If you have ever had back pain, you know how excruciating the discomfort can be. Sometimes it is from an acute condition that comes on suddenly, due to a specific cause like hurting yourself when moving an item that is too heavy. Other times you may have a chronic condition that has developed over time. In that case you may not even be aware of what caused the pain originally. Your pain may radiate and could be sharp or might even be achy and dull.
You might also experience some other symptoms related to low back pain. Stiffness may make it hard to get up from being seated, and you may find your range of motion has decreased. Your problems could also be reflected in your posture and you might feel difficulty when you try to stand up straight. With back strain, extreme pain may occur due to muscle spasms. When any of these occur, it’s important to make an appointment with your chiropractor so you can get the care you need as soon as possible.
Possible Internal Causes of Low Back Pain
Severe back discomfort may be caused for a variety of reasons. In general, it comes on when there has been damage to the ligaments or muscles in your back. Possible reasons for low back pain include herniated discs or a disc tear, scoliosis, and arthritis. Spinal stenosis, sciatica or even fractures of a vertebra could also factor in.
Often, though, the cause stems from injury or overexertion to joints, muscles and other structures that support your spine and back.
What to Expect at Your Chiropractic Appointment
When you go to your initial appointment with your chiropractor, they’ll take the time to listen and understand what is going on for you. From there, they will take a detailed medical history and then perform a physical exam. They may also use diagnostic imaging or order lab tests to help determine the best treatment options.
The chiropractor will also rely on his or her training and experience to help make a proper diagnosis. In addition to having an undergraduate degree, doctors of chiropractic (“DC”) also have four years of specialized training at a chiropractic college.
Treatment Options That Are Available
Once a diagnosis has been established, the chiropractor can develop an appropriate treatment plan. In general, they will typically focus on using methods such as spinal manipulation, massage, acupuncture and physical therapy to help relieve your pain. Laser therapies may also be available.
The manual adjustments, which use a controlled force, may help make a positive difference in how you feel and heal. It is thought that by aligning the body and spine properly you can enable and open the body up to healing without needing strong medication or surgery. Your DC may also add exercise and rehabilitation to the treatment mix.
If you have lower back pain from an acute injury or a chronic condition, it’s time to make an appointment with a highly rated local chiropractor so you can get the care you need. Your DC will be able to perform an exam, diagnose the issues and come up with protocols that will help you heal and recover.
