We all get aches and pains from time to time, right? If you are experiencing back pain, you may think it is not something serious enough to warrant a visit to your chiropractor in Tucker, GA. But it might be. If there is something wrong with your back, it is important to seek chiropractic care as soon as possible so you can prevent permanent damage or long-term back pain.
Many sources of back pain and back dysfunction exist. If any one of the joints or muscles becomes in flamed or injured, back pain can present itself and it isn’t always easy to treat at home.
The body’s spinal column is comprised of 24 bones that are connected to ligaments and muscles. This structure offers function, form and a protective casing for the spinal cord. If the spine is injured, chronic back pain can be an issue.
Back Pain Signs that Should Send You to Your Chiropractor
But how do you know if your back pain requires a trip to your chiropractor? Sometimes you just know, such as if the symptoms are screaming at you with extreme back pain – but it isn’t always so obvious. Here are 11 signs of back pain that signify it is time to make an appointment to see your chiropractic care specialist.
- Back pain that started after some form of sudden trauma, such as a fall or an auto accident.
- Extreme pain at night.
- Numbness in your buttocks or inner thighs.
- Pain that is constant and gets worse.
- Pain that does not go away.
- Fever that accompanies your back pain.
- Leg tingling.
- Bowel problems.
- Increased pain when bending or flexing your back.
- Weakness in your legs.
- Abdominal pain along with your back pain.
If your back pain is frequent or becomes more intense, you should heavily consider making a trip to see your chiropractor. By taking early action as a result of your back pain symptoms, you may be able to prevent further damage to your spine and potentially even reverse the condition.
How a Chiropractor Helps to Relieve Back Pain
Upon an initial visit to a chiropractor for back pain, a chiropractic doctor will assess your spine with a thorough examination to determine what is causing you back pain. After a diagnosis has been made, a specialized treatment plan can be put in place.
A chiropractor may use one or a combination of spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises and manual therapies to help your body heal quickly so you can regain optimal use of your spine. Some spinal manipulation techniques used by chiropractors may include:
- Instrument Assisted Manipulation: This method uses an instrument that the chiropractor holds by hand to adjust the vertebrae with targeted force without pushing into the spine.
- Flexion Distraction Technique: This is a gentle form of spinal manipulation technique that involves the chiropractor pumping action on the spinal discs with his hands rather than direct force.
- Specific Spinal Manipulation: A chiropractor uses a thrusting technique that is gentle in order to restore joint movement.
The goal of chiropractic spans beyond the hands-on treatment of back pain that takes place only within an office setting. Your chiropractor may also educate you on stress management, lifestyle goals and nutrition so you can better treat your back pain. Rather than just putting a Band-Aid on the problem, with chiropractic care, you can learn how to treat your symptoms as well as how to prevent your pain from getting worse or returning in the future.