Treatment Options
Chiropractic | Acupuncture | Massage | Radiology | Electronic Stimulation
Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic?Chiropractic involves hands-on manipulations of the spinal column and other parts of the body. Chiropractic is based on the theory that disease originates from disruptions of the nervous system, and misalignment of the vertebrae (subluxations) interrupts the nervous system.
Most people who go to a chiropractor are seeking back pain relief.
Though chiropractic can help to relieve back pain, help restore mobility, and treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders, there is much controversy over chiropractic treatment in general and the 'subluxation theory'.
There presently isn't any scientific proof that supports the subluxation theory. However, there is substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of spinal manipulation for relief of certain types of back pain.
The Subluxation Theory
Chiropractic is based on the theory that if the spinal column is properly aligned, nerve impulses can freely flow along the spinal cord. If the spinal column is out of alignment (a subluxation), the flow of nerve impulses is interrupted and disease (not just back pain) result. This is called the subluxation theory. According to the subluxation theory, disorders in any area of the body can result from subluxations in the spine as the nervous system carries messages to all areas of the body. Restoring the vertebrae to proper alignment restores proper functioning of the nervous system, helping the body to heal itself.
There is presently a lack of scientific evidence that chiropractic can cure disease or restore health in general or that minor misalignments in the spine affect the spinal nerves and interrupt the nervous system. Some doctors say that for spinal nerves that exit the spine to be obstructed, the spine would have to be so out of alignment that the person would be disabled. There is evidence, however, that chiropractic treatment is an effective treatment for neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractors that subscribe to the subluxation theory use spinal manipulation to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies, asthma, digestive problems, etc. The subluxation theory is a controversial subject between chiropractors and medical doctors and even between chiropractors themselves.
Chiropractic subluxation and orthopedic subluxation are not the same. From chiropractic perspective, subluxation or vertebral subluxation describes a very slight misalignment of one or more vertebrae. A chiropractic subluxation is usually so minor it is difficult, if not impossible to identify on an x-ray.
An orthopedic subluxation is a partial dislocation of a bone in a joint causing pain and limiting range of motion.
Chiropractic Treatment For Back Pain Relief
There is evidence that chiropractic relieves many types of back pain, lower back pain in particular, and helps restore normal range of motion. Spinal manipulations may take stress off surrounding tissues - muscles, tendons, and ligaments - to relieve back pain and restore normal functioning. Some chiropractors follow scientific guidelines and only do manipulations for people with neuromusculoskeletal problems. These chiropractors often work with doctors in treating back pain.
What does a chiropractor do to relieve back pain?
Chiropractors correct subluxation by manipulation of the vertebrae (and sometimes other areas of the body). Chiropractors call this an adjustment. Spinal adjustments are usually done manually, the chiropractor using his or her hands to apply pressure to the spine to coax the vertebrae into proper alignment. Some use high velocity thrusts. Chiropractors usually massage and stretch muscles before doing an adjustment. Some apply traction. This allows the vertebrae to more easily manipulated.
Some chiropractors offer physical therapy as well as spinal manipulation. A chiropractor may also give advice on ergonomics, exercise, and proper body mechanics to prevent back pain. Chiropractors often give their patients stretching and strengthening exercises to do, as lengthening and strengthening various muscle groups help keep the spine in proper alignment.
Chiropractic Treatment and Massage Therapy go hand in hand for back pain relief.
Chiropractors often work with massage therapists in treating back pain. Tight, tense muscles can pull the vertebrae out of alignment. Once the chiropractor has made an adjustment to the spine, stretching the muscles can help keep the adjustment in place. It is also difficult for the chiropractor to perform an adjustment on a person who has tense back muscles. A multi-treatment approach to relieving back pain has often has the best success rate.
Before seeking chiropractic treatment, a diagnosis of the cause of your back pain should be made.
Chiropractic treatment may be unsafe when certain conditions exist (such as advanced osteoarthritis of the spine). Proper diagnosis can help determine whether chiropractic would be beneficial as a part of treatment for back pain. Though exercise may have as much long-term effect on back pain relief as chiropractic, chiropractic often provides more immediate relief. It appears to be most helpful in the first month after of the onset of back pain.
It is best to have a chiropractor and a doctor who will work together to treat back pain. Most physicians have referred patients with back pain for chiropractic treatment, but not all physicians believe chiropractic treatment is necessary and will not give a referral. Chiropractic treatment has been gaining wider acceptance among physicians as a valid treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in recent years.
