Back pain can be a real pain in the…well, back. It can range from mild discomfort to severe debilitating pain that makes it hard to do anything. With 65 million US citizens reporting a recent episode of back pain, most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and for some, it becomes a chronic issue. It can be caused by any number of things- a traumatic injury, poor posture, carrying around extra weight, stress, or even sleeping in an uncomfortable position. Whatever the cause, when you’re dealing with back pain, you all want relief and to regain your quality of life.
For some people, over-the-counter pain medication is enough to take the edge off and allow them to carry on with their lives. But this is not recommended as it will only mask the pain and neglect the underlying issue. If you want to identify and correct this issue, then you might want to consider seeing a chiropractor for back pain.
Chiropractic care is known for focusing on identifying and treating the root cause of pain, rather than just masking the symptoms with medication. But do chiropractors help with back pain and when should you see one? Let’s take a look.
What Conditions Do Chiropractors Treat?
After undergoing intensive training, real Gonstead chiropractors are skilled practitioners for treating neurological complaints with chiropractic care. The nervous system is responsible for sending signals between the two, and when there’s a problem with that communication, it can lead to pain or other issues.
Some of these conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines and headaches
- Neck pain
- Scoliosis
- Sciatica
- Disc herniation
- Pain due to pregnancy
- TMJ (jaw pain)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Thyroid disorders, and more
Chiropractors can identify and correct these problems, using manual adjustment.
When Do Chiropractors Help With Back Pain?
View this post on Instagram
Chiropractors can help with back pain in several ways. Firstly, they will take a detailed history and physical examination to identify the root cause of your back pain. They will take X-rays and may order other imaging tests to get a better look at what’s going on. Once they have the diagnosis that explains your back pain, they will develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you.
Manual Manipulation Treatment For Back Pain
As we mentioned, one of the most common techniques used by chiropractors is manual manipulation. This is when the chiropractor uses their hands to apply pressure and manipulate the spine. Using the hands offers the best results and is used to apply a controlled, quick, precise movement or force to the joints of the spine. This is done to realign the spine which can result in a cracking or popping sound.
Don’t worry, this sound is just gas bubbles being released from the joints and is nothing to be concerned about as it’s completely safe. In fact, many people find it quite relieving.
Manual manipulation is an effective treatment for back pain because it can help to realign the spine, which takes the pressure off of the nerves. This can help to reduce pain and improve function.
It’s important to note that manual manipulation is only one of many techniques used by chiropractors.
What Chiropractors Look For To Determine Cause of Back Pain
Identifying the root cause of your back pain is a comprehensive step-by-step process. Here’s what you can expect when you see a chiropractor for back pain:
Medical History
In the medical history, the chiropractor will ask you detailed questions about your pain. This includes:
- when did you start experiencing the pain?
- how long have you been experiencing the pain?
- what is the pain like? (dull, achy, sharp, burning, etc.)
- where is the pain located?
- is the pain constant or does it come and go?
- what makes the pain worse or better?
- have you ever had this pain before?
The chiropractor will also ask about your medical history, including any previous injuries or conditions that might be relevant. In addition to your pain, the chiropractor will also ask about your overall health, including:
- any current medications you’re taking
- any previous surgeries
- family history of back pain or other neurological conditions
- and a comprehensive review of your other systems
Physical Examination
After taking your medical history, the chiropractor will do a physical examination. Physical examination includes visualization and static and motion palpation.
For visualization, the chiropractor will look at your posture, alignment, and range of motion. They will also check for any skin or muscle deformities or asymmetries. All of which are done in a comfortable gown for easy visualization and palpation.
During static palpation, the chiropractor will feel for any tenderness, muscle spasms, or trigger points.
Finally, during motion palpation, the chiropractor will move your joints through a range of motion to check for any restrictions. The chiropractor will also assess the quality of the movement and look for any pain or discomfort.
After the physical examination, the chiropractor will have a good idea of what’s causing your back pain and can develop a treatment plan.
Instrumentation & X-Rays
View this post on Instagram
Following the physical examination, the chiropractor may use instrumentation to help identify the source of your pain. This includes using a nervoscope, which is a small, handheld device that uses heat waves to identify areas of nerve irritation. With this, the chiropractor can pinpoint where the source of your pain is coming from.
The chiropractor will also take X-rays to get a closer look at the skeletal structure and identify any areas of misalignment or other issues. This can help to rule out other conditions, like arthritis or a fracture, and gives the doctor precise information about the state of your spinal health and the cause of your pain.
6 Warning Signs You Should See A Chiropractor For Back Pain
Keeping an eye out for these warning signs can help you to know when it’s time to see a chiropractor for back pain:
You Can Not Longer Manage The Pain On Your Own
If you’re struggling to manage your back pain on your own, it’s time to see a chiropractor. This is especially true if you’re relying on pain medication to get through the day. While pain medication can help to mask the pain, it’s not addressing the underlying issue. A chiropractor can help to identify the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan to address it.
You’ve Suffered From An Injury: Sports, Car Accident, Etc.
Experiencing a traumatic event is mentally devastating, as well as physically. It can also cause long-term severe injury to your spine, muscles, ligaments and even surrounding structures. This is why this is a warning sign that should never be overlooked. Not only can a chiropractor help to ease your pain, but they can also help to prevent the injury from progressing in the future.
You’re Experiencing Neck Pain
Neck pain is not only annoying, but it can also be a sign of a serious problem and should never be ignored. There are a ton of essential facial and cranial nerves that run through the cervical and thoracic region of the spine. If any of these nerves become compressed due to subluxations, it can cause serious pain and dysfunction. It’s the job of the chiropractor to not only pinpoint the source of the pain but also to decompress any nerves that may be causing it.
Tingling or Weakness In Your Legs
Not only are your legs built of large muscles that can become easily strained, but they also house some of the longest nerves in your body. When these nerves become compressed, it can cause pain, tingling (paresthesia), or weakness (myasthenia) in your legs. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to see a chiropractor.
Other Treatments Aren’t Working
If you fail to respond to other treatments, like pain medication or physical therapy, it may be time to see a chiropractor. A chiropractor offers a non-invasive, non-surgical and holistic approach to your pain and will develop a treatment plan that’s specific to you. This individualized approach can often be the key to finding relief when other treatments have failed.
Source Of Pain Originates In The Hard Tissue
There are a lot of soft tissues in the body, like muscles, ligaments, and tendons. When these tissues become strained or injured, they can cause pain. However, the source of your pain may also originate in the hard tissue, like the bones or joints. If you’re experiencing pain that originates in the hard tissue, it’s time to see a chiropractor.
What Are The Risks or Pain Associated With Spinal Manipulation?
One of the most common questions people ask when considering chiropractic care is if it’s safe. The answer is yes! Chiropractic care is a very safe and effective treatment for back pain. When compared to other treatments for back pain, like surgery or medication, chiropractic care has a very low risk of complications.
What To Expect At Your First Visit
If you’re experiencing back pain and think you may need to see a chiropractor, your first visit will likely be for a consultation. During this visit, the chiropractor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination. They will also take x-rays and may order other diagnostic tests to help identify the source of your pain. After the consultation, the chiropractor will develop a treatment plan specifically for you. Understanding what to expect during a Gonstead chiropractor visit will help to ease any anxiety you may be feeling about seeking treatment.
Get Rid of Back Pain Today
Don’t allow back pain to dominate your life any longer. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs listed above, it’s time to see a chiropractor. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment for back pain that can help you get your life back.
If you are experiencing back pain and are seeking relief and treatment, contact us today to schedule an appointment! At Concise Chiropractic, we value your health and wellbeing and are here to help you live your best life.
Schedule An Appointment Today!
