Back Pain Treatment

Back pain can be challenging to diagnose and treat because it can have many different causes. Some back pain does not even stem from the back muscles or spine. Therefore, it is crucial patients describe the quality, intensity, location, and frequency of pain to help the practitioner determine the right treatment. Three common classifications of back pain include:

• Axial pain: Also known as mechanical pain, this is the most common type of lower back pain. This pain is confined to one region and can be dull to sharp and constant or throbbing. Muscle strain is a common cause of axial back pain. Other causes of axial pain include disc or facet joint problems.
• Radicular Pain: This can be tough to distinguish from referred pain. Also known as radiculopathy or sciatica, it is typically described as an electric shock-like or searing pain. This pain follows the path of a spinal nerve exiting the spinal canal. Likely causes of radicular pain include a pinched or inflamed nerve or herniated disk. In addition, this type of pain can spread below the knee.
• Referred pain: As the name suggests, referred pain describes when the pain felt in one part of the body is caused by a problem in another part of the body. This pain tends to be dull and achy and moves around a lot. However, many people tend to feel pain in the lower back, spreading to the mid-back, hips, and thighs. It is unlikely to spread below the knee. This type of pain is rarer than axial or radicular pain.

An important thing to note about back pain, especially referred pain, is that it can signify a serious condition such as kidney or prostate problems. Therefore, it is important to first rule out more serious conditions before deciding on the right form of treatment. It helps if the patient keeps a detailed pain journal to bring with them to their initial consultation.

There are a number of reasons people seek out chiropractic care when they are struggling with back pain. This treatment is an excellent option for those seeking relief that does not involve prescription drugs or surgery. People have reported it improves their posture, mobility, and athletic performance. Another advantage of chiropractic care is that it tends to be holistic and aims to treat the underlying issue and not just mask the symptoms. A 2015 study found patients reported reduced pain and a high level of satisfaction with their treatment.

Overall, chiropractic care is safe when administered by a qualified professional, and complications are rare. However, there are things to consider before undergoing chiropractic care. Those with the following conditions are advised against spinal manipulations:

• A bone abnormality in the neck
• A high risk of stroke
• Cancer in the spine
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of strength in a limb
• Severe osteoporosis

Also, those with bone or joint infections, bone fractures, or tumors are advised against chiropractic care.

Not all pain can be addressed with chiropractic care. Our team gets to know a patient’s case thoroughly to make sure that chiropractic care is the right approach. Our practitioners will fully understand the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, and current symptoms to ensure the treatment plan we design for them is safe, effective, and matches their needs.

You should inform the practitioner of anything that might relate to your back pain. The most important things include any injuries, surgeries, medications, or chronic conditions. It is helpful to keep a record of the pain that explains the following:

• A description of the quality of the pain (as detailed as possible)
• How long you have had it
• How you think it may have started
• If the back pain is worse at certain times of the day or after certain activities
• What seems to trigger the pain

Lifestyle habits, athletic activity, and what you do for work are important to share because these can factor into back issues.