Chiropractic Care for Spinal Problems

Chiropractic care is an effective way to treat back pain and spinal problems. Find out more about the benefits of chiropractic care for spinal problems today.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Spinal Problems

Chiropractic treatment is a type of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, with an emphasis on the spine. Chiropractors use many techniques to adjust the spine and other joints in the body, including manual manipulation, traction, mobilization, and exercises.

Chiropractic treatment can relieve pain and improve function in people with these and other spinal problems. In many cases, chiropractic care can help avoid the need for surgery or other more invasive forms of treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of the Most Common Spinal Problems?

The most common spinal health problems include:

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is caused by the wear and tear of the discs in your spine, which can lead to pain and stiffness. It is a progressive condition that can lead to chronic pain and stiffness in the spine. The symptoms of degenerative disc disease vary depending on the severity of the condition, but may include:

• Pain in the neck, lower back, or legs
• Stiffness in the spine
• Difficulty moving or bending
• Numbness or tingling in the extremities

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult a spine specialist to determine the best course of treatment. You can manage a degenerative disc disease with conservative measures, such as physical therapy, pain medication, and injections.

Herniated Disc

The most common symptom of a herniated disc is pain in the back or neck. The pain may radiate down into the arms or legs. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.

In some cases, a herniated disc can cause severe pain that radiates down into the legs and feet. This is known as sciatica. Sciatica occurs when the herniated disc puts pressure on the nerves that travel down the spinal cord.

Herniated discs are most common in the lower back but can also occur in the neck. The symptoms of a herniated disc in the neck are similar to those of a herniated disc in the lower back.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition that can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the legs and buttocks. The symptoms are caused by the spinal canal narrowing and putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Several things can cause spinal stenosis, including aging, injury, tumors, and other conditions.

There are a few different symptoms that can be associated with spinal stenosis. The most common symptom is pain in the legs and buttocks caused by the pressure on the nerves. This pain can be mild or severe, and it may get worse with activity.

Other symptoms include:

• Tingling
• Numbness
• Weakness in the legs
• Difficulty walking

In some cases, people with spinal stenosis may lose control of their bladder or bowels.

If you think you might have spinal stenosis, it's important to see a doctor. They can do tests to confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment options. Treatment for spinal stenosis often includes physical therapy, pain medication, or surgery.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. There are a few key symptoms of osteoarthritis that can help you identify the condition.

First, you may notice joint pain and stiffness, especially after periods of rest or inactivity, because the cartilage that cushions the joints has worn down, exposing the underlying bone. It can cause inflammation and pain when the bone rubs against itself or other structures.

You may also notice that the affected joints feel warm to the touch, as well as swollen or tender due to the increased blood flow to the area trying to repair the damage. In some cases, you may also see deformities in the joints, such as bony growths (osteophytes).

Fibromyalgia

There are many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, and they can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include:

• Chronic pain and tenderness in the muscles, joints, and tendons
• Fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Morning stiffness
• Headaches and migraines
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Depression and anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating and memory problems

How Does a Chiropractor Diagnose Specific Spinal Problems?

A chiropractor's job is to restore proper alignment to the spine. This helps to relieve pain and prevent further injury. When you visit a chiropractor for help with back pain, neck pain, or another issue, they will first ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will then perform a physical examination.

This may include testing your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. You may also need imaging tests, like an X-ray, to get a better look at your spine. Once they collect all the information, they will develop a treatment plan. This may involve spinal manipulation, massage, exercises, and other therapies.

Should You See a Chiropractor for Spinal Problems?

There are many different types of spinal problems that can cause pain and other symptoms. Chiropractic care can help with some of these problems. Other times, chiropractic care may not be the best option.

If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, or other symptoms associated with a spinal problem, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Once your doctor has determined the cause of your symptoms, they can recommend the best treatment options. If chiropractic care is an option, they will refer you to a chiropractor.

What Does Chiropractic Treatment for Spinal Problems Involve?

Spinal manipulation is the main tool that chiropractors use to treat misaligned joints. It is a safe, gentle, and effective treatment that can relieve pain and other symptoms. If you have been dealing with back pain, neck pain, or another problem, consider seeing a chiropractor for help. With their knowledge and skills, they can develop a treatment plan to address your specific issues.

Why Do People Use Spinal Manipulation?

There are several reasons why people might seek out spinal manipulation from a chiropractor. Some people may be experiencing back pain or other forms of pain and discomfort, and they may believe that chiropractic care can help alleviate these symptoms. Others may be interested in pursuing preventive care to avoid future pain or injury.

Many benefits have been associated with chiropractic care, including relief from back pain, neck pain, headaches, and more.

Is Spinal Manipulation Safe?

Chiropractic adjustments are considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed chiropractor. The risk of serious side effects from spinal manipulation is low, but as with any medical treatment, there are some potential risks. These risks include:

• Joint damage
• Nerve damage
• Stroke

Conclusion

Chiropractic treatment can help with common spinal problems. Chiropractic care is often recommended as the first line of treatment for back pain, neck pain, and other musculoskeletal issues. Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct misalignments in the spine, which can relieve pain and improve function. If you are experiencing spinal problems, we encourage you to seek a qualified chiropractor in your area to receive an evaluation and treatment plan.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.