Backaches
PHYSICAL TREATMENTS
Unless back pain is due to an infection, malformation of the
back, or tumor, your pain can probably be alleviated by some type of
physical treatment. All physical treatments are more effective when
done in combination with other treatments. It is best if you can get a
referral from your doctor for physical treatment, and many insurance
companies require you to do so before they will pay for treatment. The
effectiveness of the various physical treatments varies, and it’s
really up to you as to which you are most comfortable with. The
effectiveness of physical treatments is increased when they are
combined with exercise.
Chiropractic Therapy
One of the most common physical treatments for back pain is
chiropractic therapy, which is the manipulation of the spine. The
purpose is to realign the spine, increase the range of motion in the
muscles of the back, increase the flexibility of spinal soft tissue,
break down scar tissue, and reduce pressure that occurs from restricted
and misaligned spinal joints, all of which help to relieve pain.
Chiropractic therapists, which include not only chiropractors, but also
osteopaths and some physical therapists, diagnose and treat only
problems with the muscles, nerves, and skeletal system and do not use
drugs or surgery. Going to a chiropractor is much like going to a
regular doctor: you will be asked for a case history involving your
symptoms, have a physical exam, and possibly have x-rays taken.
Chiropractors undergo intense medical training. They must have two
years of undergraduate work, and when they enter chiropractic college,
they study the same topics doctors do, including anatomy, physiology,
x-ray, psychology, and orthopedics. After getting the basics down,
chiropractors then study diagnosis and adjustment techniques that most
other doctors do not. Besides their coursework, chiropractors also have
intern and externships, where they observe and assist licensed
chiropractors. All in all, chiropractors spend about 900 hours studying
and working in their field. After graduation, chiropractors must either
take a test to be licensed in the state in which they want to practice
or the National Board of Chiropractic Examination.
Osteopaths are medical doctors and can prescribe medications. They must
have an undergraduate degree and take the Medical College Admissions
Test before being admitted to osteopathic medical school. Like other
doctors, osteopaths take four years of coursework and spend time
observing in medical settings. They do internships and sometimes
residencies, and must take exams in order to be licensed.
Studies have shown that chiropractic manipulation is effective in
treating lower back pain. However, it has not been shown to be any more
effective than any other method of treatment, but has been shown to be
better than no treatment at all. Chiropractic treatment is most
effective when applied within two months of the onset of lower back
pain, but probably will not help people who have disc prolapsed,
previous back surgery, or back pain due to disease. If you decide to
consult a chiropractor, make sure you tell him about any serious back
injuries you have had, and any sharp pain or lower back pain with leg
pain or numbness. These could be the signs of serious conditions that
could be worsened by spinal manipulations.
If you are interested in chiropractic treatment, meet with the
chiropractor in person to get a feel for the kind of treatment he
offers, and look for someone who diagnoses with a physical exam. While
x-rays are occasionally taken, they should not be the only diagnostic
tool used. Ask about what kind of manipulations the doctor or therapist
generally does and look for someone who uses primarily slow, gentle
motions rather than sharp and sudden jolts. Avoid anyone who wants to
crack your neck, as this can be very dangerous.
When you go for treatment, you will lie on your side or stomach while
the therapist does various manipulations. He may put one hand on your
shoulder and one on your hip and gently twist your body, or he may put
pressure on the spinal joints. When this is done, you may or may not
hear a crack. Chiropractors may also use ultrasound, therapeutic
massage, stretching, and muscle stimulation to help relieve back pain.
You may have some soreness for a day or two after treatment.
Studies have shown that you should feel relief from pain in four to
eight sessions. While some chiropractors may suggest a longer course of
treatment, there is no evidence that it will be more effective.
If you don’t feel better in four to eight sessions, chiropractic
treatment probably won’t help you.
There are few risks involved with gentle manipulations, but there are
some serious ones that can occur in certain situations. People with
osteoarthritis should avoid twisting manipulations as this can cause
bone spurs to damage the spinal cord and nerves. Although it is rare,
there have been cases where forceful neck manipulations have resulted
in neurological damage and death. It’s best to avoid spinal
manipulations if you have osteoporosis or nerve damage. Check with your
doctor if you’ve had spinal surgery, or back pain along with fever,
chills, sweats, or unintentional weight loss. Chiropractic therapy
won’t help you if you have back pain due to infection or tumor. And
finally, rapid neck manipulations can lead to strokes. You can avoid
risks by giving your therapist a thorough account of all injuries and
illness you’ve had.
A good chiropractor is one who is willing to work with your other
medial professionals. She should also give you self-care information
and exercises to do at home. Avoid anyone who wants you to continue
sessions to prevent future back pain; studies do not show this to be
effective.
Acupuncture
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This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.