Most people who seek back pain solutions choose chiropractic treatments. Around 22 million Americans visit chiropractors each year. The majority of these people visit chiropractors every year, with 7.7 million (or 35%), seeking relief from back pain due to various causes such as accidents, injuries, and muscle strains.  Other complaints include pain in your neck, arms, and legs and headaches. Our clinic in Charleston SC can help you.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic care includes spinal manipulation, as well as other treatments. According to the theory, proper alignment of the body’s muscles and skeletal system, especially the spine will allow the body to heal without the need for surgery or medication. Manipulation can be used to restore mobility to damaged joints due to repetitive stress such as sitting or falling without proper support.

Chiropractic treatment is used primarily as a pain relief option for muscles, joints, and bones. Sometimes, it is used in combination with traditional medical treatment.

The initials “DC”, which stands for Doctor of Chiropractic, identify a chiropractor. Their education usually includes an undergraduate degree and four years of chiropractic college.

What does Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain entail?

First, a chiropractor will take your medical history and perform a physical exam. Then, he or she may use diagnostic imaging or lab tests to determine whether treatment is necessary for your back pain.

One or more manual adjustments may be required to increase range and quality of motion. Many chiropractors also incorporate nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation into the treatment plan. Chiropractic care aims to restore function and prevent injury, as well as provide pain relief.

What are the benefits and risks of chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation are safe and effective treatments for acute lower back pain. This is the kind of injury that occurs when you move furniture or get tackled. Acute back pain is less common than chronic, but it usually gets better by itself.

Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in treating neck and headaches. The moderate pressure that chiropractors use as well as practitioners of deep tissue Massage can be used to treat osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia and migraines.

Some doctors, chiropractors, and osteopaths use prolotherapy to relieve chronic back pain. This is pain that can come on suddenly, or slowly, and lasts for more than three months. However, studies have not shown it to be effective. Injections of sugar water or anesthetic are used to strengthen the ligaments in your back.

People who are at high risk for spinal manipulation. Patients with a history of cancer must first get clearance from their doctor before they can undergo spinal manipulation.

The diagnosis of your back pain is the basis for all treatment. Your medical history should include current medications, lifestyle factors, and traumatic/surgical history. There have been rare cases where treatment caused a herniated disc to slip or worsen, or neck manipulation led to a spinal injury. Always consult your doctor before you decide whether chiropractic or any other pain relief options are available for your condition.