When looking for material for this post I decided to share this informative piece from WebMD:
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Among
people seeking back pain relief alternatives, most choose chiropractic
treatment. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of
these, 7.7 million, or 35%, are seeking relief from back pain
from various causes, including accidents, sports injuries, and muscle
strains. Other complaints include pain in the neck, arms, and legs, and headaches.
What Is Chiropractic?
Chiropractors
use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments, the
theory being that proper alignment of the body's musculoskeletal
structure, particularly the spine, will enable the body to heal itself
without surgery or medication.
Manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue
injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive
stress, such as sitting without proper back support.
Chiropractic
is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for muscles, joints,
bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.
It is sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical
treatment.
The initials "DC" identify a chiropractor,
whose education typically includes an undergraduate degree plus four
years of chiropractic college.
What Does Chiropractic for Back Pain Involve?
A
chiropractor first takes a medical history, performs a physical
examination, and may use lab tests or diagnostic imaging to determine if
treatment is appropriate for your back pain.
The
treatment plan may involve one or more manual adjustments in which the
doctor manipulates the joints, using a controlled, sudden force to
improve range and quality of motion. Many chiropractors also incorporate
nutritional counseling and exercise/rehabilitation into the treatment
plan. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function
and prevention of injury in addition to back pain relief.
What Are the Benefits and Risks of Chiropractic Care?
Spinal
manipulation and chiropractic care is generally considered a safe,
effective treatment for acute low back pain, the type of sudden injury
that results from moving furniture or getting tackled. Acute back pain,
which is more common than chronic pain, lasts no more than six weeks and
typically gets better on its own.
Research has also
shown chiropractic to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. In
addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to the moderate
pressure used both by chiropractors and practitioners of deep tissue
massage.
Studies have not confirmed the effectiveness
of prolotherapy or sclerotherapy for pain relief, used by some
chiropractors, osteopaths, and medical doctors, to treat chronic back
pain, the type of pain that may come on suddenly or gradually and lasts
more than three months. The therapy involves injections such as sugar
water or anesthetic in hopes of strengthening the ligaments in the back.
People who
have osteoporosis, spinal cord compression, or inflammatory arthritis,
or who take blood-thinning medications should not undergo spinal
manipulation. In addition, patients with a history of cancer should
first obtain clearance from their medical doctor before undergoing
spinal manipulation.
All treatment is based on an
accurate diagnosis of your back pain. The chiropractor should be well
informed regarding your medical history, including ongoing medical
conditions, current medications, traumatic/surgical history, and
lifestyle factors. Although rare, there have been cases in which
treatment worsened a herniated or slipped disc, or neck manipulation
resulted in stroke or spinal cord injury. To be safe, always inform your
primary health care provider whenever you use chiropractic or other
pain relief alternatives.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
WebMD A-Z Health Guide: "Chiropractic."
WebMD Medical News: Massage, Chiropractic Top Medical Alternatives, Alternative Medicines Rated in Consumer Reports Survey.
American Chiropractic Association: "History of Chiropractic Care" and "What Is Chiropractic?"
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "About Chiropractic and Its Use in Treating Low-Back Pain."
National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Handout on Health: Back Pain."
WebMD A-Z Health Guide: "Chiropractic."
WebMD Medical News: Massage, Chiropractic Top Medical Alternatives, Alternative Medicines Rated in Consumer Reports Survey.
American Chiropractic Association: "History of Chiropractic Care" and "What Is Chiropractic?"
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: "About Chiropractic and Its Use in Treating Low-Back Pain."
National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Handout on Health: Back Pain."
Reviewed by
Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on April 20, 2012
© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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