Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Back pain, including lower back pain, a pervasive medical issue in the United States, impacts countless individuals. It ranges from a persistent ache to a sudden, shooting pain down the leg. It can strike unexpectedly, caused by accidents, falls, heavy lifting, or it can gradually develop due to age-related changes in the spine. Inflammatory arthritis disorders or other medical conditions can also contribute to back pain.
Treating back pain depends on the cause and symptoms which often involve multiple factors. Therefore, you can take steps to improve your health and reduce the likelihood of chronic or long-lasting pain.
At Advantage Chiropractic in New Berlin, Wisconsin, we specialize in providing comprehensive care for all types of back pain. Our board-certified chiropractors for back pain are trained in the highly effective Torque Release Technique (TRT), addressing pain and related issues.
Choosing chiropractic care for back pain relief offers an enhanced overall health and well-being. Don’t let back pain hinder your daily activities any longer.
Our Back Pain Chiropractors in New Berlin, WI
Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?
Low back pain, including lower left back pain and lower right back pain can be a nagging issue. The good news is that chiropractic care can provide a natural and effective way to find relief. Chiropractors use non-invasive methods to treat mild and severe lower back pain by focusing on the body’s muscles and nervous system.
Chiropractors use a diverse range of methods, spanning from spinal manipulation to manual therapies, rehabilitative exercises, and even lifestyle recommendations. With hands-on adjustments, they strive to restore spinal alignment, lessen muscle tension, and soothe nerve irritation.
Research supports the effectiveness of chiropractic care for back trouble. A substantial number of patients report reduced pain levels, better functionality, and heightened satisfaction with their treatment. By zeroing in on the core issues behind lower back pain, chiropractic care delivers a well-rounded approach to healing the body from within.
A consultation with a licensed chiropractor for low back pain can offer tailored care and assistance. Discover the transformative advantages of chiropractic treatment and journey towards a life free of pain, naturally and without dependency on pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures.
Types of Back Pain Chiropractors Treat?
Chiropractors are specialists in addressing a wide variety of back issues. Your discomfort might be classified as acute, subacute, or chronic by doctors and chiropractors. Let’s provide a quick overview of these common back pain problems:
Herniated Disk: A rupture in the spinal disk can lead to back pain and nerve aggravation. Chiropractic adjustments provide relief and enhance spinal alignment, alleviating discomfort and promoting overall well-being.
Injury: Chiropractors specialize in addressing acute or latent back pain caused by injuries. They develop personalized care plans tailored to individual requirements, aiming to reduce pain in the back and facilitate the healing process.
Muscle & Tendon Trauma: Chiropractic care corrects muscle imbalances and fosters healing in overstretched or damaged muscles, effectively alleviating back soreness and supporting recovery.
Neuropathy in the back: Spinal adjustments effectively mitigate pain and numbness stemming from nerve compression in the back.
Osteoarthritis: A chiropractic adjustment aid in managing osteoarthritis by easing pain and enhancing movement, providing valuable support for individuals experiencing back pain related to this condition.
Osteoporosis: Chiropractic methods strengthen surrounding muscles, fortifying against bone loss caused by osteoporosis and promoting stability in the spine.
Sacroiliac Pain: Precise adjustments lessen pressure on the sacroiliac joint, reducing back and leg pain.
Sciatica: Chiropractic manipulation specifically targets compression of the sciatic nerve by reducing inflammation and boosting spinal function to alleviate painful back problems.
Scoliosis: Spinal manipulation, employed alongside other treatments, effectively lessens pain and enhances alignment for individuals with scoliosis which improves overall back health.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
Back pain is a common issue and comes with various discomfort levels that can affect different body parts. Symptoms can include localized discomfort, spreading pain, stiffness, numbness, weakness, and prickling feelings. Here’s a more detailed list:
- Pain, either localized or widespread in the back
- Discomfort radiating to other body parts like buttocks, legs, or abdomen
- Intensified pain when lifting, bending, or in specific positions
- Pain worsening during rest, sitting, or standing
- Intermittent back pain
- Stiffness in the morning, better with activity
- Numbness or weakness in legs or feet
- Tingling or numbness
- Severe back pain that doesn’t improve with medication
- Pain following a fall, injury, or trauma
- Difficulty urinating
- Weakness, discomfort, or numbness in the legs
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Back swelling or inflammation
- Pain extending down the legs
- Pain reaching below the knees
- Loss of control over bladder or bowel movements (urinary or fecal incontinence)
- Numbness around the genitals, anus, or buttocks
- Muscle Spasm or Spasms
- Posture issues, such as a lopsided stance or a flattened lower back
- Back, leg, or foot pains that feel hot, burning, shooting, or stabbing
Please bear in mind that symptoms can differ based on the person and the specific causes of back pain.
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can be traced back to a variety of root causes. Unraveling these elements can offer us a clearer picture of what triggers this pervasive discomfort. Here are the key back pain causes:
Causes of Back Pain:
Strains and Sprains:
Overexertion or awkward movements can stress back muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Twisting, bending, or hoisting heavy items without adequate support can result in sprains and consequent pain.
Fractures:
Incidents, accidents, or conditions like osteoporosis can cause vertebrae fractures, leading to low back pain.
Disk Problems:
Bulging or herniated discs happen when the soft core of a spinal disc slips out of place. This pressurizes neighboring nerves, and causes pain. Age related degenerative disc disease prompts the discs to wear down and provide less padding between vertebrae.
Structural Issues:
Spinal stenosis happens when the spinal column shrinks which squeezes the spinal cord, causing intense pain. Scoliosis, a sideways spine curvature, can cause stiffness, discomfort, and restricted mobility. Spondylolisthesis involves a vertebra’s displacement, causing lower back and potential leg pain.
