Many people seek medical treatment for back pain disorders. Some doctors recommend pain relievers, physical therapy, or surgery. On the other hand, chiropractors use soft tissue therapy, spinal manipulation, and exercises to relieve pain without using any medication. Here are some most common chiropractic treatments.

Activator Treatments

With this treatment, your chiropractor will use a hand-held instrument called an activator. The activator helps deliver gentle pressure on your spine. This treatment helps restore motion to a specific joint or spinal vertebra.

When your vertebral joint is misaligned, it affects the nerves and blood flow, leading to pain and numbness. The activator exerts a mild force to return your vertebral joint to its former position and prevent injury. This treatment is ideal before your muscles become tense and resist treatment. It's mainly used for lower back pain, neck pain, and migraines.

Therapeutic Exercises

Chiropractors will recommend strengthening exercises for people suffering from neck, back, and extremity conditions. These exercises are ideal for preventing muscle deterioration, decreasing pain, and promoting joint health. They also help increase range of motion and strength.

Chiropractors also recommend therapeutic stretching to prevent the formation of scar tissue. When your spinal injury heals, it's important to maintain a regular stretching program to increase mobility, keep tissues flexible, and protect you from injuries. Ask your chiropractor to supervise you until you feel comfortable performing these exercises on your own.

Spinal Decompression

A chiropractor also uses spinal decompression for back pain. The treatment involves stretching your spine gently. This changes the position of your spine.

Spinal decompression relieves pressure off your spinal disks. This causes herniated or bulging disks to retract and takes pressure off the nerves and other parts of your spine. Spinal decompression helps the movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids in your disks, which in turn promotes healing.

Flexion-Distraction Therapy

A flexion-distraction treatment is performed on a table that moves while your chiropractor is manipulating your spine. As your practitioner performs the manipulations, parts of the treatment table moves or drops, changing the alignment of your body. This treatment helps decompress your spine and relieves your leg, arm, neck, and back pain.

According to a study featured in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, flexion-distraction is effective for treating lumbar spinal stenosis. This treatment has also proven effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis and scoliosis.

In Conclusion

Before you opt for chiropractic treatment, consult widely for advice on whether your condition can be relieved by chiropractic techniques. A chiropractor may have to run a few tests and examine your medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate.