Millions of Americans suffer from back pain. Their back pain affects their quality of life, their ability to work, and their ability to enjoy time with friends and family.
Understandably, back pain sufferers desperately want relief from their pain. A chiropractor is a medical professional who can help alleviate back pain. More than 20 million people in the United States receive chiropractic care every year. Chiropractors understand the connection between the spine’s alignment and a person’s overall health and well-being.
For this reason, they pay special attention to the spine to provide pain management for back pain sufferers. Research shows that chiropractic care can effectively reduce pain for individuals with back pain. In a recent study, patients visited a chiropractor for pain management over two months. It was found that low force spinal adjustments helped minimize lower back pain.
What Happens during a Chiropractic Treatment?
When you visit the chiropractor, they are going to focus on aligning your spine through manual manipulation. The goal is to encourage the body to use its self-healing abilities to repair the damage causing your pain. When your spine is realigned, pressure on your central nervous system is reduced. Many experience a reduction in headaches and lower back pain after chiropractic adjustments. When you go in for your first treatment, it is an evaluation.
It is similar to what happens when you visit your doctor’s office for the first time. Your chiropractor will be interested in learning about your symptoms and about the movements and activities that trigger your pain. They may take x-rays or schedule MRIs to get a better view of what is going on in your spine. Depending on the ailment, a chiropractor may reduce or alleviate pain in just one visit. More severe conditions will require multiple visits over a more extended amount of time. Once your chiropractor has diagnosed you, they can start a treatment plan.
During the visit, your chiropractor will use pressure on certain parts of your back to realign your spine and help ease your pain. Your chiropractor may use an abrupt force, or they may use slow and continuous pressure to achieve the desired results. A chiropractor may adjust your spine using just their hands or may include specially designed instruments in the process. Many chiropractors work with a massage therapist who can help with your treatment. It is good to talk to your chiropractor about medications they may recommend before agreeing to a treatment plan.
What Sets Chiropractors Apart from Other Pain Management Specialists?
Chiropractors take a holistic approach to pain management. They understand that pain in your spine may be a symptom of issues in other parts of your body. In addition to making manual adjustments, they may encourage you to consider:
- Nutritional supplements
- Changing your diet
- Improving physical activity
- Electrical stimulation
- Physical therapy
Chiropractors are medical professionals who have gone to university for four years. Their training includes theory, knowledge, and hands-on training. Most chiropractors will attend a two-year or three-year residency to specialize in a particular aspect of chiropractic care. As with most medical professionals, chiropractors must have a license to practice.
Many chiropractors shy away from mainstream medicine. Others will work in conjunction with a team of medical doctors. Conservative pain management treatment is the primary goal of chiropractors. However, they realize that some pain issues will require surgery.
A good chiropractor has no qualms about referring their patient to a different medical professional if the patient’s issue is beyond the scope of their practice. The primary tool used by chiropractors to alleviate pain is spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation is the most effective if used in conjunction with massage, exercise, hot and cold therapies, and patient education and awareness.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Absolutely. There is minimal risk of injury from chiropractic care if administered by a licensed, trained, and experienced professional. Chiropractic care for pain management is less risky than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, surgery, or other invasive procedures. Side effects from chiropractic adjustments include minor muscle stiffness, aches, or soreness. These will last for around 24 hours following the treatment.
Are you tired of having your quality of life robbed by chronic back and neck pain? If so, contact us today at 205-637-1363. Our experienced pain management professionals stand ready to help you start living a pain-free life.
