Back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be caused by various factors, including poor posture, injuries, and medical conditions, it can be a significant source of discomfort and distress. If you are one of the many people struggling with back pain, you may be wondering whether a chiropractor can help you. Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who specialize in treating musculoskeletal problems, including back pain. However, many people are unsure when to seek chiropractic care for their back pain.
In this blog post, we will provide you with some guidance on when you should see a chiropractor for back pain. We will discuss the different types of back pain and their causes, the benefits of chiropractic care, and the signs that indicate you should seek chiropractic treatment. We will also debunk some common myths about chiropractic care and provide you with some tips to help you find a qualified and trustworthy chiropractor. Whether you are experiencing acute or chronic back pain,
What kinds of conditions does a chiropractor treat? Content
I mainly see spine-related conditions. This encompasses pain in the neck (cervical spine), the upper back (thoracic spine), and the low back (lumbar spine). Some of my patients have recently been injured, while others have been experiencing pain for a long time. Muscle spasms and disc problems are typical causes of back pain. In addition to back and neck pain, many patients also experience leg, arm, or headache pain. Although chiropractors frequently treat injuries to other parts of the body, such as those to the knees, shoulders, and other joints, my primary focus is on the spine.
When can a chiropractor help with back pain? Content
People frequently want to start with the kind of conservative methods that chiropractors offer. In fact, this is what many clinical care guidelines recommend. Therefore, they may want to think about chiropractic care, physical therapy, or acupuncture for their back pain before trying treatments like injections or surgery. With this type of therapy, back pain is typically relieved.
What types of chiropractic treatments do you offer? Content
I primarily use manual manipulation. That means I try to increase your spine’s mobility using my hands. If I can increase joint mobility in the spine, neck, middle back, lower back, and pelvis, I may be able to lessen muscle tightness in that area. Additionally, it can assist with irritation of the nerves that run down the arm or leg and result in tingling, numbness, pain, or even changes in strength. I also occasionally employ other therapies, such as advising patients to engage in exercise or practice self-care.
What are some other aspects of chiropractic care? Content
I%20spend%20about%2020%20to%2025%%20of%20my%20time%20talking%20with%20and%20listening%20to%20my%20patients Flexibility, strength-building, and balance are topics we discuss. I assess your ergonomics by asking questions like: What do you do for a living? How do you bend, turn, and lift? Do you spend your days in a car or in front of a computer? I try to determine what may be causing the pain or other symptoms you may be feeling.
Frequently, I try to support patients by reassuring them that they can do it: “Yes, you can do this,” or “When something similar occurs, try to do this instead of that.” In this manner, they won’t anticipate pain and aggravate it by inducing more pain and muscle spasms. Researchers studying pain have discovered that preparing for pain can increase the likelihood of episodes, muscle spasms, headaches, and other symptoms. So, teaching patients how to think about pain is important.
Our main objectives are to help people resume their important daily activities, whether they are work-related, family or socially focused, or recreational in nature. Active people are healthier and happier.
What should I expect at my first visit to a chiropractor? Content
It won’t differ significantly from how you’re used to dealing with other medical professionals. I start by learning a lot about you by asking you questions, such as how your pain started, how this or that affects it, how bad it is right now, and if you have any other symptoms. I’ll read your information in advance if it’s in Duke MyChart. This applies to any MRIs, X-rays, or blood tests that you may have.
Then I’ll conduct an examination to evaluate your pain’s mechanical and medical components. I’ll examine your posture, muscle tone, nerve function, how you move, how well you can bend, turn, and twist, as well as what kinds of movements mimic the symptoms you’re experiencing. We can order X-rays or other imaging if you haven’t had it already. But most patients don’t require imaging during their first visit.
After the examination, we have a discussion about what I believe is going on with your spine, the treatments I would suggest, and how I believe they will benefit you. Since I’m a team member, I will also recommend a referral if I believe a patient will benefit more or more from seeing a physical therapist, physiatrist, spine surgeon, or other provider.
Do you offer virtual visits? Content
For virtual examinations, diagnoses, and patient education, I provide video appointments. I may advise self-care activities you can perform at home, such as stretching or heat therapy, or you may need to schedule a personal appointment for in-person treatments or further assessment.
Are there risks or pain associated with spinal manipulation? Content
Afterward, your muscles might feel a little sore, and some patients might feel a little tired. However, the majority of these symptoms disappear in less than a day. Fortunately, complex side effects associated with manual manipulation are rare.
How often do I need to see a chiropractor? Content
I might initially only see a patient once or twice per week. I might start seeing the patient every day if the condition is severe. I advise cutting back on visits as the patient gets better and giving them more things to do on their own at home. I want my patients to be as independent as possible. Some of my patients have ongoing issues and need to visit me occasionally. However, the majority of patients have solvable problems, and once their condition has improved, I might not need to see them again. Learn more.
FAQ
Should I go see a chiropractor if my back hurts?
You must see a chiropractor right away if routine activities, such as bending over to pick something up, start to hurt or become more challenging. Although they are unlikely to recommend painkillers, they can treat the underlying cause of your discomfort, whether it be a bulging disc, a pinched sciatic nerve, or other lower back problems.
Is it better to see a doctor or chiropractor for back pain?
When it comes to treating severe back pain, research has shown and proven that chiropractors are the most effective medical professionals. But before starting treatment, there are some conditions that should be taken into account. A thorough physical examination and knowledge of the patient’s medical history can reveal many conditions.
When should you not go to a chiropractor?
When Not To See A Chiropractor. Before visiting a chiropractor, patients with herniated or slipped discs and those with arthritis may need to consult with a specialist doctor. Chiropractic care might not be appropriate for you if you have a physical abnormality or injury in your body, such as a fracture.
How long does it take a chiropractor to fix lower back pain?
Depending%20on%20the%20extent%20of%20the%20spinal%20injury,%20patients%20typically%20feel%20a%20reduction%20in%20pain%20of%2040-80%%20following%20their%20first%20visit However, after beginning chiropractic therapy, the majority of patients experience improvement within 1 to 4 weeks.
Low Back Chiropractic Adjustment – Do You Need One?
Reference:
https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/should-you-see-chiropractor-back-pain
https://www.dallaschiropractor.com/blog/2021/06/25/4-signs-see-chiropractor-lower-back-pain/