How Chiropractic Care Can Help Back Pain
When an individual suffers from lower back pain, they can have serious restrictions that impede them from regular activities in life. Finding relief from low back pain is the key to enjoying a lifestyle of activity and comfort. Low back pain can be scary because you may have severe pain or numbness, and even weakness, into one or both of your legs. A proper diagnosis is necessary to determine the right course of treatment. Dr. Spitz has been diagnosing patients with back problems since 1982.
With all of the treatments out there, it may be hard to determine what will work best for you.
What are Various Treatments for Back Pain?
There are many treatments out there that claim to help with lower back pain. There are positives and negatives to these strategies for treatment. The different options for back pain relief can be found below.
- NSAIDS – These are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. They are a temporary fix to the pain and discomfort you may feel at times. Research shows that these are more effective at pain relief than acetaminophen. The caution is in the length of time these drugs are taken. It is imperative that they are only taken for short periods because extended periods can cause dangerous gastrointestinal problems ¹.
- Acupuncture – This ancient Chinese treatment is a non-medicinal way to treat lower back pain. The positioning of needles helps to redirect the flow of energy in the body and reset the system that is causing problems in the body. It redirects pain felt from nerves and can reduce inflammation in the joints. This process works naturally and can eliminate lower back pain without the need for medication. This process can take several sessions to provide the relief you are looking for and can be costly.
- Chiropractic Care – Doctors of Chiropractic (DC) use specific spinal adjustments that helps to remove joint fixations and/or misalignments (subluxations). Chiropractic care works without the need for any medications and it can truly help lower back pain and reduce the frequency of encountering this type of pain . There is much research showing the effectiveness of chiropractic care. Here is an article discussing a recent JAMA study. Here is an article from the National Center for Complementary Integrative Health. The Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol is a great source for your chiropractic needs. Dr. David Spitz is available to provide a personalized consultation to determine the right course of treatment for you. To make an appointment, please call his office at 860-583-4346 or fill out our online form here.
- Hot and Cold – The altering in temperature between cold and hot can cause a sense of relief. The process should be ice for 20 minutes at a time for the first 48 hours. Localized cooling shuts down the capillaries and reduces blood flow to the area. The second part of the process involves a heating pad for 20 minute intervals. The heat loosens up tight muscles and bringing extra oxygen to the rescue via increased blood circulation. This is often a temporary fix.
- Shoes/Mattress – Sometimes the back pain may be due to the shoes you are wearing or the mattress you are sleeping on. Your body needs support and it may start to affect your back if the support is not there. Those suffering from back pain are encouraged to sleep on a medium to firm mattress for support. If the mattress is sagging or older than 8 years it should be replaced. Shoes should have support and help correct any issues of pronation that may be present. This will not cure the back problem, but it can help with irritation and triggering of lower back pain.
¹ Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for spinal pain – Annals of Rheumatic Diseases
² Study of acupuncture for low back pain in recent 20 years – Journal of Pain Research
³ Spinal Manipulation for Low-Back Pain – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
Dr David M. Spitz is the founder and clinic director of the Chiropractic Health Center of Bristol, located in Bristol, CT. Since 1982, he has treated thousands of patients for various conditions ranging from neck and back pain, to migraine headaches. He specializes in treating patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and/or back injuries in a motor vehicle accident.
Dr Spitz was a volunteer EMT-I and a lieutenant for several years at the Burlington Volunteer Fire Department. He has lectured throughout CT on various topics including, chiropractic, stress management, headaches and preventing back injury in the workplace.
