Are you suffering from low back pain? A chiropractic doctor or physical therapist can relieve pain and promote healing by adjust your spine with specialized techniques. Spinal Manipulate Therapy is based on the manual manipulation of the spine to increase range of motion of the spinal column and reduce tension and stress in the surrounding muscle tissues. The treatment involves using massage techniques and applying different levels of pressure to the spine and surrounding tissues to twist, adjust, pull and push the spinal column into place. This type of non-surgical treatment can be undertaken for both maintenance and preventive reasons because it keeps the spinal column strong and reduces the risk of severe back pain.
Effects of Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Spinal Manipulative Therapy is typically administered to those suffering from acute back pain and health problems associated with the lower back. Most people need to undergo several treatments over a period of 6-8 weeks to experience results, but the long-term effects may include a healthier back, better posture, and better health overall. Since the spinal column plays an important role in the functioning of the central nervous system, any imbalances can cause health problems such as fatigue, migraines, joint pain and even stress or anxiety. Spinal adjustments often help to alleviate the severity of these conditions and restore the body back to good health.
A chiropractic doctor physical therapist may begin a spinal manipulative therapy treatment program after conducting a thorough physical examination and various tests. The initial consultation is typically a diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems and an interview to understand the patient’s lifestyle and health habits. In some cases, the chiropractic practitioner will coordinate therapy with massage, nutritional counseling and recommend specific physical exercises that may help with the healing process.
Benefits of Spinal Manipulative Therapy
Many chiropractors offer Spinal Manipulative Therapy as a ‘standard’ treatment of services because lower back pain is so common and a misaligned spine is often linked to a number of health problems and ailments. Several studies suggest that spinal manipulative therapy helps treat lower back pain and may even help eliminate it completely. Critics of complementary state that better quality research is necessary before these benefits can be acknowledge. Still, chiropractic case studies show that spinal manipulate therapy and other muscle and joint adjustment procedures offer several health and wellness benefits including:
- Improved posture
- Reduced neck and back pain
- Improved breathing
- Better concentration
- Reduced stress levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduced tension headaches/migraine headaches
Spinal manipulative therapy can be part of an ongoing chiropractic treatment and care program that improves overall well-being. Though results from studies of spinal manipulative therapy and other chiropractic treatments are variable, the non-invasive, natural approach to better health and a stronger body continue to be an attractive option for many.
Spinal Manipulative Therapy is only one of several treatment options that may help improve spinal alignment, restore your spine to good health and improve overall well-being. Set up a consultation with a
chiropractic specialist in your area for a recommended treatment program.
Published: 03/06/2009, Last Updated: 03/06/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.