What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractors utilize a hands-on approach to spinal manipulation to ensure proper musculoskeletal alignment. Proper alignment of the spine enables the body to begin the healing process potentially reducing the need for surgical and other medical treatments. Through manipulation chiropractors can restore mobility in joints and tissue previously restricted by injuries including repetitive stress and physically traumatic events such as falls. While many people have long considered chiropractors an alternative to medical treatment it has recently become more frequently used in conjunction with conventional medicine.
The identifier "DC" is assigned to those chiropractors who have completed an undergraduate degree in a pre-med discipline as well as a four to five year chiropractic university.
As with any medical practitioner, a chiropractor will begin the patient assessment process by first compiling a thorough medical history, along with an initial physical examination in order to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
What Does Chiropractic for Back Pain Involve?
After determining the treatment necessary the doctor usually begins with manual adjustments through a series of controlled, sudden movements designed to improve range and quality of motion.
Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation into the treatment plan. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of injury in addition to back pain relief.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Care?
Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care is considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury that results from moving furniture or getting tackled. Acute back pain, which is more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and typically gets better on its own.
Research has also shown chiropractic to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. In addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia respond to the moderate pressure used both by chiropractors and practitioners of deep tissue massage. Studies have not confirmed the effectiveness of prolotherapy or sclerotherapy for pain relief, used by some chiropractors, osteopaths, and medical doctors, to treat chronic back pain, the type of pain that may come on suddenly or gradually and lasts more than three months. The therapy involves injections to strengthen loosely connected tendons and ligaments.
People who have osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, or inflammatory arthritis, or who take blood-thinning medications should not undergo spinal manipulation.
All treatment is based on an accurate diagnosis of your back pain. The chiropractor should be well informed regarding your medical history, including ongoing medical conditions, current medications, traumatic/surgical history, and lifestyle factors. Although rare, there have been cases in which treatment worsened a herniated or slipped disc, or neck manipulation resulted in stroke or spinal cord injury. To be safe, always inform your primary health care provider whenever you use chiropractic or other pain relief alternatives.
Tips to Prevent Back Pain
- Maintain a healthy diet and weight.
- Remain active—under the supervision of your doctor of chiropractic.
- Avoid prolonged inactivity or bed rest.
- Warm up or stretch before exercising or other physical activities, such as gardening.
- Maintain proper posture.
- Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
- Sleep on a mattress of medium firmness to minimize any curve in your spine.
- Lift with your knees, keep the object close to your body, and do not twist when lifting.
- Quit smoking. Smoking impairs blood flow, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation to spinal tissues.
- Work with your doctor of chiropractic to ensure that your computer workstation is ergonomically correct.