What Are the Three Methods Chiropractors Use When Treating Back Pain?
Back pain is a common health problem affecting people at some point in their lives. The pain prevents you from moving properly and impacts your quality of life. Exercise, pain relievers, and heat can ease mild back pain. However, if your pain is severe or chronic, you should visit a chiropractor near you. Read on for methods used by chiropractors to treat back pain.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain is a musculoskeletal condition that develops in people from all walks of life. Several factors contribute to pain in your lower or upper back. You can have back pain due to the reasons below.
- Injuries to a muscle or ligament in the spinal region from poor posture, improper lifting, and lack of exercise.
- Infections such as endometriosis, fibromyalgia, osteomyelitis, kidney stones, and sciatica.
- Age-related issues like arthritis.
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Physically demanding occupations
- Unhealthy movement patterns
Signs That You Should See a Chiropractor for Back Pain
Most people ignore their back pain, figuring it will ease on its own. Others use over-the-counter medications for relief. However, these methods provide temporary relief for back pain. Here are a few signs to tell you when to visit a chiropractor for back pain treatment near you. You should visit a chiropractor in Traverse City:
- When experiencing intense back pain that impairs your ability to perform daily tasks.
- Immediately after suffering an injury to your back, even if it was not serious.
- If the pain originates in the spine or joints instead of muscles and soft tissues.
- When you have tried other back pain treatments unsuccessfully.
Methods Chiropractors Use When Treating Back Pain
There are several back pain treatment methods provided by healthcare providers. For instance, chiropractors use various methods and techniques during chiropractic care. When you visit a chiropractor near you, they may do either of the adjustments below.
- Gonstead Adjustment
This method uses the principle that any changes to the spinal column impact the bones in the lower back and hips. It takes a holistic approach to your health and wellness instead of focusing on the symptoms. Therefore, they will perform an evaluation first. It helps them to determine the area with maximum tension in your spinal region.
Your chiropractor will use their hands and unique instruments during the Gonstead adjustments. They will perform quick movements to realign the vertebrae properly. You will not experience any pain or discomfort. However, you may hear popping noises from the area being treated.
- Flexion-Distraction
This technique is recommended for treating severe cases of back ailments like facet joint pain and scoliosis. It involves stretching and aligning the spine to reduce pain and inflammation. The chiropractor will help you lie on a table designed for this technique. They will then perform gentle pumping motions to align the discs in your back correctly.
- Diversified Technique
It is a safe and effective method of relieving pain and stiffness in the back and neck regions. The chiropractor will manually place pressure on the vertebrae to restore the joints to their proper positions. The adjustments provide instant relief and restore proper movement.
What to Expect During a First-Time Visit to a Chiropractor
It is normal to be anxious when visiting a healthcare provider for the first time. However, knowing what to expect will ease your fears significantly. Below are general steps to expect during the initial visit to a chiropractor at Diversified Chiropractic.
The expert will begin by gathering information about your pain and the symptoms. They will ask you to perform various movements and report on the level and effect of pain. The chiropractor will then enquire about your medical history. In addition, they will examine previous x-rays, MRIs, or blood work.
Next, they will evaluate your back to determine the medical and mechanical components of the pain. It involves looking at your muscle tone, nerve function, and alignment. In addition, they will determine how well you can move. Also, the chiropractor will note the movements that reproduce painful symptoms.
If necessary, the chiropractor in Traverse City will carry out imaging procedures like x-rays. These enable them to determine if you have any fractures or other issues. The expert will then discuss their findings with you, letting you know the condition. Next, they will suggest appropriate treatment options.