Chiropractic Care for Back Problems

by Greg Molis

Those who have low back problems, such as pain in the lower back and legs and loss of mobility, often seek the help of a chiropractor. They may have exhausted all other forms of medical treatment and have not gotten any relief from the pain. Once the first assessment is done, the doctor will explain what treatment will be given and how often it is necessary to come in for these treatments.

During the assessment, the doctor will look for three main things:

Existence of any potentially serious problem such as a tumor, infection, a fracture or major neurological problems that may require referral to another doctor.

Next he looks at the possibility of cure with chiropractic treatment. There is also the possibility that the condition is way past or doesn~t require chiropractic treatment.

What type of care (or technique) will work best for you?

After making an assessment, the doctor commences a series of manipulation. In the chiropractic terms, manipulation is an adjustment that a chiropractor makes in the muscles or a spinal adjustment. The vertebrae that are not conforming to normal pattern are corrected through these adjustments or manipulations. The whole aim is to reduce the subluxation. An enhanced subluxation contributes to increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability and improved function. In addition, there are some more techniques for disc problems.

Before tackling the vertebrae the chiropractors usually make their patients relax so that they are not tense during the process. And then as the patient are at ease they quickly apply a light thrust to the vertebrae. This is all over within a matter of minutes and is at times followed by the ~popping~ sound. More often than not patients find relief but if they get tense then there are chances of some discomfort as the surrounding muscles could be in a spasm.

Your Chiropractor may also use physical therapy procedures to help you. He/she is very well trained in how to use things such as ice, heat, massage, traction, ultrasound, etc. for your benefit. PT, as it is called often makes adjustments easier and helps speed healing.

The chiropractor may also give you a set of exercises to do at home for specified periods of time each day. The chiropractic treatments combined with the exercise will result in reduction of pain and an increase in your range of motion.

Dr. Greg C. Molis has been a Salt Lake Chiropractor for 24 years. If you're in the Salt Lake area, come on in. Your first adjustment is free. Go to http://www.saltlakechiropractor.com to find out more!

Tags: chiropractic exercise massage muscle pain salt spas