Experiencing back pain? You're not alone - a staggering 7.7 million people in North America visit chiropractors and receive treatments for back pain every year! Those suffering from back pain know that the cause comes in many forms. Everything from vehicle & bike accidents, sport injuries, muscle strains, and everyday activities. The list goes on.

Visiting a Chiropractor to align your spine is an effective way to heal your pain. But is Chiropractic care also beneficial for your overall health and well-being? We think so. After seeing a Chiropractor and incorporating the treatments they recommend, patients likely see and feel the benefits within a few visits!

A Closer Look at Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is oftentimes categorized as alternative medicine or complementary or integrative medicine. People often use Chiropractic care as an alternative to taking medication to manage their pain. Chiropractic Doctors are required to go through 4 years of schooling at accredited institutions and gain hands-on training in student clinics in order to get their license to practice. Most of their focus goes into patients diagnosis and treatment through manual adjustment and manipulation of the spine.

Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation along with alternative treatments (activator adjusting tools, ice/heat, lasers, ultrasounds, and therapeutic exercise) to properly align the spine. Manipulation of the spine is used to restore movement to the joints which were restricted due to injury. The doctor's goal is to reduce the pain and improve functioning for patients, as well as educate patients on how they can help heal themselves through additional exercises, and lifestyle modifications.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

While visiting a Chiropractor,  they'll first take a medical history, have you describe your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and possibly use x-rays to diagnose which treatment is best for your back pain. Treatment plans often include more than a one-time adjustment. What do we mean by 'adjustment'? Well, it's when the doctor manipulates the joints with a controlled sudden force. At each adjustment, the Chiropractor may use forceful pressure on your body to realign your spine or manage pain. Pressure from the doctor can sometimes be abrupt and is often administered by bare hands. Oftentimes massage may also be incorporated into your treatment, as this will help to relieve muscle tension.

Oftentimes the doctor will include take home recommendations to your treatment plan. Common treatments include:

• Exercise Rehab
• Diet Changes
• Postural Changes
• Stretches
• Hot and Cold Packs

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Dealing with a sore back can be a real pain! Visiting a Chiropractor for help is considered safe and highly effective. Often the adjustments heal the pain after a few visits. Unfortunately, back pain can show up when you least expect it, putting you in a miserable mood, and leaves you feeling helpless. Family practitioners often prescribe medications for pain, that sometimes do not solve the problem. Seeing a Chiropractor is a nice alternative to pain medication.

Chiropractic care is useful for treating all types of pain, from your neck, all the way to your feet - even headaches, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. Their goal isn't only to relieve your back troubles - they also aim to restore proper mobility and strength, and prevent further injury.

To book an appointment with a Chiropractor at Juniper Family Health please contact the clinic at 778-265-8340 or info@juniperfamilyhealth.com or click here to book online.