SHARES
“I work long hours in a factory. Checking stock and moving around heavy boxes are my daily routines. Lately, my lower back pain has ben getting worse. I am worried about taking too much painkillers and days-off. One of my colleague visited a chiropractor and was satisfied with the treatment.” Jun, 39, who is keen in spinal manipulation and wonder how a chiropractor can help with his lower back pain.
What Causes Lower Back Pain?
More than 80% of the time, too much physical strain on your back due to overworking and poor posture leads to lower back pain. These pain usually resolve in a few days time. Sometimes, it is related to your occupation such as carrying heavy boxes and sports injuries. In these context, your lower back pain can become chronic.
Also, it is common for us to have lower back pain as we age due to wear and tear of our spine and joints (osteoarthritis of the spine and spinal stenosis). If your lower back pain comes together with numbness, tingling and weakness in legs, urinary problems, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, and menstrual changes, this means that your lower back pain is complicated and unlikely to go away by itself. Get help from your doctor to find out the cause and get treatment.
Photo by Sophie Jones from Flickr
What is Spinal Manipulation? Is it suitable for me?
Spinal manipulation is one of the most commonly used technique by chiropractors. The aim is to reduce any malalignment in your spine to relieve any muscle strain leading to headache, neck pain and lower back pain. In chiropractic theory, a straight spine with normal curvature is important for optimal neural transmission and hence healthy bodily function. Spinal manipulation is effective for relieving most acute and chronic lower back pain.
Usually, your chiropractor will work together with a network of doctors, physical therapists and radiographers to deliver best care for your lower back pain. Most lower back pain go away with rest, hot and cold pack, painkillers and spinal manipulation. In addition, your chiropractor may use a combination of technique such as acupressure, massage, exercises, mobilisation, thermal therapy. He/she may also advise you on diet as well as ways to improve your posture at work (ergonomics). For lower back pain with medical causes, your chiropractor will work hand-in-hand with doctors and surgeons.
Is Spinal Manipulation Dangerous?
Spinal manipulation is a safe and non-invasive procedure in skilfull hands and proper positioning. Nowadays, your chiropractor may use a tool (activator) that delivers very well controlled force to a specific part of your spine. The key to safety in spinal manipulation is to find a well-trained and certified chiropractor. Very rarely complications may occur such as stroke (when the manipulation causes damage to neck vessels), nerve compression (cauda equina syndrome), and worsening of disk herniation (a condition in which the soft tissue between your spine protrudes and compresses on your nerve).
What should I expect from a spinal manipulation?
This is a relatively quick procedure and can usually complete within an hour. Your chiropractor will examine you before hand to identify part of the spine that is out of position as well as any muscle spasm along your spine. You can keep your clothes on for the procedure and usually a chaperone will be provided. Your chiropractor may recommend a combination of techniques and even a radiograph of your spine.
During the procedure, your chiropractor uses his/her hand or a small tool called the “activator” to manually deliver quick but low energy pushes to specific part of your spine that is malaligned. You may hear a popping sound similar to that when you crack your knuckles. This is normal and you will usually feel a comfortable and relieving sensation after the popping sound.
Following the procedure, you may feel slightly tired with muscle soreness. Usually, your muscle aches will go away in few hours time and last not more than 3 days. You will experience improvement in your lower back pain after the procedure. In chronic lower back pain, the beneficial effect of spinal manipulation can last for months to a year. Your chiropractor may offer to repeat the treatment for few more sessions. Sometimes, it is for maintenance of spine health and to prevent lower back pain. In general, spinal manipulation can relieve most acute and chronic back pain. In conditions like the worn out joints in spine (osteoarthritis), your lower back pain can recur.
Photo from activator.com
Conclusion
Spinal manipulation is one of the most widely used technique by chiropractor to treat lower back pain. It is effective for both acute and chronic pain. Your pain will improve quickly and the effect lasts long. A skilled and certified chiropractor can perform it safely and manage your back pain together with a network of healthcare professionals for best care!
Find a Chiropractor in Malaysia, on GetDoc
Find a Chiropractor in Singapore, on GetDoc
References:
1. Spinal manipulation for low-back pain [Internet]. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2019. [Available from: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/pain/spinemanipulation.htm; last updated on 2013 Apr; last accessed on 2019 Jul 18]
2. What is spinal manipulation? [Internet] Healthline. 2019. [Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/back-pain/spinal-manipulation#4; last accessed on 2019 Jul 18]
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
