How Chiropractic Therapy Helps Manage Chronic Back Pain

In recent years, chiropractic care has gained significant traction in medicine. It’s a far cry from the early days of the care, when the paucity of supporting evidence pushed it to the margins of mainstream medicine. The tide has turned in many ways, and today, many doctors send their clients to chiropractors for various skeletal conditions. 

One such condition is the number one reason for doctor's visits in the U.S.: chronic back pain. Fortunately, more techniques have been introduced to chiropractic care. The result is a wealth of tools and devices made available for its professional practitioners. The therapy is a great treatment option for chronic back pain, delivering lasting results. 

How Does It Work?

The principle that undergirds chiropractic care is to activate or reinforce self-healing by aligning the body correctly. In many ways, improper musculoskeletal alignment is the cause of many health conditions. Other than chronic back pain, you could find that you are highly predisposed to other health issues. This is because the central nervous system helps maintain the immune system.

Chiropractors perform manipulations and adjustments to the spine and other joints to correct misalignments. The changes help improve both physical function and improve motion and flexibility. 

The Core of Chiropractic Treatment

Treatment for lower and chronic back pain usually happens through manual therapy. The care professionals may use two primary forms of manual therapy, depending on the cause and your overall health. 
 

• Spinal and Manual Manipulation

In this technique, they apply short arm thrusts at high velocity to abnormal vertebrae. They aim to restore the spinal range of motion and minimize the irritability of affected nerves. They also improve the spine's functions to their optimal levels. This technique is the one best known as chiropractic adjustment. 
 

Much research has been done on the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for chronic back pain with positive results. In most studies, this technique has been recommended as a vital treatment element at the beginning of the therapy.
 

• Mobilization

The main aim of this technique is to increase the range of motion in specific treatment areas. It uses a low-velocity treatment that involves stretching the joints and muscles.

When Should You Not See a Chiropractor?

Chiropractic care is very safe—of the one million adjustments that happen every day, there are rarely any reported adverse effects. Still, not everyone can see a chiropractor, especially in the case of some bone conditions. 
 

• You Have Bone Disease

A chiropractor may not be your best choice if you have osteoporosis or another severe joint disease. Exploring other solutions safe for your condition with your doctor is best.
 

• Herniated Discs

A chiropractor can treat some herniated disc issues; others need surgery. It is best to confirm if you qualify first from your doctor. 
 

• Bone Fractures

Bone fractures and other anomalies in your bones can complicate treatment outcomes. You must have a checkup and ensure you qualify before you get any adjustments.

For more on how chiropractic therapy helps manage chronic back pain, visit Brookdale Health at our office in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Call (763) 561-4045​​​​​​​ to book an appointment today.