Chiropractic care is an alternative medical system focused on the manual manipulation of the joints within the body. One of the most common ailments that chiropractors treat is lower back pain, a condition that affects up to 80 percent of people at some point in their lives. If you’re looking into alternative treatments for your back pain and you’d like to find out more about chiropractic care, this article will provide answers to some common questions.

What is a Typical Visit to a Chiropractor Like?

Similar to many other medical specialists, chiropractors need to gather some background information on their patients before they start testing and prescribing treatments, so come to the office prepared to discuss anything that might relate to your back pain. You may talk about your eating and sleeping habits, exercise regimen, any health issues or injuries, and tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Be sure to bring up any restrictions on your range of motion and any numbing or tingling you might be experiencing anywhere in your body.

Once the chiropractor has a more complete picture of your history, he or she will need to conduct a physical exam to observe your spinal mobility, and may order supplemental exams, including X-rays. Upon receiving the results from these exams, the chiropractor can begin treatment. For manual spinal manipulation, you’ll generally be asked to lie on a specially designed table while the chiropractor moves your joints to the end of their range of movement and lightly shifts them into place, thereby adjusting your spine.

In addition to this important adjustment technique, chiropractors can utilize alternative treatments to alleviate pain, including the application of heat and cold to the site and tissue massage.

What Benefits Can I Expect After Chiropractic Treatment?

Chiropractic care has been successful for treating lower back pain – particularly acute lower back pain, which is defined as back pain that hasn’t afflicted the patient for more than three months. It can also be used to reduce the pain from long-lasting chronic lower back problems.

Are There Risks Involved with Chiropractic Care?

There are risks involved in chiropractic care, but most of them are minor, with the more serious risks being extremely rare. Possible complications include herniated disks and compression of nerves in the lower spinal columns, otherwise known as cauda equina syndrome. Fortunately, if you’re working with a licensed, trained professional, your chances of experiencing either of these complications are drastically reduced. Plus, the screening process during your first visit can help tell the chiropractor whether you’re at risk for these problems.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know?

Although chiropractic care has been shown to help some back pain, it doesn’t work on everyone. Some people simply do not respond to the treatments. However, it is important to give the manipulations a chance to work. If you’re not seeing any improvement in your condition after a few weeks of treatment, it may time to look into other options for relief.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to chiropractic care.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to chiropractic care. http://www.chiroeco.com/chiropractic/news/14239/50/jamie-adams-named-chief-strategy-officer-for-laser-spine-institute/

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Ms. Smith is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to chiropractic care.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: chiropractic care, chiropractor, back pain, neck pain