The American Chiropractic Association encourages patients to seek drug-free solutions to back pain. Many patients want to take the natural path to relief. This is where chiropractic care can help. It is important to know the causes of back pain and how your chiropractor can help with them. Here are the details.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Tightness, misalignment, or inflammation can happen in any section of your back. The muscles, bones, or joints may be experiencing some type of disruption. There could also be damage to specific nerves. Your chiropractor may also suggest some lifestyle changes as part of the treatment. Below are the common causes of back pain to consider:
- Ligament or muscle strain can result from bad posture or repeated physical activities. Postural misalignment tends to force the back muscles to balance the body again. This results in strain. Your chiropractor can use different types of manual manipulations on your affected muscles. This can reduce strain and tightness in no time. Athletic tape, braces, and other dressings may be used in cases of treating injury.
- A herniated or slipped disc develops from repeated manual activity. It can also come from injury or sudden, forceful movements. Once a vertebral disc herniates or slips, the spinal column’s soft interior becomes exposed. This disc pushes through the joints and area surrounding them. The herniation produces significant pressure on your local nerves. This then results in nerve pain.
- Muscle spasms can also cause back pain. The muscles contract in an attempt to protect the body from overuse. This type of pain may come after excessive pushing, bending, or lifting. Excessive contraction can limit your range of motion. Your chiropractor may ask about any new activities or lifestyle changes. Any one of them may be causing muscle strain, weakness, or tightness.
- Inflammation can result from posture, genetics, exercise, or sleep. Injury and your immune system’s response to it often results in inflammation of the affected area. Inflammation can arise from the healing of injuries or the action of the immune system. But chronic inflammation can lead to weakness and pain. It can also trigger chronic fatigue and poor immune response.
How Your Chiropractor Can Help
Seeing your chiropractor can help relieve your back pain. Reviewing your medical history and symptoms must happen first before the treatment begins. A full physical exam, lab tests, and diagnostic imaging can check what is changing in your body. Your chiropractor will then create a custom-fit treatment plan for your needs. Here are some of the treatment options for your back pain:
- Manual therapies include massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. These therapies can relieve tension buildup in tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
- Spinal manipulation is a common chiropractic treatment. It involves applying manual pressure to your joints and spine. Your chiropractor can target your pain and improve the way you move with this technique.
- Rehabilitative exercises can strengthen the muscles in your back. They can relieve pain and prevent injury as well.
- Nutritional and lifestyle counseling can help you manage your back pain. Significant changes in your sleep habits, diet, and exercise can reduce discomfort.
Conclusion
Visiting a chiropractor can help relieve your back pain and prevent more problems from occurring. At Aligned SRQ, we guide our patients before, during, and after their chiropractic care sessions for back pain. You can visit our facility in Sarasota, Florida, for an in-person consultation. Please call 941-214-6150 to set an appointment or ask about our back pain treatment packages.