Back pain is extremely common, and most people will experience at least one episode of it during their lifetime. For others, back pain and the symptoms associated with it can become a chronic problem. The effects of chronic back pain can be extremely debilitating, limiting your ability to work, enjoy social activities, and in some cases, even your ability to provide basic care for yourself.

 

While pain medications can help to minimize the discomfort caused by back pain, unsurprisingly lots of patients don’t like the idea of taking drugs to control their pain, especially if they require them long term. It’s also important to be aware that pain medications only mask the discomfort, rather than addressing the actual cause of the problem. This is where chiropractic care is different.

 

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractors are medical practitioners who specialize in understanding, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system – the bones, muscles, and connective tissue that give the body strength and movement. This includes the spine, which of course is found in the back, and is often a major contributor to back pain. Your chiropractor will use their specialist knowledge to try and determine the cause of your back pain and is best placed to create a successful treatment plan that will reduce or even eliminate your pain and any associated mobility problems.

 

Causes of Back Pain

It’s important to be aware that in some cases, the true cause of back pain is never actually discovered. These patients are typically diagnosed with having non-specific back pain. However, there are also a range of discernible reasons why you might be experiencing back pain. Some of the most common include:

 

• Muscle tension or damage

• A damaged intervertebral disc

• Pulled ligament or muscle

• Poor posture

• Sciatica

• Osteoarthritis

• Osteoporosis
  
   

In some instances, it may be necessary to have imaging tests such as x-rays or CT scans to determine the true cause of your back pain before treatment begins.

 

What is Involved in Chiropractic Care for Back Pain?

Chiropractors are trained in a range of different techniques to treat back pain. It’s not unusual for patients to have their treatment performed using more than one and your chiropractor will be pleased to advise you how each different technique should help you. In most instances, your chiropractor will use manual manipulations to help improve your back pain. This is where they use their hands to pull, push and apply other force to areas of your body, including your back, arms, shoulders, hips, and legs.


This helps to realign your spine and release any pressure points in your back which could be pinching nerves and causing your pain. Relieving pressure also helps to improve your circulation, reduce inflammation and improve your mobility. Boosted blood flow will help nutrients reach any damaged areas so that they can heal more easily, while chiropractic adjustments will also prompt the release of natural pain-relieving endorphins.

 

Your chiropractor is also a source of valuable advice. They will be able to check your posture and make recommendations to adjust this to best support the position of your spine and ensure it doesn’t result in back pain. You may also be given special exercises to perform at home to help manage your condition and prevent further back pain in the future.

 

Every patient is different, and your chiropractor will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your individual needs. If you would like more information about how chiropractic care can help with back pain, or to schedule a consultation, contact Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Hastings, Grand Island, or Kearney, NE to speak with our dedicated team. 



Learn more about relieving back pain, contact Active Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture at (402) 249-5500, (308) 384-4955, or (408) 222-4400.