Spinal Manipulation and Its Ability To Ease Low Back Pain

The majority of people will suffer from lower back pain at least once in their lifetime. However, in most cases, the condition will improve with self-care practices such as taking pain relievers, heat and cold therapy, and other pain relief exercises. Occasionally, it becomes difficult to treat, which warrants the need to look for other effective solutions. Here is where spinal manipulation comes in.

What is spinal manipulation?

It is a technique mainly used by chiropractors to relieve lower back pain and improve body functions such as mobility. Spinal manipulation utilizes the use of exercises, massage, and physical therapy to realign the spine and other adjacent muscles and joints. It is thought to work better in conjunction with other conventional treatments such as medication and applying heat to affected areas.

How does spinal manipulation work?

Low back pains emanate from either underlying chronic conditions or mild irritation. Depending on the severity of the low back pain, your doctor may recommend additional chiropractic care intervention.

Your chiropractor will use specific methods to offset pressure from the spine and other joints. Spinal adjustment uses the power of skilled and well-trained hands or a special device controlled by a chiropractor. Prior to treatment, the chiropractor examines your spinal condition to make an informed decision on the best technique for you.

The careful and controlled force used on the spine ranges anywhere from strong to gentle or from rapid to slow. If other joints and muscles are partly the reason for the pain, the chiropractor will look into them.

How well does spinal adjustment work on the lower back pain?

More health practitioners are recommending additional chiropractic care as a treatment option for lower back pain. Its effectiveness seems to work over a few therapy sessions depending on the severity of low back pain. As earlier mentioned, there is no harm in supplementing chiropractic care with other pain relief methods such as intake of anti-inflammatory drugs.

Besides the practical adjustment of the spine, your chiropractor will offer additional guidelines for reducing lower back pain. A chiropractor is licensed to give advice on recommended stretching exercises that can sooth the lower back pain. A chiropractor could also guide you through dietary guidelines that should help improve your quality of life through maintaining healthy weights.

Are there risks?

Spinal manipulation is a delicate medical practice that should always be performed by a trained health care provider.

If handled by a qualified and skilled practitioner, chiropractic techniques should work towards relieving your lower back pain. Spinal adjustments aren’t recommended for patients with bone conditions such as osteoporosis. Your doctor will help determine if you are the right candidate for spinal manipulation therapy sessions.

This piece details the ins and outs of the spinal manipulation therapy and how it manages lower back pain. As more research continues to identify the effectiveness and risks attached to the technique, many conclude that chiropractic care indeed reduces low back pain.