Most people will suffer from back pain at some point during their lifetime. If we are lucky, our back pain will be temporary and manageable and will go away on its own without the need for treatment. However, countless people are also living with long-term, moderate, to severe back pain that is having a very real and debilitating impact on their quality of life.

Unsurprisingly, many people who suffer from chronic back pain would prefer to avoid taking medications to help them to manage day-to-day. Long-term use of pain drugs isn’t advised, and a percentage of patients become tolerant of them, requiring them to take more and more to achieve the same relief. Fortunately, there are some alternative options, including chiropractic care. Chiropractors are medical practitioners who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system. One of the key elements of the musculoskeletal system is the spine. Using their knowledge and skills, they are able to not only alleviate your symptoms but also help pinpoint the root cause of your back pain so that this can be treated too.

What Causes Back Pain?

Unfortunately, one of the most difficult things about back pain is determining exactly what is causing it. In fact, in some cases, it is never possible to identify a single cause for the discomfort you are experiencing, and you may be referred to as having non-specific back pain. Nevertheless, chiropractor’s deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system means that they are often able to establish the reason for your discomfort. Some of the most common causes of back pain include:

• A pulled ligament or muscle

• A damaged intervertebral disc

• Muscle tension or damage

• Sciatica

• Osteoarthritis, which can affect the space around the spinal cord

• Osteoporosis, where vertebrae become brittle and fracture more easily

What Does Chiropractic Care Involve?

Chiropractors can help alleviate your pain and treat the underlying cause of your discomfort using a variety of different techniques. Spinal manipulations, also known as spinal adjustments, are the technique that most people think of when they think of visiting a chiropractor. This is where your chiropractor uses their hands to push, pull and apply force to various areas of your back and body. The purpose of this is to release any areas of tension that may be trapped within the musculoskeletal system, and this helps to restore blood flow, reduce inflammation, and increase your flexibility and range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments also trigger the release of natural pain-relieving endorphins, which block pain messages from your brain to your body, helping you to feel more comfortable.

In addition to spinal manipulations, there is a range of other techniques which may be beneficial in relieving your pain. These include spinal decompression, massage therapy, and the Graston technique. While the majority of your care will take place at your appointments, your chiropractor will be able to give you valuable advice about the best way to continue your progress at home. As well as information about your diet, hydration, and sleep, you may be given special physical therapy exercises to perform at home.

Every patient is unique and requires a bespoke treatment plan. Your chiropractor will be able to give you an estimation as to how many appointments they think you will need, but many people who suffer from chronic back pain choose to have chiropractic appointments at regular intervals in order to keep their pain at manageable levels.

Want to know more about how chiropractic care can help with back pain? Call our chiropractic team in Midlothian, VA  today at (804) 379-1145.