6 Types of Back Pain a Chiropractor Can Help With
Back pain is the world's leading cause of disability; thankfully, holistic chiropractic treatments offer hope for those seeking non-invasive back pain relief from chronic pain that impacts every aspect of daily life. Discover how seeing the top-rated chiropractor in Hoover can help you live a pain-free life.
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Chronic lower back pain is a frustrating issue that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization lists back pain as the single leading cause of disability across the globe — with around 8% of adults having chronic back pain. The good news is that individuals with back pain are more likely to benefit from rehabilitation for this condition than any other.
Back pain doesn't merely cause physical distress; it interferes with almost every aspect of a person’s life — casting a shadow over their ability to enjoy hobbies, provide for their family, or even get a restful night's sleep. The far-reaching consequences of back pain underscore the urgent need for effective solutions.
If you're among those struggling with this all-too-common ailment, read on to discover how a chiropractor can address your back issues and where to find the best chiropractic care in Hoover.
Top Chiropractic Treatments That Alleviate Back Pain
When it comes to addressing back pain, chiropractors offer a range of non-invasive, drug-free treatments that can provide significant relief and promote long-term spinal health. Some of the most popular treatments for back pain in Hoover include:
1. Spinal Decompression
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy for back pain that uses traction to gently stretch the spine. This process creates negative pressure within the spinal discs, which can help retract herniated or bulging discs, alleviate pressure on nerves, and promote the flow of oxygen and nutrient-rich fluids to the affected area.
2. Corrective Exercise Therapy
Corrective exercise therapy includes a customized program of stretches and strengthening exercises designed to address specific muscular imbalances or weaknesses contributing to back pain. The benefits of corrective exercise therapy include improved posture, increased flexibility, enhanced core strength, and better overall body mechanics.
3. Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments, also known as spinal manipulation, are the cornerstone of chiropractic care. During an adjustment, a chiropractor applies controlled, sudden force to specific joints of the spine or other parts of the body using their hands or a small instrument. These precise movements aim to improve spinal alignment, enhance joint mobility, and restore proper nervous system function. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain, decrease inflammation, improve range of motion, and promote the body's natural healing processes.
Six Common Back Problems a Chiropractor Can Treat
Chiropractors are experts in spinal health and musculoskeletal disorders — making them valuable allies in the fight against back pain, especially if you have any of these back conditions:
1. Herniated Disc
This common spinal condition occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher outer layer, often putting pressure on nearby nerves. Depending on the location of the herniation, this can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms. This can significantly impact your ability to do physical activities. Generally, chiropractors can help relieve pain while awaiting surgery and, in some cases, may help you avoid back surgery altogether.
2. Arthritis
Arthritis in the spine, particularly osteoarthritis, involves the breakdown of protective cartilage in the joints and discs, leading to pain and stiffness. Chiropractic care can help manage arthritic pain through gentle adjustments, improving joint mobility, and recommending lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the condition.
3. Muscle Strain
Muscle strains in the back occur when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn, often due to overexertion or improper lifting techniques. Poor posture can also contribute to muscle strains. Chiropractors can treat muscle strains through a combination of soft tissue therapies, stretching exercises, and spinal adjustments to alleviate pain and promote faster healing.
4. Sciatica
Sciatica is characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve pathway, which runs from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and down each leg. These symptoms can get worse when standing for a long period of time and can interfere with everyday activities. Chiropractors can help with sciatica by diagnosing and treating its root cause, frequently utilizing spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, and specific exercises aimed at relieving pressure on the nerves in the back.
5. Degenerative Disc Disease
This condition, also known as DDD, involves the gradual breakdown of spinal discs, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This disease can significantly impact quality of life, and a CT scan is often necessary to get an exact diagnosis. Chiropractic care can help manage symptoms and slow the degeneration process with treatment plans that include spinal manipulation and corrective exercises.
6. Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when excessive pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling. This can occur anywhere along the spinal column but is most common in the thoracic spine or lumbar spine regions. Chiropractors can treat pinched nerves through spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, and specific exercises to relieve pressure on the affected nerve and restore proper function.
Where to Find the Best Chiropractor in Hoover, AL
If you're one of the millions battling back pain, chiropractic care offers the non-invasive, drug-free solution you've been searching for. In most cases of back pain, getting chiropractic treatment provides effective relief without resorting to potentially addictive medications, such as muscle relaxers or painful surgical interventions.
Dr. Edwards is a leading expert in treating spinal and musculoskeletal disorders — and the pioneer of an award-winning approach that goes beyond simple chiropractic adjustments. At Hoover Health and Wellness Center, Inc., you can expect personalized chiropractic care from Dr. Edwards and his dedicated team, who are committed to delivering comprehensive treatment to alleviate your back pain symptoms and treat the root causes.
Ready to get long-lasting relief from back pain with personalized chiropractic treatment from the top chiropractor in Hoover?
