Non-Surgical Relief for Back Pain and Shoulder Pain

We think that surgery should be a last resort, not a first option. Decisions regarding treatment for your back and shoulders must be made carefully. In most instances, there is ample time to learn about your condition so that you can make an educated decision about your care.

Chiropractic care is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment supporting the body’s musculoskeletal system and associated neurological function, primarily by providing comprehensive, evidence-informed manual therapy.

Learn more about some of the non-surgical options treatment options for the back:

Exercise

Regular exercise is an essential part of having a healthy back. In the treatment of back pain, almost every healthcare provider agrees that exercise plays an important role in recovery. Every day we make demands on our bodies that can stress our backs. It’s a well-known fact that the more fit you are, and the stronger your back is, the more easily your body can deal with the stress and strain of everyday activity.

Unfortunately, when most people start to experience back pain, they become less active. As a result, the muscles that support the spinal column become weaker and have less endurance. If your back loses enough muscle tone, the muscles can shrink, contract and tighten. A commitment to a physical conditioning program that is approved by your physician is important to everyone, but it is especially important to those with chronic back pain.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an important treatment option for most back pain sufferers. A physical therapist is trained to carry out your doctor’s orders to stretch, strengthen, and exercise your back in a safe and effective way. It is important that physical therapy is coupled with education so that patients can be empowered to take charge of their own recovery.

Physical therapists are trained to give instruction on posture, educate patients about basic anatomy and physiology, and instruct patients in body mechanics, stretching, strengthening and conditioning exercises. The physical therapist also works with the physician to determine if other types of treatments including ultrasound, heat, diathermy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrical stimulation, hydrotherapy, massage or spinal manipulation may be indicated.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors that specialize in the treatment of low back pain attempt to improve the function of the joints and the nervous system by adjusting vertebral subluxations. Manual spinal adjustments are the key to chiropractic treatment, and in fact, the word “chiropractor” is derived from the two Greek words “cheiros” and “praktikos” which together mean “done by hand”.

Chiropractic adjustments are very popular in the United States, with as many as 40 million Americans receiving regular treatment. Because there are major philosophical and theoretical differences between the ways in which chiropractors and medical doctors treat back pain, there has always been a rift between these two groups. Recently, the chasm between chiropractors and medical doctors has started to narrow as they have begun to share information and provide each other with more insight into their respective methodologies, practices, and treatments.

Cold Laser

Cold laser therapy is low-intensity laser therapy that stimulates healing while using low levels of light.

The technique is called “cold” laser therapy because the low levels of light aren’t enough to heat your body’s tissue. The level of light is low when compared to other forms of laser therapy, such as those used to destroy tumors and coagulate tissue.

Chiropractors, sports medicine and physical therapy practices often use cold laser therapy in the treatment of minor injuries and sprains, such as:

• neck pain
• lower back pain
• knee pain
• pain associated with muscle spasms

Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Therapy involves stretching the spine, using a traction table or similar motorized device, with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain.

Both traction and decompression therapy are applied with the goals of relieving pain and promoting an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs.

Spinal decompression is a type of traction therapy applied to the spine in an attempt to bring about several theoretical benefits including:

• Create a negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging disc material.
• Create a lower pressure in the disc that will cause an influx of healing nutrients and other substances into the disc.

Research shows that chiropractic care…

• Should be tried for at least 4 to 6 weeks before making any decision about surgery
• Is a reasonable course of action to heal back and shoulder pain
• Compared with surgical care can offer nearly or better relief

May be superior to surgery based on cost, patient prep and complications

As always, it is your body and your decision. Talk to us, bring us your questions and concerns. We’re here to help.

Begin Your Journey to Health Today

We’d love to help you and your family enjoy life to the fullest. It only happens when your health is intact. Contact our practice today to book your appointment.