*Many chiropractors use high velocity thrusts (manipulations) that do pose a small risk of injury. Manipulation of the neck or head using rapid rotational movements poses a very small (one to two in a million) but serious risk of stroke. People getting chiropractic treatment for lower back pain can ask that their necks not be manipulated.
*Pockets of gas escaping from the spinal joints cause the popping noise heard during a spinal adjustment and is not evidence that the vertebrae were out of alignment.
Chiropractic treatment, alone or in conjunction with other therapies, has been shown to effectively relieve back pain and help restore normal range of motion. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve back pain. In the United States and Canada, acupuncture is widely used as a complementary treatment (in addition to conventional medical treatment) for many types of pain and many disorders.
Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve back pain. In the United States and Canada, acupuncture is widely used as a complementary treatment (in addition to conventional medical treatment) for many types of pain and many disorders.
What does an acupuncture treatment consist of?
Extremely fine needles are inserted into specific points in the body. The needles are left in place for a short time - from a few minutes to half an hour. Because the needles are so fine that, if properly inserted by a professional, they cannot be felt once inserted. During the insertion of the needles, there may be a little pain or no pain at all.
It is important that a licensed acupuncture practitioner perform acupuncture. The needles used are disposable (the needles are regulated by the FDA for single use only), and the skin should be swabbed with disinfectant at the site of insertion. Infection may occur if there is inadequate sterilization of the needles. When done properly, acupuncture is virtually free of side effects.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice based on the belief that life energy (qi - pronounced "chee") flows through the body along pathways called meridians. Different meridians correspond to different body parts. If the flow of energy (qi) is interrupted, health problems can result. Acupuncture is used to restore the flow of energy (qi) to restore health.
Scientists are still trying to figure out exactly how acupuncture works. One theory is that acupuncture stimulates the production of endorphins (body's own pain killers) or other chemicals that affect the nervous system but the actual mechanism in which acupuncture works to relieve pain in unknown. To those who have experienced pain relief from acupuncture, they only care that it works, not why it works - and, a growing number of physicians are referring patients for acupuncture treatment.
Is there any proof that Acupuncture relieves pain?
Controlled studies have had varied responses (possibly because they have been too small), but most studies have produced positive results - the majority of people obtaining pain relief. Research has shown acupuncture to be especially useful in relieving nausea from chemotherapy and surgery. Acupuncture may relieve many types of pain and conditions, including low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, and more.
One of the largest and longest study ever showed that an extended course of acupuncture reduced pain by 40% in those with knee osteoarthritis. The results were not immediate - after 8 weeks there was an improvement in functioning only; after 14 weeks there was an improvement in pain. This study was funded by NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, both divisions of National Institutes of Health. See Press Release.
In Summary:
Like any treatment, acupuncture does not produce the same result in all people, even when they have the same condition. As it often seems to provide partial but not total pain relief, acupuncture is often used as a part of a pain management plan.
If you are experiencing back pain and have not had adequate pain relief from conventional treatment (or wish to cut back on pain medication) and are considering acupuncture, ask your doctor to recommend a licensed acupuncture practitioner.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves manipulations of the muscles and other soft tissues.
Back pain and neck pain are the most common reasons people seek treatment from a massage therapist.
Massage therapy relieves back pain by undoing painful muscle spasms, increasing blood flow to the muscles to nourish cells and speed tissue repair, increasing circulation of lymphatic system to flush out waste products that have built up in tissues and reduce inflammation, softening and breaking up scar tissue and adhesions (many old back injuries leave scar tissue that can contract and cause back pain).
Massage therapy also induces relaxation, lowers blood pressure levels, lowers stress hormone levels, and reduces anxiety and depression and pain perception. This makes massage therapy a good choice of treatment for chronic back pain, breaking the vicious cycle of pain producing tension and tension producing or intensifying pain.
There are different methods of massage therapy. Deep tissue massage therapy uses great pressure while kneading and manipulating the deeper muscles and tendons. It is good for treating back pain caused by muscle spasms or chronic muscular tension.
The pain relief provided by massage therapy from loosening of muscles is augmented by the benefits of contact with the skin, which seems to have a great influence on mood and pain perception.
Massage therapy isn’t good for every condition that causes back pain, but a professional massage therapist is trained to recognize whether massage therapy is or isn’t appropriate. Get a proper diagnosis from a qualified physician before getting any type of treatment for back pain.
