The Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Chiropractic is a profession solely dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system or the nervous system. Usually, a chiropractor engages hands-on manipulation on the spine and the surrounding tissues. The theory behind this is that proper alignment of the musculoskeletal structure, especially the spine, allows the body to go through the process of self-healing. Studies show that the manual therapies used in this form of treatment are effective in the treatment of low back pain.

How Adjustments Work

Chiropractic adjustments are therapeutic, formulated to relieve neck and back pain, as well as, improve the function of joints. Your chiropractor will begin by taking your medical history and carrying out physical and lab examinations to determine if the treatment is appropriate for you. If you are a candidate, the following may be applied:

• Spinal and Manual Manipulation: This is a form of high velocity treatment, short lever arm thrust that is performed on patients with an abnormal vertebra. This is done with the focus of restoring the range of motion on the back, boosting functionality and minimising nerve irritability.
• Mobilisation: This is a form of low velocity back manipulation. It involves muscle and joint stretching to boost the range of motion.

Ideally chiropractors pay emphasis on the relationship between the spine and the nervous system with the belief that:

1. The spine’s structural and the biomechanical instability can have a direct effect on the nervous system.

2. Chiropractic treatment is effective in the restoration of the spine’s structural integrity.

3. The treatment can minimise pressure on sensitive neurological tissues, thereby enhancing health.

The concept of the chiropractic treatment is to boost the normal mobility of the spine, including areas around the lower back. In turn, the irritation of the spinal nerve is alleviated.

Chiropractic Therapy in Combination with Exercise

Chiropractic therapy, combined with strengthening and cardiovascular exercises can promote the quick management of lower back problems. Before embarking on any exercise routine, a chiropractor should guide you on what works and what doesn’t. Many studies link exercise to proper management of chronic and acute low back pain. It means that combining aerobic exercises with chiropractic therapy can tone the muscles and promote circulation.

Diagnosis

The chiropractor begins with the assessment of the lower back to categorise the diagnosis into any of the following three classes:

1. Potentially severe: That includes fractures, local open wound, tumour, artificial joint implant issues, infection or pacemaker issues.

2. Nerve problems: This is when the lower back nerve root is compressed, triggering sciatica. Nerve root pinching is mostly caused by spinal stenosis, lumbar herniated disc or spondylolisthesis.

3. Non-specific: This is mechanical pain within the lumbar spine. It is a pain that does not show any specific cause.

In the more severe cases, chiropractors refer these to medical specialists. They may also choose to co-manage the issue with other professional back specialists.

One of the most vital components of your body is the spine. The moment you start to experience back issues, it can be hard to cope with the negative consequences it brings. With low back pain, you are likely to experience stiffness, soreness and pain, which can prevent you from functioning normally. The good thing, with regular chiropractic adjustments, these symptoms can be relieved without the need for invasive surgeries or medications. All you need to do is identify a professional chiropractor.

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