Chiropractic is an effective treatment for lower back pain. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for lower back pain. It’s not “ which ” one should be used; they both should be ! The question then becomes “ when ” should they be used?
Can a chiropractor help with low back pain?
It is estimated that 80 percent of the U.S. adult population will experience low back pain in their lifetime. In many cases, holistic treatments such as visiting a chiropractor or receiving a massage can reduce or eliminate your pain.
Is physical therapy a cost-effective treatment for low back pain?
A similar study found that, at one-year follow-up, physical therapy compared with the usual primary care is a cost-effective treatment for patients with acute and nonspecific LBP [15].
Should you see a chiropractor or a physical therapist for pain?
Both chiropractors and physical therapists should offer you guidance and strategies to keep your pain away and to prevent future problems. If you have had an injury or surgery and are experiencing a loss of functional mobility, then working with a physical therapist is a good idea.
How does chiropractic care relieve pain?
To relieve pain, chiropractors use their hands or a chiropractic adjustment tool to apply controlled pressure to an affected area. Common pain points chiropractic care can be used to treat include the lower back, neck and even headaches.
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Is chiropractic more effective than physical therapy?
Again, chiropractors focus on one part of your body, the muscles, which many patients might not adjust well to. Physical therapy will always be the better option out of the two, because a physical therapist will fix the overall problem, allowing you to recover and get you back up on your feet, and active.
Will a chiro fix my lower back pain?
Many studies have concluded that manual therapies commonly used by chiropractors are generally effective for the treatment of lower back pain1,2, as well as for treatment of lumbar herniated disc for radiculopathy3,4 and neck pain, among other conditions.
Is physical therapy worth it for back pain?
Even though there are different types of back and neck pain, we recommend physical therapy for both acute and chronic back or neck pain, so long as the acute pain does not require immediate medical or surgical intervention.
Can a chiropractor make back problems worse?
Thankfully, chiropractors can help treat back pain with a variety of safe and all-natural therapeutic techniques. One of the misconceptions about going to the chiropractor is that chiropractic adjustments can make back pain worse. However, nowhere can offer you a magical relief from your back pain instantly.
Why do doctors not like chiropractors?
Historically, the medical associations have demonstrated resentment to any other community treating the ill. So first and foremost, it started out as a turf war. Secondarily, Medical Doctors don't really understand what Chiropractors do, as they were not trained in spinal manipulation techniques.
What are the disadvantages of chiropractic therapy?
Serious complications associated with chiropractic adjustment are overall rare, but may include:A herniated disk or a worsening of an existing disk herniation.Compression of nerves in the lower spinal column.A certain type of stroke after neck manipulation.
How long does physical therapy take for lower back pain?
But on average, patients can expect to be in physical therapy for six to eight weeks as strength and mobility progress with every session. If your back pain continues to be severe or even worse, physical therapy may take longer or may be recommended after surgical intervention.
Can physical therapy do more harm than good?
Much of what goes on in those visits — especially exercise and hands-on therapy — can help by boosting strength, restoring flexibility and stabilizing joints. But some techniques aren't backed by sound science and can even do more harm than good.
How I cured my low back pain?
10 Ways to Manage Low Back Pain at HomeKeep Moving. You might not feel like it when you're in pain. ... Stretch and Strengthen. Strong muscles, especially in your abdominal core, help support your back. ... Keep Good Posture. ... Maintain a Healthy Weight. ... Quit Smoking. ... Try Ice and Heat. ... Know Your OTC Medications. ... Rub on Medicated Creams.More items...•
Can chiropractic do more harm than good?
The conclusion must therefore be that, according to the evidence to date, chiropractic spinal manipulation does not demonstrably do more good than harm. In view of the incompleteness of our current knowledge and the popularity of chiropractic, research into this complex area should be intensified.
Why do chiropractors want you to keep coming back?
Changing your posture, changing your spine's ability to move, changing your muscle health and structure take time. Months in fact. All muscles have memory and your body wants to go back to its old patterns instead of creating new healthy ones. That is why adjustments need to be repeated again and again.
Why am I in so much pain after chiropractic adjustment?
When you get an adjustment, your vertebrae are being moved slightly. Your muscles have to adapt to the movement of the bone, so they may end up lengthening or shortening slightly, which can lead to soreness. The soreness is related to the movement of the bones and not to the pressure utilized by the chiropractor.
What is the physical therapy of the lower back?
Physical therapists will utilize exercises, stretches, and other modalities to focus on the soft tissue, ex: muscles and ligaments that run through, around, and over the spine. All of these structures are involved in lower back pain, and all must be addressed to properly treat it.
How much does it cost to go to the doctor for back pain?
This makes it the second most common reason for a visit to a doctor’s office, and costs at least $50 billion in health care costs each year!
What is the phone number for advanced back pain?
If you or someone you know is suffering from lower back pain, sciatica, pinched nerve pain, or more, please call our office at 302-368-1300 or email me directly at [email protected] for help or additional information.
Can a chiropractor treat back pain?
