Using Chiropractic Care & Physical Therapy for Back Pain Relief
September 6, 2023
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Lower back pain can be debilitating. It can limit your mobility or prevent you from participating in activities that you enjoy. It can become a constant presence in your life, whether you are resting or moving. It can leave you constantly searching for something to dull the ache.
Regardless of the cause, lower back pain is not something you have to tolerate. You can and should see a chiropractor for lower back pain relief.
Understanding the Causes of Lower Back Pain
Before you can begin treatment for lower back and spine pain, you will need to understand what is causing your discomfort. According to the Mayo Clinic, lower back pain can be caused by:
- Injury
- Muscle Strain
- Bulging Disks
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
Sciatica is another condition that can lead to persistent lower back pain, and it is one of the most commonly treated conditions at Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles. Sciatica typically begins after the sciatic nerve is injured, which can easily happen during exercise or from heavy lifting. As the condition progresses, it can lead to lower back pain that is difficult to manage without expert chiropractic care.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Treating Lower Back Pain
Rather than simply providing patients with medication to dull the symptoms or recommendations for lifestyle changes to minimize pain, chiropractors work to support whole-body wellness while addressing the root cause of the lower back pain. A chiropractic adjustment can be performed in specific areas of the spine in order to restore function and motion to a joint. This gentle pressure and movement triggers the nervous system, ultimately reducing pain and offering patients long-term results.
Benefits of Chiropractic Adjustments
Chronic lower back pain is incredibly common. In fact, more than 80 percent of adults will experience it at some point in their lives. When you rely on chiropractic care and adjustments to treat your lower back pain, you will enjoy many benefits. According to an article published by the Harvard Medical School, chiropractic adjustments benefit patients by:
- Minimizing the intensity of lower back pain.
- Improving mobility and function in the affected area.
- Reducing the need for pain medication to eliminate symptoms.
At Advanced Physical Medicine, we specialize in providing our patients with personalized chiropractic care. Not only are we going to work to alleviate your back pain, but we are going to address the root cause. Our providers specialize in providing comprehensive and compassionate care, ensuring that you receive the results and support that you need. In addition, we work with most major insurance providers in order to keep your treatment plan as affordable as possible.
For more information about why you should see a chiropractor for lower back pain, contact Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles today.
How Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy Work Together
For many patients, the most effective path to lasting back pain relief combines chiropractic care with physical therapy. While chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment and joint function, physical therapy builds the strength and flexibility needed to maintain those results over time. Together, they address both the immediate source of pain and the underlying muscular weaknesses or movement patterns that allowed the problem to develop in the first place.
At Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles, our patients benefit from having both services available under one roof. Your chiropractor and physical therapist can coordinate your care directly, ensuring your treatment plan works as a whole rather than in isolated pieces. This integrated approach is especially effective for conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, and chronic lower back pain that has not responded to a single form of treatment.
What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Visit
If you have never seen a chiropractor before, knowing what to expect can make your first appointment feel less daunting. Your first visit begins with a thorough assessment of your health history and a physical examination. Your chiropractor will take the time to understand your symptoms, identify the source of your pain, and explain your treatment options before any adjustments are made.
Chiropractic adjustments are generally gentle and well-tolerated. Some patients feel immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over the course of several visits. Your provider will set clear expectations for your care timeline and check in regularly to make sure your plan is working.
When to See a Chiropractor for Back Pain
A common question patients ask is how long they should wait before seeking care. The answer is straightforward: you do not need to wait. Many people put off treatment hoping the pain will resolve on its own, but early intervention typically leads to faster recovery and a lower risk of the problem becoming chronic.
You should consider scheduling an appointment if your back pain has lasted more than a few days, if it is interfering with sleep or daily activity, if it followed an injury or sudden movement, or if you are experiencing pain, numbness, or tingling that radiates into your legs. These are all signs that something in the spine or surrounding structures needs attention, and chiropractic care is a proven, non-invasive place to start.
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