Unless you have suffered from back pain, you probably don’t have any real idea of just how agonizing and debilitating it can be. Nevertheless, back pain is something that will affect virtually all of us at least once during our lifetime, and for an unlucky percentage, it may end up being a recurrent problem that has a significant impact on our ability to live a full and active life. Fortunately, chiropractic care has been shown to help dramatically improve instances of back pain, and enable patients to live a more normal life.
The anatomy of the spine
The spine is a complex structure of bones, discs, ligaments, tendons and muscles which all work together to make it possible for us to move around. The bones down the center of our spine, known as vertebrae, protect our spinal column which houses the spinal cord. This is the main pathway for the central nervous system and enables your brain to pass messages to your body and vice versa. Problems with any component of the back can lead to back pain.
What causes back pain?
Exactly why we experience back pain can vary tremendously, and while it may be possible to pinpoint a cause for your discomfort, in many cases patients are diagnosed with ‘non-specific’ back pain, as it is simply unclear what is causing it. In these instances, the pain usually goes away by itself in a number of days or weeks. However, there are still some patients who suffer from chronic back pain with no apparent reason.
Where the source of back pain can be determined, it is typically caused by:
– Pulling a muscle or ligament
– A damaged intervertebral disc
– Muscle tension or damage
– Sciatica, which is typically caused by a herniated disc
– Arthritis, which causes problems with various joints as well as potentially affecting the space around the spinal cord
– Osteoporosis, which sees the vertebrae become brittle and fractures more likely
How can chiropractic care help treat back pain?
Chiropractors are practitioners that specialize in assessing, diagnosing and managing conditions associated with the spine, including back pain. In addition to just trying to locate the source of the pain and prescribing pain relief medication, your chiropractor will also perform something known as spinal manipulation.
Spinal manipulations are a type of holistic (non-medical) treatment that involve your chiropractor using their hands to manipulate your body in order to free stiff or restricted joints. This process is known as mobilization and can provide significant relief from back pain, as well as help the patient achieve a greater range of movement in their back and joints.
However, chiropractors offer a range of other services alongside spinal manipulation. This includes advice regarding diet and exercise, as well as other lifestyle changes that you can make that will help support the health and condition of your spine. This can include things such as making changes to your posture and adjusting your sleeping position or driving position.
Many patients who suffer from long-term, chronic back pain find that they benefit enormously from the support of an experienced, compassionate chiropractor and regular chiropractic appointments.
If you are suffering from back pain and would like to discuss your condition with us, please contact our offices to schedule your confidential consultation.