Back Pain: Do I Need to Visit a Chiropractor?
Back pain plagues over 3 million people in the United States per year according to the Mayo Clinic. Most back pain will go away with time, but for some cases, it persists. This is when you need professional help.
About chiropractors
A 2015 National Institutes of Health report states that 27 million Americans are evaluated and treated by a chiropractor each year. A Doctor of Chiropractic focuses on the bones, muscles and nerves of the body and how they interact. Their basic technique involves manual manipulation of the spine but can encompass other treatment methods as well. Chiropractors will focus on manual, ergonomic manipulation to help adjust, align or reposition your body in a way thought to speed up the natural healing process.
Chiropractors are trained professionals who have a 4-year undergraduate degree. They also complete four years of additional training in a Doctor of Chiropractic program. These programs are rigorous and standardized to ensure that chiropractors provide the best treatment for back pain.
When to see a chiropractor
If you are reading this article, you have already decided to become an informed member of your medical care team. Maybe you have a chiropractor, or perhaps you are curious about what kinds of symptoms are legitimate reasons to make an appointment.
Either way, if you have experienced one or more of the following symptoms of back pain, consider making an appointment with a chiropractor:
- Inability to stand straight without pain or muscle spasms
- Pain in your back that also moves down your spine to your buttock, thigh, calves and toes
- Chronic aching, especially after sitting for or standing for extended periods
- Pain after lifting or engaging in strenuous activity
- Persistent aching or pain anywhere along your spine
What to expect during an appointment
Once you have determined that your back pain will not let up, the best thing to do is make an appointment.
During the visit, chiropractors will use tools to evaluate and treat back pain. The first thing any chiropractor should do is take a detailed medical history. Once this is complete, the doctor will then ask questions about the possible causes of your back pain and evaluate the spine and your range of motion.
An X-ray is also often taken to rule out the possibility that a spinal fracture is causing the pain. If an X-ray does not show any signs of fracture, the doctor will typically use manual manipulation of the spine to relieve the pain.
The chiropractor may tell you to do stretches at home to help with the pain between appointments.
Do you need chiropractic care?
If you experience back pain that does not seem to go away, you may want to consider visiting a chiropractor. Be sure to prepare for your appointment by knowing what to expect so that you and your doctor can discuss your pain as efficiently as possible. The sooner you come up with a course of treatment, the faster the pain will go away.
Request an appointment here: https://www.victoryspinecenternapa.com or call Victory Spine Center at (707) 673-9509 for an appointment in our Napa office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Back Pain in Napa, CA.
Recent Posts
It is no secret that your physical health greatly impacts your day-to-day functioning and, in turn, your mental health. This is why chiropractors are dedicated to promoting healing within your musculoskeletal system—to help your overall well-being. Take a closer look at how this medical professional can greatly impact how you view and care for your…
Chronic pain can be debilitating and affect every aspect of your life. Pain management treatment plans through a chiropractor offer a non-invasive and natural solution for those suffering from chronic pain. Chiropractic care not only alleviates pain but also addresses the underlying cause of it, providing long-term relief and improving overall quality of life.Unlike surgical…
A chiropractor assesses the body to determine its needs without using conventional medicines. If you are experiencing limited mobility or aches and pains from sleeping on a bad mattress or a result of a full-blown injury, we have ways of helping you feel more flexible and pain-free. Take a look at our various techniques to…
A spinal adjustment, also known as a chiropractic adjustment, is a non-invasive treatment that can prevent and address various issues affecting different systems in the body. It involves chiropractors using their hands, elbows, knees, or equipment to align the spine properly. Many people choose spinal adjustments as standalone treatments, while others use them to complement…