Arthritis:
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent arthritis type that affects the lower back, leading to pain as spinal joints’ cartilage breaks down. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammation-based arthritis primarily affecting the spine, causing lower back aches and stiffness.
Diseases and Conditions:
Spine tumors, infections, and certain cancer types can trigger back tenderness. Kidney stones or infections, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and pregnancy can also result in your back hurting.
Sciatica:
Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often due to a herniated disc or bone spur, leads to pain, numbness, and a tingling sensation in the lower back and legs.
Muscle/Tendon Trauma:
Pulled, strained, or torn back muscles and tendons can result from injuries or overexertion, leading to pain and restricted mobility.
Lifestyle Factors:
Smoking heightens inflammation and hinders the body’s healing capabilities, potentially contributing to back problems. Obesity places extra stress on the spine, elevating pain and increases deterioration risk. Both inactive and excessively active lifestyles can impact lower back health, requiring a balance for optimal well-being.
Lower back pain can have diverse roots, from mechanical issues and injuries to underlying medical conditions. Understanding these causes is essential for determining suitable treatment and prevention tactics.
If the pain in your back is persistent then seek a healthcare professional to pinpoint the specific cause and develop an efficient care plan tailored to your condition.
What does a chiropractor do for back pain? (treatments)
Chiropractic care presents a collection of effective treatments for pain in the back, focusing on correcting spinal misalignments for relief. Here are the key methods:
- Spinal Manipulation: Chiropractors for back pain use hands-on techniques to adjust the spine and joints, easing pain and improving motion.
- Manual Therapies: Techniques like trigger point therapy and massage therapy alleviate tension in muscles and ligaments around the spine, fostering relaxation.
- Rehabilitative Exercises: Specific exercises are given to bolster muscles supporting the spine, enhancing stability, and reducing sore back issues.
- Lifestyle Guidance: Counsel on lifestyle changes, including exercise, diet, and stress management, supports overall health and lessens back ache pains.
- Motion Palpation: Chiropractors identify misaligned or immobile spinal areas to craft customized treatment plans.
- Toggle Drop: A swift, precise thrust to a specific spinal area relieves pain and enhances joint mobility.
- Lumbar Roll: This technique involves a rapid thrust to the problem area while the patient lies on their side, realigning spinal vertebrae.
- Release Work: Light pressure along the spine promotes spinal mobility and reduces discomfort.
- Table Adjustments: Specialized tables with a drop piece facilitate adjustments, enhancing spinal mobility and reducing pain.
- Instrument Adjustments: Spring-loaded tools gently adjust the spine, promoting optimal alignment.
- Manipulation with Anesthesia: Invasive treatment for severe chronic back pain, conducted under medical supervision.
- Flexion-Distraction Technique: Used for disc-related pain, a special table stretches the spine, with gentle pumping movements applied for relief.
- Pelvic Blocking: Cushioned wedges under the pelvis facilitate separation between disc and nerve, promoting healing.
Consult with a chiropractor for lower back pain to determine the best treatment for your individual needs.
How do I prevent back pain?
To ward off back pain and cultivate a healthy lifestyle, implement these evidence-based strategies:
- Regular exercise strengthens muscles and promotes joint flexibility.
- A healthy weight reduces back strain.
- Avoid smoking—it’s detrimental to spinal health and slows healing.
- Keep posture in check and cultivate good body mechanics.
- Lift correctly, without twisting, when handling hefty items.
- Stretch before physical activity.
- Take regular breaks from long periods of sitting or standing.
- Use supportive seating and prioritize workplace ergonomics.
- Sleep in a position that supports your spine’s natural curvature.
- Combat stress with relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation.
- Choose comfortable footwear over high heels.
- Take part in balance, strength, and flexibility activities like yoga and pilates.
- Ensure a good sleeping posture with a supportive mattress and pillow.
- Use lifting devices or ask for help with heavy objects.
- Enjoy a nutrient-rich diet to support bone health and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.
- Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting, and reaching in your daily routine.
- Listen to your body—take breaks and stretch to relieve tension.
- If your job is sedentary, include regular movement and exercise breaks.
- Reduce stress, a known contributor to back pain.
- Quit smoking to boost spinal health and reduce osteoporosis risk.
- Avoid carrying heavy loads alone—get help to prevent back strain.
What other treatment options for back pain?
Back pain treatment encompasses diverse approaches to manage discomfort and facilitate recovery:
Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises under the guidance of a therapist.
Massage Therapy: Techniques to relax tense muscles and improve blood flow.
Acupuncture: The insertion of fine needles at specific points to alleviate pain.
Medication: The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Heat to soothe tight muscles and cold to lessen inflammation and pain.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): Electric current to manage pain.
Spinal Decompression Therapy: Gently stretches the spine to reduce pressure on discs.
Chiropractic Care: Manipulation and adjustment of the spine to correct alignment and reduce pain.
Yoga and Pilates: Helps strengthen the core, improve flexibility, and reduce stress.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps manage the mental aspect of chronic pain.
Surgery: A last resort for severe cases, often after other treatments haven’t worked.
It’s vital to remember to consult a healthcare professional to find the best treatment option for your specific condition.
Back Exercises and Stretches Video
Ready to Get Started?
People who suffer from repeat episodes of low back problems usually find that maintaining healthy spinal function and following an exercise program that’s designed specifically for them can effectively reduce the prevalence of back issues episodes in the future. If you or a loved one are struggling with lower back pain, chiropractic care provides a safe and effective way to manage your pain and heal. Your first step on your path to wellness and a pain-free life is contacting Advantage Chiropractic today to schedule an appointment.
