How Chiropractic can Help with Spinal Pain

Enjoying life is a challenge when you suffer from debilitating back pain, but chiropractic adjustments can help free you from some of this discomfort. You might know some things about seeing a chiropractor, but have you ever considered it? Keep reading to learn how this non-surgical process can help you lessen spinal pain.

What is an adjustment by a chiropractor?

An adjustment is a type of therapy using the chiropractor’s hands. Also called manual or spinal manipulation, an adjustment aims to improve spinal alignment. Goals include reducing nerve irritability, improving spinal function and increasing your range of motion.

How is a treatment plan made?

A chiropractic visit is like an appointment with other healthcare providers, but it differs in several ways too. Here is what to expect from the first session.   

Initial consultation

A consultation happens before any treatment plan is developed. Like going to other doctor’s officers, you answer questions about your medical history, highlight painful areas on a drawing of the human body and complete a health questionnaire.

Physical exam

Expect a physical exam that can include reflex testing, muscle strength or neurological and orthopedic testing. A spinal examination follows the traditional physical exam. The chiropractor will examine the whole spine and areas linked to the pain source. They will also pay close attention to the areas of your spine where the most pain occurs.

Treatment considerations

The chiropractor develops a customized treatment plan after considering several issues. Some of these factors may include:

• Your overall health
• The extent of the pain or injury
• The condition of the spine
• Your age and past injuries
• Your goals

The goals are determined during a conversation with the chiropractor. Are you trying to find pain relief? Are you looking to start an ongoing chiropractic plan to improve your health? These questions about long-term goals determine the route the provider maps out.

Although the spine is the focal point, the chiropractor will typically adjust other joints too. This might include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle or knee to improve the joint’s function or help restore structural alignment.

Adjustments are a multi-day process. The chiropractor will administer a series of adjustments separated by a few days or even just one day. The treatment might continue for up to several weeks, with the frequency of the visits steadily reducing.

Treatment Techniques

Chiropractors use a wide range of spinal mobilization and manipulation techniques to adjust alignment. A chiropractor’s primary tool is their hands. That said, other methods, such as electrical stimulation, shoe orthotics and exercise, can accompany the therapy. Expect the chiropractor to discuss lifestyle factors such as weight loss or a diet change. Refining other areas of your life can help lessen the pain.

Would you like to see a chiropractor?

You do not have to live with your back pain. A chiropractic adjustment can help relieve pain caused by spinal and joint alignment issues. A chiropractor can help you get back on the road to living life on your terms. Call our office to schedule a visit and experience our services firsthand.

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: Read our Yelp reviews.