Chiropractic is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting your bones, muscles, and joints. Chiropractors primarily manipulate the spine, but they may also employ other techniques.
Chiropractors are particularly interested in issues that cause neck, joint and back pain.
Can A Chiropractor Help With Back Pain?
If your lower back pain is causing significant problems or isn’t improving, it will be worth trying manual therapy. Manual therapy is a treatment in which your chiropractor manipulates and moves your joints and soft tissues with skilled hand movements.
This type of treatment can be provided by a chiropractor for either short-term or long-term general lower back pain. They can also help with sciatica, which is pain that radiates down your legs from your back. The majority of people arrange their own chiropractic care by scheduling a private appointment.
How Will A Chiropractor Go About Treating My Back Pain?
1. Identifying The Cause:
Your first visit to a chiropractor will typically last between 30 minutes and an hour. Your chiropractor will want to discuss your back pain and overall health with you. If you agree, they will perform a physical examination, which may include examining your posture and the range of motion of your joints. If you are asked to remove some clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
If your chiropractor believes that additional tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI scan, will aid in the diagnosis, they may recommend them. These tests are rarely recommended by doctors for lower back pain. They should only be used in specific situations. Enquire with your chiropractor about why they believe these tests are necessary for you and how they will be scheduled.
If your chiropractor believes you require additional treatment for your back pain, they will refer you to another health professional.
2. Informed Consent:
Your chiropractor will discuss their findings with you and whether they believe chiropractic will be beneficial. They’ll lay out a treatment plan for you, including how many sessions you’ll need. They should also go over any possible side effects and risks of the treatment with you. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask. It is critical that you fully comprehend what your chiropractor is proposing because they will require you to sign a consent form before proceeding with treatment.
3. Chiropractic Treatment:
Chiropractors’ primary technique is known as adjustment or manipulation. It entails your chiropractor making precise, controlled movements or thrusts to your spine with their hands. During the treatment, you may hear popping sounds, which is normal. This is just the air pockets leaving your joints and bones.
Chiropractors may also employ other techniques such as massage, stretching, and mobilization (where your joints are gradually moved). Some chiropractors may also offer acupuncture treatment.
Your chiropractor will also usually advise you on things you can do on your own to manage your condition. This may include suggestions for improving your posture and exercising.
What Can I Expect After Chiropractic Treatment For Back Pain?
You may experience some pain or discomfort following your treatment although this is very rare. This should not last long and is usually not cause for concern. If you have any concerns, seek advice from your chiropractor.
For the first two weeks, you may receive one or two treatments per week. If you have complex problems or your job causes you to have back pain, your chiropractor may recommend a longer-term treatment plan.
If your symptoms do not improve after a few treatments, your chiropractor may reassess you. They may discuss alternative care options with you or refer you to a different healthcare professional.
It is critical that you follow any advice your chiropractor may give you on how to care for your back and what you can do to stay active. This will help you improve faster.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you understand how chiropractors can help with back pain and other problems. Now that you know what to expect from your visit to a chiropractor, you’ll be less wary of booking an appointment. Why not book an appointment with us? Here at Amersham Chiropractic Centre, we have skilled chiropractors with years of knowledge and experience who would love to help you. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you with your back pain.
