What Does a Chiropractor Do For Lower Back Pain?

Many people have sought medical attention for lower back pain at some point in their lives. This common condition can stem from various causes and can be challenging to treat effectively. While some medical doctors recommend rest, exercises, stretching, pain relievers, or even surgery, chiropractic care offers a unique and drug-free approach to managing lower back pain. Chiropractors focus specifically on mechanical disorders of the spine and musculoskeletal system, which they believe can affect the nervous system and overall health, resulting in conditions like lower back pain.

Using techniques such as adjustments, shockwave therapy, active release techniques, prescribed exercises, and healthy lifestyle changes, chiropractors provide a comprehensive approach to pain relief. In this article, we’ll explore in greater depth exactly what a chiropractor does for lower back pain.

How Does Chiropractic Care Help Lower Back Pain?

Your main question is probably: “What does a chiropractor do for lower back pain?” Chiropractors aim to reduce pain and improve patients’ functionality. They teach people how to enhance their health through exercises, proper ergonomics, and other back pain therapies. Licensed chiropractors can make mechanical adjustments to your body, ease pain, and improve spinal alignment. These adjustments help restore movement in your joints and spine. Many people find these adjustments more effective over the long term than drugs and surgery, with the added benefit of being much safer.

Chiropractic Examination Procedures for Lower Back Pain

Before starting any course of care, a quality chiropractor will examine the patient carefully and make an initial diagnosis. They will review your health history to understand past issues that could be causing lower back pain, such as fractures, sprains, neurological disorders, and other complications. Chiropractors also pay attention to the duration and severity of your symptoms, classifying them based on how long they last and their intensity. While laboratory tests are generally not required for non-specific lower back pain, your chiropractor may decide to take X-rays to get a clearer picture of your spinal condition. In some cases, they may recommend an MRI or a CT scan for a more detailed assessment.

Chiropractic Techniques for Lower Back Pain

Adjustments: This is the primary treatment used by chiropractors. By applying controlled force to specific joints in the spine, they aim to improve alignment and reduce pain. This can alleviate pressure on the nerves, enhance joint function, and increase the range of motion.
Shockwave Therapy and Active Release Techniques: Chiropractors use these methods to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing. This helps target the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine for comprehensive pain relief.
Exercise and Rehabilitation: Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries. Rehabilitation programs complement chiropractic adjustments to ensure patients maintain their progress outside of the clinic.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Chiropractors provide advice on maintaining proper posture, lifting techniques, and workplace ergonomics to prevent strain on the lower back. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as weight management, nutrition, and stress reduction, to support overall spinal health.

Conditions Treated with Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors treat a variety of conditions that cause lower back pain. Here are some common ones:

Herniated Disc: Adjustments and flexion distraction help realign the spine and reduce nerve pressure. Complementary exercises like the Cat-Cow Stretch improve spinal flexibility and reduce tension in the lower back.
Injury: Techniques like the Diversified Technique and the Thompson Drop-Table Technique relieve pain and restore mobility. Complementary exercises like the Child’s Pose stretch the back and relieve tension.
Lower Back Pain: The Diversified Technique and spinal mobilisation help relieve pain and restore movement. Complementary exercises like the Bridge Exercise strengthen the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.
Muscle/Tendon Trauma: The Activator Method provides gentle adjustments to correct imbalances. Complementary exercises like the Bird-Dog enhance stability and strengthen the core and lower back.
Neuropathy: Spinal mobilisation and flexion distraction relieve nerve pressure and restore function. Complementary exercises like Pelvic Tilts strengthen the lower back and improve pelvic stability.
Osteoarthritis: The Diversified Technique and spinal decompression help relieve pain and improve joint mobility. Complementary exercises like the Bridge Exercise enhance stability and reduce pain in affected joints.
Osteoporosis: Gentle techniques like the Activator Method to strengthen surrounding muscles. Complementary exercises like the Cat-Cow Stretch improve overall spinal flexibility.
Sacroiliac Pain: The Gonstead Adjustment and the Thompson Drop-Table Technique reduce joint pressure and improve mobility. Complementary exercises like the Child’s Pose provide gentle stretching for the lower back.
Sciatica: Spinal decompression and flexion distraction relieve nerve pressure and improve spinal function. Complementary exercises like Pelvic Tilts help to strengthen the lower back and improve pelvic alignment.
Scoliosis: The Diversified Technique and spinal mobilisation help improve alignment and reduce pain. Complementary exercises like the Bird-Dog support proper posture and reduce strain on the spine.

Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain

Many studies have shown the efficacy of chiropractic treatments for lower back pain. According to a 2018 study by the World Health Organization, patients who chose chiropractic treatments reported less pain intensity, less disability, improved functionality, and higher satisfaction with their treatment. Unlike pain medications, chiropractic treatments rarely cause side effects, making them a great alternative for people who have taken heavy medications but still experience persistent pain.

Will Chiropractic Care Be Effective for You?

Everyone is unique, and our bodies react differently to various forms o-f treatment. However, many people who suffer from lower back pain and seek chiropractic care report significant relief and improved quality of life. If you are struggling with lower back pain, consider exploring modern chiropractic treatment methods and let them help you change your life for the better.