Treating Severe and Chronic Lower Back Pain with Chiropractor Treatment


Chronic lower back pain can get in the way of your everyday life. If you suffer from severe and persistent pain, then you may benefit from a chiropractor treatment. At The Spine Clinic, we are dedicated to helping patients find the best treatment plan for their needs.
 

It is critical for patients to not only understand the type of treatment plans that may be offered. It will also help them make the most of their treatment. Here, we will discuss the ins and outs of the initial exam, as well as potential treatment plans that may be elected to relieve lower back pain.

 

Chiropractic Exam

 

Before starting a treatment plan, patients must undergo an initial chiropractic exam and consultation. At this point, your pain points will be evaluated. It is important to describe the duration and intensity of the pain as well as any treatments that have helped curb some of the symptoms. Patients should also be prepared to discuss family history as well as partake in a physical exam.

 

Chiropractic Diagnosis for Lower Back Pain

 

The next major step is receiving a diagnosis. Understanding the source of the pain will help chiropractors better identify the appropriate plan of action moving forward. Lower back pain can usually be classified by three of the following concern areas:
 

Serious Concerns: Infections, wounds, and other significant neurological problems may be a source of concern when it comes to lower back pain.
 

Nerve Damage: In some cases, the nerves in the lower back become compressed or pinched, which may be the cause for the persistent pain.
 

Non-Specific: Non-specific lower back pain is one of the most commonly diagnosed issues, although there is no detectable cause for it.
 

In the event that there is a serious medical condition, you may be referred to a medical specialist.

 

Core Chiropractic Treatments

 

It is most common for lower back pain to be addressed through manual treatment. Generally, those treatments fall into the following categories:
 

Spinal manipulation and manual manipulation: Chiropractic adjustment is conducted in order to improve the range of motion, relieve pain, and better overall functionality. Research support chiropractic adjustments as one of the most beneficial options to include in early care for back pain.
 

Mobilization: Chiropractic mobilization includes stretching and moving joints over a period of time in order to enhance the range of motion.

 

How a Chiropractor Adjustment is Performed

 

Typically, a chiropractic adjustment used to treat lower back pain includes a few key elements. First, a high velocity, short lever arm thrust is conducted. At this point, patients may hear the release of joint cavitation in the form of a cracking or popping sound. While there may be a slight discomfort, most treatments include a sense of relief. Most pain is associated with patient’s tensing their muscles during the treatment. It is especially important to remain still and relaxed throughout the adjustment.

 

Other Considerations

 

Keep in mind, cracking and popping is not always experienced during the treatment. This may be because the patient isn’t fully relaxed. If this occurs, the chiropractor may try a series of additional treatments such as icing the impacted area or even massing it to help the patient relax before trying an adjustment again.

 

Overview

 

If you suffer from chronic lower back pain, then you already know how much it can get in the way of your everyday life. If you’re sick and tired of debilitating back pain getting in the way, then please reach out to us at The Spine Clinic in Salem, OR. Our knowledgeable staff can answer your questions and schedule a consultation.