The discomfort that you experience when you suffer from back pain could make you not want to do anything. If you suffer from severe or chronic back pain and have had no relief from traditional painkillers, you should consult an Oakland chiropractor. The practitioner will offer you natural back pain relief without the use of drugs by ensuring that your spine is correctly aligned which will ensure that your body heals itself.
The Causes of Back Pain
There is a range of factors that could cause your back pain. Poor postural habits can cause not only back, but neck pain as well. This has become more common since so many people now do their work on a computer and many do not have adequate seating for these long hours over a keyboard. Back pain can be caused during an auto accident or during a sporting event. Bending to pick up an object can cause this type of pain.
Assessment by an Oakland Chiropractor
You will need to provide your Oakland chiropractor with a detailed medical history during your first consultation. It is important that you list all medical conditions as well as the medications that you are currently taking. The chiropractor will do a full physical examination and you may be required to undergo tests such as x-rays or scans. This will give your chiropractor the opportunity to do a detailed assessment of your health and the reasons for your symptoms.
Chiropractic Therapies
Most back pain sufferers undergo spinal manipulation when they visit a chiropractor. It may be necessary for you to undergo several manipulation sessions, but this is dependent upon the reason for your pain and discomfort. During spinal manipulation, the practitioner places gentle pressure on the joints in your spine. It may be necessary to push the joint beyond its normal movement range to relieve any air bubbles that may be present.
If misalignment of your spine is the source of your problems, you will have to undergo massage to the muscles surrounding your spine. The reason for this is that when your spine is misaligned, it causes the muscles to go into spasm and tighten. This will cause additional discomfort and pain in your back. It may be painful when you undergo this type of massage, but it is simply due to the tension and inflammation that is present.
If it is necessary and based on the chiropractor’s assessment, you may have to undergo alternative therapies to relieve some of your symptoms. These therapies include heat therapy, cold therapy or acupressure.
Some patients find that they suffer from some discomfort after undergoing this method of natural pain relief. This may cause headaches and tiredness. This is normally due to your body being more relaxed and less tension present in your muscles.
Once you have completed your sessions with your Oakland chiropractor, he or she may suggest a change to your regular exercise regime and diet. Your practitioner will design suitable exercises to help you avoid similar health problems in future.