As a result, most patients will find themselves with the choice of doing chiropractic or PT to treat any spine pain problems.
Is chiropractic good for lower back pain?
Let me try and clear this up a little bit. Chiropractic is an effective treatment for lower back pain. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for lower back pain. It’s not “ which ” one should be used; they both should be !
The Basics
Chiropractors are medical professionals focused on the treatment of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. This means they are able to address things like joint and muscle pain, including in the back, headaches, and a number of nervous system-related conditions.
The Education
Many people wonder if a chiropractor or a physical therapist is a “better” or more well-trained doctor, but the answer is they receive similar levels of advanced training. A physical therapist will have a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) once they complete a program at an accredited school.
The Benefits
Both practices have a range of benefits for patients, though some are more suited to certain needs than others.
The Choice
You may have some sense now of which provider best fits the needs of your back pain. But the best part is, you don’t have to choose. At AICA Orthopedics, our back injury doctors work as a team, allowing you to see both chiropractors and physical therapists in addition to other specialists.
How does chiropractic help with back pain?
Chiropractic treatment involves a trained practitioner manipulating your spine and surrounding muscles, while physical therapy involves a trained practitioner designing a program of exercises and assisting you in certain movements and massage techniques to relieve pain and restore strength and mobility. How effective each of these treatments is depends on the type of injury you have and your unique response to the therapy.
How long does it take for a back to feel sore after a chiropractic adjustment?
It is common for the manipulated part of your back to feel sore for about 24 hours after a chiropractic adjustment, but applying ice to the treated area usually reduces these symptoms.
How long does it take to feel the benefits of physical therapy?
The time it takes to start feeling the benefits of physical therapy is different for every person and the type of injury you have, but Davis says two weeks is the average time it takes to notice a difference. No matter what your situation is, patience and a commitment to performing the prescribed exercises is essential for physical therapy success.
Can you continue chiropractic treatment on your own?
According to Dana L. Davis, MPT, on the spineuniverse website, physical therapy focuses on gradual recovery and maintaining the results. So, while the effects may not be felt as quickly as those of a chiropractic session, you may learn techniques that mean you can continue with treatment in the long term on your own.
Similarities
Similarities between physical therapists and chiropractors may include:
Differences
While it may seem that physical therapy and chiropractic care are the same, there are several differences between the two. Differences may include:
What to Expect From Physical Therapy
When you visit a physical therapist, you can expect to start your care with an initial evaluation. Your therapist will ask questions about your injury and how it is affecting the way you move.
What to Expect From a Chiropractor
Most, but not all, people visit a chiropractor because of back or neck issues. If you have back pain, neck pain, or sciatica, you may consult with a chiropractor.
Physical Therapist vs. Chiropractor
Should you choose a physical therapist or a chiropractor for your condition? If you have an acute problem with your back or neck, then a chiropractor may be the best route for you to take. Your chiropractor can quickly assess your condition and provide a spinal adjustment that may quickly relieve your pain and improve your mobility.
How to Choose
So how do you choose between a physical therapist and a chiropractor? While no one can make the decision for you, there are some variables to consider that may make the choice clear.
Summary
If you have an injury that limits your mobility, then working with a physical therapist is a good idea. If that injury involves back pain or neck pain, then choosing a chiropractor may be the choice that helps you recover quickly.
How many people have back pain?
According to the National Institutes of Health, very few of us are strangers to back pain: The agency estimates that 8 in 10 people will experience it at some point in their lives.
Is chiropractic a good alternative to opioids?
Whether you choose to have physical therapy or chiropractic, know this: Either is a good option over addictive opioids. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends trying drug-free therapies before prescription painkillers. Forgoing the medicine cabinet can help relieve pain without the risk of addiction down the road.
What is the best way to relieve pain from a chiropractor?
To relieve pain, chiropractors use their hands or a chiropractic adjustment tool to apply controlled pressure to an affected area. Common pain points chiropractic care can be used to treat include the lower back, neck and even headaches.
What is the best treatment for low back pain?
If you’ve experienced back pain, you may have considered chiropractic care or a massage treatment to alleviate pain and discomfort. It is estimated that 80 percent of the U.S. adult population will experience low back pain in their lifetime. In many cases, holistic treatments such as visiting a chiropractor or receiving a massage can reduce ...
What is chiropractic treatment?
Chiropractic treatment focuses primarily on the alignment of the spine and specific joints.
What is massage therapy?
Massage Therapy – Relieving Tension. A massage, on the other hand, is performed by a licensed massage therapist who applies direct pressure to soft tissue or muscle groups to relieve pain and promote healing and wellness.
Why is spinal alignment important?
Spinal health is extremely important because the spinal cord acts as an extension of the body’s central nervous system, which communicates messages throughout the entire body. Since spinal alignment requires such precise manipulation, it’s best to receive professional treatment for symptoms related to spinal or surrounding joint pain.
Is massage good for health?
There are multiple benefits to massage therapy including relaxation, increased energy and mood enhancement. Many find that receiving a massage following chiropractic treatment can promote additional healing and decrease discomfort and inflammation after treatment.
