Manipulation of the spine has been used for thousands of years to correct health problems, improve the posture, and reduce the effects of lower and upper back pain. Spinal manipulation is the foundation of chiropractic treatments, and works by improving the functioning of the nervous system while correcting postural imbalances.
If you’ve been suffering from lower back pain, your chiropractic doctor may conduct a complete spinal analysis to determine the root of the problem. In many cases, the area where you are experiencing the pain is not necessarily the problem.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 80% of the adult population in the United States will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. For many people, a specific area in the legs, arms, hips or even the upper back may be misaligned and are responsible for causing excessive pressure on the lower back. Here are some of the most common chiropractic treatments for lower back pain:
Treating a Tilted Pelvis
For many people, lower back pain occurs because of a tilted pelvis. This situation can occur from a poor posture or an unhealthy lifestyle, but also from a slight difference in the length of the legs. A chiropractor will need to conduct a biomechanical evaluation to determine the discrepancy, and can then find out where there may be more muscle strain. A series of stretches, manipulation of the soft tissues, electrical muscle stimulation, and hydration of any inflamed muscles may be necessary to restore the health of the problem area, and alleviate pain.
Treating Spinal Fractures
Osteoporosis is one of the leading causes of spinal fractures, and this condition can be serious enough to cause severe lower back pain. Vertebral fractures often require surgery, but a
chiropractic doctor may intervene during the healing process to ensure that the spine is healing properly, and that it is not misaligned.
Since the person who experienced the fracture is more susceptible to future fractures, the spine must be restored to a better state of health. If lower back pain continues, the chiropractic doctor may perform various spinal manipulation techniques, along with deep tissue massage using various apparatus, so that the muscles, joints and bones can become stronger and less vulnerable to further problems.
Treating Depression
Many people begin to feel that they are controlled by their pain, and must make lifestyle adjustments in order to cope. A chiropractic doctor can help to alleviate the pain and improve overall wellness so that symptoms of depression are significantly lower.
Some people suffer from moderate to severe depression when they are experiencing chronic lower back pain. Problems with concentration and memory, feeling agitated or having low energy, sleeping too much or too little, and gaining or losing a significant amount of weight are all indications of depression. Chronic depression and lower back pain often go hand in hand, but a
chiropractic doctor can perform several spinal manipulation techniques that improve the functioning of the nervous system, and even diminish the effects of depression.
If you are experiencing mild to chronic lower back pain, contact a
chiropractic professional in your area to learn about different treatment options available. Lower back pain can be treated effectively with chiropractic therapy, and may be a viable alternative to painkiller medication and other treatments that do not treat the source of the problem.
