Back pain ranks as the fifth most common reason for disability, despite the fact that it is relatively widespread among Americans. It is important for individuals with back pain to understand the nature and sources of their pain, as well as what can be done to alleviate it. Because back pain can be caused by many underlying conditions, an accurate diagnosis is crucial for the proper treatment. A chiropractic specialist is highly trained in this area and can help you find a comprehensive treatment plan that will alleviate your back pain.
The best way to diagnose whether you have a back pain problem or not is to undergo a thorough neurological exam. During your examination, your chiropractor will try to locate misalignment or subluxations in the spine, which can be the source of your symptoms. He will ask you to complete a battery of tests, including x-rays, tests of muscle tone and strength, CT scans and MRI tests. If there is suspicion that you do have a nerve problem, then your chiropractor may suggest that you have a specific series of tests to rule out more serious problems such as cancer or kidney failure. You’ll receive specific instructions from your chiropractor about the type of tests that you need to undergo to ensure a correct diagnosis.
Many people seek pain relief, but don’t realize that there are many alternatives, such as exercise, hot and cold packs, massage therapy and physical therapy. A quality chiropractic treatment program will include a comprehensive range of modalities to treat your acute back pain and associated symptoms. These modalities include spinal manipulation, manual techniques and various massage therapies, such as deep tissue, Swedish and deep tissue. Although pain medication is very effective when dealing with long-term chronic pain, in most cases the symptoms go away after just a few weeks of medication.