As a practicing Chiropractic Physician I am often asked this very common question. Before I can answer this question allow me to give you some background on the profession and back pain.
Chiropractic is the second largest health care profession in the United States. Even though the profession itself is very young (1895), history shows us that even as far back as the times of Hippocrates there was recognition of the fact that the spine and nervous system are very important in their relationship to the health of the individual. Millions of people worldwide seek the help of Chiropractic each year to help alleviate various ailments. Most commonly people think of Chiropractors treating musculoskeletal types of problems such as low back, neck pain, headaches or sciatica. However, Chiropractic may help with any condition in which a misalignment of the spine is causing nerve interference.
Back pain is second only to the common cold as a reason for doctor’s office visits. It is estimated that at least 85% of people will experience some type of back pain in their lives. Some of the causative factors for back pain include: traumatic injuries, postural stressors, emotional stressors — all of which may cause or contribute to degenerative joint disease, disc herniations, and/or spinal joint misalignments.
Chiropractors are specialists in the evaluation/diagnosis and treatment of the various forms of back pain. They are specially trained in locating those areas of spinal joint stress which can compromise the nervous system and cause disease. The treatment methods Chiropractic employs are termed wholistic, meaning that instead of drugs and surgery, natural healing methods are utilized. Specifically, gentle hands-on techniques are used to realign the spinal stress previously discussed and therapeutic modalities such as heat and ultrasound may be used to relieve muscular tension. Certainly, any condition deemed to be outside the scope of Chiropractic care will be referred to the appropriate medical specialty.
So, back to the original question — Can Chiropractic Help to Relieve my Back Pain? Yes, there is a good chance it can. The only way to know for sure is to call us for a free consultation, you may be pleasantly surprised.