Chiropractic treatment offers a nonsurgical option for patients suffering with back pain. Chiropractors can successfully reduce back pain by manipulating joints in the spine, this treatment is known as chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractors can diagnose and treat a wide range of spinal disorders that cause musculoskeletal or nerve pain, and there are several back problems that are commonly diagnosed and treated with chiropractic care.
Back Problems Chiropractic Care Can Treat
As stated above, chiropractors can treat a wide range of back disorders and problems. However, the main back problems that chiropractors treat include:
Back sprains and strains – Twisting or pulling a muscle, from a single instance (such as improper lifting), can result in a strain. A chronic strain usually occurs from overuse involving prolonged, repetitive movement of the muscles and tendons, such as performing a repetitive task at work that causes strain.
A sprain often results from a fall or sudden twist, causing the joint to move out of place. All of these conditions stretch one or more ligaments beyond their normal range of movement, causing injury.
Cervicogenic headaches – Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache, which means that it's caused by another illness or physical issue. In the case of cervicogenic headache, the cause is a disorder of the cervical spine and its components such as a bony, disc or soft tissue elements.
Coccydynia – Refers to pain originating from the coccyx, or tailbone. This pain is thought to be caused by an unstable coccyx, which results in chronic inflammation of the sacro-coccygeal joint.
Degenerative disc disease – A general term for the condition in which a damaged vertebral disc causes chronic pain in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar region of the spine – either low back pain (or leg pain) in the lumbar spine or neck pain in the cervical spine.
Herniated disc – A herniated disc is a condition in which the annulus fibrosus (outer portion) of the vertebral disc is torn, enabling the nucleus (inner portion) to herniate or extrude through the fibers. This herniation can lead to impinged or compressed nerves, which can inflict moderate back pain.
Myofascial pain – Myofascial pain syndrome is a disorder in which pressure on sensitive points in the muscles causes pain in seemingly unrelated body parts. The syndrome often happens after repeated injury or muscle overuse.
Piriformis syndrome – Piriformis syndrome is a condition in which the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes buttock pain.
Sciatica – Pain affecting the back, hip, and outer side of the leg, caused by compression of a spinal nerve root in the lower back, known as the sciatica nerve, often leading to the degeneration of an intervertebral disk.
Spondylosis or spinal osteoarthritis – A degenerative disorder that may cause loss of normal spinal structure and function.
Whiplash – Whiplash occurs when the neck and head are suddenly forced backward and then forward, putting the cervical spine through lightning-quick motions and extreme stresses. The most common symptom of whiplash is neck pain, which can range anywhere from mild to severe.
Back Pain Treatment
Back pain can interfere with your day-to-day activities, including exercising, keeping active and even attending work. Though you might find back pain relief through the use of over-the-counter pain relievers and products, pain can persist unless you seek professional help to alleviate the pain.
Some back pain treatment plans can include:
- Physical therapy
- Hot/cold therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Massage therapy
- Exercises to improve back strength
- Ultrasound therapy
A chiropractor can create a back pain treatment plan that is specific to your injuries and lifestyle. If you were previously active, your chiropractor may recommend certain exercises that will help strengthen your back. Those who were not active before may benefit more from physical therapy.
ChiroCare of Florida’s back doctors are dedicated to helping you return to your everyday life without back pain. Even if you require prolonged chiropractic care, the experienced and knowledgeable back doctors at ChiroCare of Florida are there to help you every step of the way.
