subject: Chiropractor Plainfield Il | Treating Back Pain: Non-surgical Options [print this page] Many people are missing out on their favorite activities because of back pain, but you don't have to. If you want to participate in life without pain, there are several treatment methods available.
But before you decide on one method over the other, you should do the research to find out the advantages and disadvantages of each one. You should also be sure to speak with your doctor about the options available to figure out which one is best for you.
Spinal Decompression Helps to Relieve Pressure on Nerves -
One non-surgical option that is becoming more widely available is spinal decompression therapy. The goal of this therapy is to relieve the pressure that may be irritating nerves and causing you pain.
Over the years, common issues such as excessive weight, age and injury can cause the vertebrae to squeeze the discs that cushion the vertebrae. This squeezing can cause those discs to bulge and rest on the nerve.
When a patient undergoes spinal decompression therapy, he is first strapped to a table. The table will then stretch and pull the patient's back in such a way that the pressure on the discs is relieved. This can help the disc move back into its proper shape and can allow the disc to heal itself. Thus, it helps to eliminate back pain.
How a Chiropractor Can Help Treat Back Pain -
Another treatment method for treating back pain is to visit a chiropractor. When you visit, he will often examine you and look for places where your spine is out of alignment. He can then do an adjustment - usually a quick jolt to the back that pushes the spine back into its proper place.
Sometimes the spine may be out of place because the muscles in the back are tense. Tense muscles are tight muscles and pull at the spine, slightly altering the position of the vertebrae. In these cases, the chiropractor may use massage techniques to relax the muscles before doing an adjustment. They may also advise some exercises to help strengthen those muscles that are weak.
Using Massage for Treating Back Pain -
In other cases where back pain is caused by tense muscles, a massage may be the treatment of choice.
Massage increases blood flow in the massaged area. This helps to supply sore muscles with oxygen and takes away waste products, such as lactic acid, that may have been built up in the muscles. And, of course, it also relaxes any knots you may have.
There are different types of massage, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial release. Each massage technique works to treat you in a different way, so be sure you do your research so you know what you are getting into.
For many people, surgery may not be the ideal option in dealing with back pain. Luckily, there are several different options for you to choose from. You and your doctor can decide which treatment will be best option for your situation. With the proper treatment, you can live your life pain free.
