How Chiropractic Adjustments Help Relieve Back Pain

By Dr. Drew Voelsch

It’s no secret that back pain affects millions of people around the world, and it can be caused by various factors such as poor posture, injuries, and age-related wear and tear. While over-the-counter pain medications and physical therapy can help relieve back pain, chiropractic adjustments are an effective and non-invasive treatment option for long-term relief.

Chiropractic Adjustments Explained

Chiropractic adjustments involve the manual manipulation of the spine to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore proper alignment. Chiropractors use their hands or specialized tools to apply controlled force to specific areas of the spine, which can help realign vertebrae that have shifted out of place due to injury, poor posture, or other causes. 

Chiropractic adjustments can also help alleviate pressure on the nerves, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected area.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Relieve Back Pain

1. Restoring Proper Spinal Alignment

When the vertebrae in the spine are out of alignment, it can cause pressure on the surrounding nerves, leading to pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can restore proper alignment of the spine, reducing pressure on the nerves and alleviating back pain.

2. Reducing Inflammation

Inflammation is a common cause of back pain, and chiropractic adjustments can help reduce it in the affected area. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can help improve blood flow to the area of concern, bringing in essential nutrients and oxygen to reduce inflammation.

3. Improving Range of Motion

Back pain can limit your range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily activities. Chiropractic adjustments improve the range of motion by restoring proper spine alignment and reducing muscle tension and stiffness.

4. Releasing Endorphins

Chiropractic adjustments can also help release endorphins, natural painkillers the body produces. Endorphins can help reduce pain and improve your overall sense of well-being.

Conditions Treated by Chiropractic Adjustments

1. Herniated Discs

A herniated disc happens when the spinal disc’s soft, gel-like center pushes through a crack in the outer layer, putting pressure on the surrounding nerves. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pressure on the nerves and relieve the pain caused by a herniated disc.

2. Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which goes down from the lower back to the legs, becomes compressed or irritated. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve, alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with sciatica.

3. Scoliosis

Scoliosis happens when the spine curves to one side, leading to back pain and discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments can help improve spinal alignment, reducing the curvature of the spine and alleviating the pain associated with scoliosis.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis causes stiffness and inflammation in the joints, including those in the back. Chiropractic adjustments can provide relief in the affected area, improving mobility and reducing pain.

Conclusion

Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective treatment option for back pain that can provide long-term relief. By restoring proper spinal alignment, reducing inflammation, improving the range of motion, and releasing endorphins, chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with various back conditions. If you are experiencing back pain, consider visiting a chiropractor to discuss whether chiropractic adjustments may suit you.

Get treatment for back pain at Hawkeye Chiropractic. Our experienced chiropractors use various techniques, including spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, massage therapy, and lifestyle coaching, to help restore joint health and reduce inflammation. Book an appointment online to start your journey to a pain-free life.