Andrew Bang, DC. Were trained to work with musculoskeletal concerns, so we can help identify whats the root cause of your symptoms.
Chiropractic care is usuallycovered under most insurance plans, whether private, Medicare or Medicaid. Anda visit to the chiropractor may save you a step. Chiropractors can quicklyidentify whether your concern needs to be elevated to the next level and if youneed to pursue:
- Referrals: A referral to a physical or occupational therapist oran acupuncturist.
- Medications: Talking to your primary care physician about aprescription for short-term use of muscle relaxant, steroid oranti-inflammatory medicines.
- Imaging scans: Getting an X-ray or MRI.
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Can Chiropractic Care Help Low Back Pain
Clinically, in our office we have found that spinal manipulation, in combination with an effective exercise program, has helped many patients experiencing low back pain. People who have had multiple episodes of low back pain will often find that maintaining good spinal function and a regular exercise program designed specifically for them has helped to reduce the prevalence of low back episodes in the future.
Massage Therapy Relieving Tension
A massage, on the other hand, is performed by a licensed massage therapist who applies direct pressure to soft tissue or muscle groups to relieve pain and promote healing and wellness. Unlike chiropractic treatment, massage treatment focuses solely on the stimulation of muscles and is not used to treat pain associated with the spine, joints or tendons.
There are multiple benefits to massage therapy including relaxation, increased energy and mood enhancement. Many find that receiving a massage following chiropractic treatment can promote additional healing and decrease discomfort and inflammation after treatment.
Both of these options can be used to treat temporary, situational or chronic pain. Not sure which treatment is right for you? Listen to your bodys pain points. In either scenario, talk with your doctor to determine if these options are right for you. If you cant afford a chiropractor or a massage specialist due to health insurance, check out our plans to see how Priority Health can help you ease your back pains!
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Chronic Back Pain Reduction
Chronic back pain can be eased with the help of chiropractic treatment. If you have chronic back pain, chiropractic treatment is a good way to relieve pain. Chiropractors treat you using spinal manipulation, which will help to reduce pain if there is muscle tension and inflammation.
Chiropractic treatment benefits even if it is low back pain. The chiropractic adjustment of moving and stretching the muscles and joints, keeping in mind the range of motion within those areas, benefits the patients immensely from low back pain and chronic low back pain.
How Can Chiropractors Help With Lower Back Pain After A Rear
If you are suffering from lower back pain after a rear-end collision, a chiropractor will render assistance based on the needs of your injury. This could include gently massaging the problem area or manipulating the spine. The chiropractor might also stretch the muscles in the back, hoping to increase your range of motion after getting hurt. You could also benefit from chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, traction, electric stimulation, or ultrasound therapy.
Many injuries can result from rear-end collisions, such as broken bones, torn ligaments, and whiplash. A chiropractor can provide treatment for these and other injuries. They can also address injuries that affect the shoulders, hips, pelvis, jaw, knees, and ankles, per the Cleveland Clinic.
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Treating Pain And Stiffness With An Adjustment
There are numerous types of pain that a patient could experience in their lumbar region or lower back. Stabbing or sharp pains, a persistent dull ache, a burning sensation, and spasms are all very common. It relies on whether the injury is to the nerves, muscles, joints, tendons, or other non-muscular soft tissue.
Another common condition associated with lumbar injury or strain is reduced mobility and stiffness. It might hurt to move certain body parts in certain ways, or you might be unable to bend over, reach for an item, or roll over in bed.
Chiropractic care does double duty regarding acute pain. Not only does it alleviate the symptoms of stiffness and pain, but it also works to correct the underlying problem. In other words, its a win-win.
What Did The Study Researchers Find Out
Between 2012 and 2016, a research team evaluated chiropractic care on 750 active-duty U.S. military service members. The mean age of participants was 30.9 years old.
The patients were put into two groups. One group received traditional medical care for back pain along with chiropractic care the other group only received traditional care. While traditional care can include medication, the chiropractic care included spinal manipulation adjustments along with manual therapies such as ice, heat, cryotherapy, and rehabilitative exercises.
After six weeks, those who got both types of care reported moderately higher improvements in pain intensity and disability compared with those who only received traditional medical care.
The current study provides the strongest evidence to date that chiropractic care is safe, effective, and results in high levels of patient satisfaction and perceived treatment benefit, thus strengthening our knowledge regarding this conservative nondrug option for low back pain, Christine M. Goertz, DC, PhD, a chiropractor with the Spine Institute for Quality in Iowa, told Healthline.
In an accompanying editorial , Daniel C. Cherkin, PhD, a senior investigator at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, said the study will help medical experts better treat military personnel.
But, Cherkin said integrating chiropractic care into the military health system will require communication and referrals.
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What Do Chiropractors Do To Treat Back Pain
Chiropractors can provide a variety of treatments to help with back pain. These include:
- Mobilization, which involves moving joints and muscles to increase range of motion
- Spinal manipulation, which involves movement to the vertebra to help reduce issues related to pinched nerves, bulging discs or other dysfunction
- Massage, which may support reduced pain in soft tissues
- Patient education to help you manage diet, exercise and home treatment like heat and cold therapy
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.
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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.
What Makes Up The Low Back
The lower back is the area of the spine between the bottom of the ribs and the pelvis. There are five movable lumbar vertebrae with discs in between them. They are supported by strong surrounding muscles and ligaments with spinal nerves existing between each of the vertebrae. The pelvis articulates with the spine and provides additional stability and support for the spine. All of these structures combine to make your body into a strong but flexible structure, allowing you mobility while protecting the spinal cord and nerves.
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What Should I Expect At My First Visit To A Chiropractor
It wont be a lot different from what youre used to with other medical providers. I first gather a lot of information about you by asking questions: how your pain began, what is the effect on your pain when you do this or that, what your level of pain is, and any other symptoms you may have. If your information is in Duke MyChart, Im going to read it beforehand. This includes if you have images — MRIs, X-rays — or blood work.
Then Im going to perform an exam that assesses both the medical and mechanical aspects of your pain. For example, Ill look at alignment, muscle tone, nerve function, how your body is moving, how well you can bend, turn, twist, and what kind of movements reproduce the symptoms youre having. If you havent had X-rays or other imaging and we need to order it, we can do that. However, most patients do not need imaging at their first visit.
After the exam, we have a discussion: This is what I think is happening with your spine, these are the treatments I would recommend, and this is how I think it will help you. Since Im part of a team, if I think a patient will get additional benefit or more benefit from seeing a physical therapist, physiatrist, spine surgeon, or other provider, I will also suggest that referral.