If you’re dealing with pain from a pulled back muscle, your healthcare provider may have told you to simply rest, take pain medication, and wait for the problem to heal itself. But in some cases, pulled muscles can linger for weeks or months. You may also be performing certain daily activities that exacerbate the problem without realizing it, preventing the muscle injury from healing.
Can a chiropractor help with a pulled back muscle? These professionals can often provide long-term relief.
A “pulled” back muscle occurs when one of the muscles in the lumbar region becomes strained, overstretched, or torn. This can occur due to a single wrong movement or repetitive improper motions over time.
You might pull a back muscle while:
Your back muscles can also become strained over time due to motions like gardening, sports, or even desk work. A strain or tear can happen in an instant and cause pain for weeks.
Pulled back muscles often heal on their own with rest, self-care, and ice or heat therapy. This is why it can be especially frustrating if your back pain has lasted weeks or even months, or if it sometimes goes away and then returns.
When pain doesn’t improve within one to two weeks, it is often necessary to visit a professional for targeted treatments. The pain may be attributed to a different issue, such as a herniated disc. A chiropractor can perform a physical exam and take X-rays if needed to rule out fractures, then use this information to shape their treatment methods.
How can a chiropractor help with a pulled back muscle? Chiropractors use several treatment methods recognized by the International Chiropractors Association to address both the source of the problem and relieve pain. They might do any of the following to help your pulled muscle.
Chiropractors are trained to perform spinal manipulations and adjustments to improve spinal alignment and reduce stress and tension in the back. Your chiropractor may have you lie on a drop table or on one side, then use their hands or a special tool to carefully manipulate the body, aiming to realign the spine. You may need several adjustments per week for a few weeks in a row to experience long-lasting relief.
Your chiropractor can also teach you exercises and stretches to complete between your sessions. These can help you strengthen weak muscles around your back, reducing the risk of future injuries due to overuse or strain. They can also improve flexibility and range of motion, making you less likely to experience an injury when twisting or bending the wrong way.
Sometimes, lower back issues occur due to problems with posture. Sitting or standing incorrectly can strain your joints and muscles.
People often develop poor posture due to weak core muscles that cannot support the upper body. This causes them to slouch, putting pressure on the lower back.
A chiropractor can help you identify problems with your posture and recommend exercises to strengthen the core or other weak muscles, preventing future strains and tears due to this problem.
Muscle strains and tears can happen quickly, creating significant pain that makes normal daily activities challenging. For fast, long-lasting relief, many people turn to chiropractic care. Chiropractors are trained to treat a wide range of conditions, from simple pulled back muscles to more complex nerve pain. They use non-invasive techniques like manual adjustments to target the root of the problem, relieve pain, and prevent it from recurring.
Working with a chiropractor in Port St. Lucie, FL, may be a good next step for those who are dealing with ongoing pain and are tired of taking daily medications to treat it. These professionals create personalized treatment plans based on overall health and specific concerns, offering effective relief.
Can a chiropractor help with a pulled back muscle? ChiroCare of Florida has extensive experience helping patients recover from muscle strains. Whether your pain is accompanied by another problem, like spinal joint restriction, or is a standalone issue, we can provide targeted treatments.
Schedule a chiropractic appointment in Port St. Lucie, FL, today by calling 772-279-8048.