Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Almost everyone suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, an estimated 85% of individuals experience pain that’s severe enough to warrant a visit to the doctor. For some, the pain subsides after a few days, but others have to live with the pain for weeks or even months.

If you’re one of these people, you’ve probably seen the words chiropractor and lower back pain together when searching for a solution. This is because no matter how common this condition is, the exact cause of the pain is unclear and a single treatment for most lower back pain is unknown. So, should you book an appointment with your local chiropractor? 

When Should You See a Chiropractor? 

If you’re struggling to manage the pain or if it has persisted for more than six weeks, it may be time to see a chiropractor. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

• Constant pain when lying down
• Weakness or numbness in one or both legs
• Redness or swelling in the affected area
• Pain radiating down one or both legs

How Can a Chiropractor Help?

A study published in JAMA Network Open in 2018 weighed in on the benefits of chiropractic care for lower back pain. Results showed that after six weeks of treatment, individuals who received chiropractic care reported less pain intensity, less need for pain medication, improvements in function and a higher satisfaction with treatment,

A Chiropractor can use two methods to try to alleviate pain. Spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment, refers to a high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) thrust applied to the abnormal vertebra to help reduce nerve irritability, restore range of motion and improve functionality. Several researches and published guidelines that consider this method in the early treatment plans for lower back pain.

Chiropractic mobilization, on the other hand, refers to low velocity manipulation or the movement and stretching of the muscles and joints. This method aims to increase the range of motion within those areas with the goal of alleviating back pain.

If you’re concerned about your lower back pain, it’s best to consult a professional to better assess your situation. As the best chiropractor in Ballarat, you can rely on Ballarat and District Chiropractic to find the proper solutions to improve your condition. Schedule an appointment today.