Alternative approaches for managing back pain may help provide much-needed relief and restore functionality, including exercises, chiropractic treatments and techniques which connect mind and body.
These less invasive options may provide significant relief, and can also address the root causes of back pain rather than simply covering up symptoms.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Eastern medicine treatment, using sterile needles to stimulate key points on the body and reduce pain, improve mobility and enhance overall health. Acupuncture may reduce pain and inflammation while helping you sleep better and feel more energetic – however it’s essential that you find an experienced acupuncturist licensed in your state who is certified as well as being licensed in order to receive effective treatment.
Acupuncture can provide relief for many conditions, including chronic back pain, joint pain and headaches. It may be used either alone or alongside other forms of therapy; for instance if you have shoulder injury physical therapy and acupuncture may work together to reduce pain and restore function. Be sure to inform your acupuncturist of any medications or supplements you’re currently taking so they can best advise you.
Acupuncture operates under the theory that energy flows along meridians within our bodies. Acupuncture works to unblock these pathways and restore their proper flow; this therapy can be helpful with conditions ranging from seasonal allergies to fibromyalgia.
Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture for treating various forms of pain, including low back discomfort. It’s important to keep in mind that results of acupuncture do not always compare statistically well against placebo or sham acupuncture due to a powerful placebo effect; other factors can also impact its effectiveness, such as number of treatment sessions attended, technique utilized and individual practitioners providing the acupuncture services.
Although scientific evidence remains conflicted, increasing numbers of people are discovering that this ancient form of healing is very effective and increasingly covered by various insurance providers as an in-office procedure.
Studies suggest that acupuncture stimulates the release of chemicals into the spinal cord and brain that may help control pain, alter how your mind processes pain, promote mental and emotional well-being and even regulate involuntary central nervous system functions such as blood pressure or body temperature regulation. Other research indicates acupuncture could affect involuntary functions within this system such as blood pressure regulation or temperature regulation.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractors specialize in treating musculoskeletal pain without using medication or surgery, working closely with their patients to develop and follow through on a treatment plan and track its effectiveness, offering lifestyle advice such as diet and exercise routines for maximum healing potential. Chiropractors can assist with back, neck, shoulder, knee, elbow and wrist issues among many others.
Chiropractic medicine focuses on the relationship between the spine and nervous system, and how this impacts overall health of their patient. They believe that given an ideal environment, the body has the power to heal itself naturally.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession dedicated to treating the neuromusculoskeletal system (bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments). Chiropractic may be combined with non-pharmacological therapies like massage therapy, heat, ice and exercise for best results. Spinal manipulation is typically at the core of chiropractic treatment plans but also applied elsewhere within the body such as wrists and ankles.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation involves applying pressure with their hands to one joint between two vertebrae of the spine in order to improve its motion and flexibility, commonly used to treat back pain.
Research has demonstrated that spinal manipulation can reduce pain while simultaneously increasing function and range of motion. Before seeking chiropractic care, however, it is wise to consult a medical provider as improper spinal manipulation could result in serious side effects like stroke or heart attack – therefore patients with cancer, herniated disks or severe osteoporosis should refrain from getting spinal manipulation treatments.
Chiropractic techniques that are most frequently utilized include spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy and joint bracing or taping (Kinesio taping). These methods aim to relax tight muscles, relieve spasms and ease tension in the connective tissue that encases each muscle (fascia).
Chiropractics and osteopaths both specialize in working with bones and tissues of the body, yet each have distinct approaches to patient care. Both possess extensive educations that involve clinical training, diagnostic testing and lab work as well as imaging scans; with chiropractors often making use of more diagnostic tools such as X-rays than osteopaths.
Massage therapy
Back pain treatment options such as acupuncture and chiropractic care provide non-drug solutions, while yoga and mindfulness practice may offer additional relief. Furthermore, exercise and lifestyle changes like yoga or mindfulness practice may improve flexibility while relieving stress levels to ease back pain symptoms. A balanced diet that includes fish, fruits and vegetables may reduce strain on your spine and inflammation in turn alleviating back discomfort.
Massage therapy entails massaging soft tissues of the body, such as muscles. A skilled massage therapist uses various techniques to manipulate these soft tissues – manipulating muscles and tendons while applying pressure with hands, arms, shoulders or feet. There are more than 80 distinct kinds of massage from gentle to intense; Swedish massage uses long strokes with kneading and tapping movements to promote relaxation while increasing blood flow in top layers of muscle tissue.
Deep-tissue massage focuses on deeper muscle and connective tissue layers using slower strokes and deeper finger pressure, to break up adhesions (tight spots of muscle that stick together and limit mobility) while sports massage uses elements from Swedish, deep-tissue, assisted stretching to improve range of motion in joints used specifically for sports activities. Trigger point massage addresses tight, sensitive spots in muscle that cause referred pain elsewhere on the body.
Acupuncture can also provide modest relief of back pain. Acupuncture works by inserting needles at specific points on the body in order to relieve tension and promote healing, with many studies having confirmed its efficacy. At Illinois Back Institute we offer Functional Disc Stabilization treatment which has successfully reversed back pain while creating stronger spines for many of our patients.
Non-invasive treatments may also help manage back pain without prescription or injection. Core strengthening exercise programs can strengthen abdominal and back muscles to better support the spine and improve posture; maintaining a healthy weight may reduce pressure on the spine; taking supplements may help reduce inflammation; some individuals may find antidepressants or other drugs help decrease pain as well – however it’s essential that all options be explored and collaborate with a healthcare provider to find an optimal plan of treatment.
