Back Pain Treatment – Can Chiropractic Help Me?
There are many different causes and treatments of back pain:
Some of the causes of back pain may involve trauma such as back pain after a car accident. However, one of the most common causes of back pain is degenerative disc disease. There is a structure known as the disc which is between each vertebra in the spine. If these discs breakdown through wear and tear over time it is known as degenerative disc disease.
When the disc degenerates it can alter functions of the disc including shock absorption. Also, when the discs degenerate or shrink it reduces the size of the holes where the nerves exit between each vertebra. This can result in irritation of the nerves causing local upper back pain, mid back pain, lower back pain, and/or leg pain. If this occurs in the neck could cause neck pain, headaches, and/or arm pain.
Back Pain Treatment
Some of the most common back pain treatment options would include physical therapy, chiropractic, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching, and therapeutic steroid injections. We would also include surgery as a last option for back pain treatment.
I believe the focus of treatment for degenerative disc disease should be on improving the function of the disc. The disc is avascular and thus requires movement in order to exchange nutrients and water. The water is also important for increasing disc height. This would allow the holes where the nerves exit to enlarge and result in less irritation of the nerves and likely IMPROVED BACK PAIN!
Thus, if there are spinal misalignments and restrictions of the vertebra this will reduce disc movement. A reduction in disc movement will result in continued degeneration, shrinking of the disc, and greater irritation of the nerves. This is precisely why studies continue to show that just resting a painful or injured back is detrimental and an ineffective treatment approach.
If the patient can improve spinal alignment and improve mechanical motion of the vertebral segments this has a positive effect on the disc, improving pain and range of motion. The chiropractic adjustment is a treatment option that helps to align and improve mechanical motion of the vertebra thus positively affecting the disc. Walking and exercise would also help to improve the mechanical motion of spinal vertebras. However, the type of movement accomplished through exercise and physical therapy is different compared to the mechanical movement accomplished by the chiropractic adjustment.
I have helped many patients experiencing pain from degenerative disc disease. My back pain treatment includes a focus on shorter-term care with the goal of getting you out of pain and out of my office as quickly as possible. Please call my office to set up a free consultation. If from the consultation, I believe I can help you, I will tell you that and at that point you could proceed with a treatment if you would like. If I am not able to help you, I will also tell you that and refer you to who I think could best help you with your pain. I serve patients in Roseville, MN, Arden Hills, MN, Shoreview MN, Falcon Heights, MN, Saint Paul, MN, and the Como area of Saint Paul. Please call today to see if I can help you with your back pain relief.