the benefits of chirpractic care

When it comes to treating back pain, there are many nonsurgical approaches you can take. Use this guide to help determine which are potentially good matches for you, and consult with your physician to ensure you are getting the right care for your condition.

Yoga

Yoga can be a great way to relax and do something positive for your body. There are several yoga poses that can help to relieve back pain, and your yoga instructor can help you to adapt certain poses if you have difficulty with them at first. Look for a beginner's yoga class to start off, and let your instructor know what you hope to get out of the experience. You may even find that it becomes a part of your weekly routine that you look forward to.

Chiropractic Adjustments

A chiropractor can provide pain relief in the form of chiropractic adjustments. This process is typically used to relieve lower back pain, and it involves a process that releases gases to relieve joint pressure. You may experience less pain and improved range of motion after a session, which can help to make your back feel better. If you wish to see a chiropractor, consider asking your primary care physician for a referral. In some cases, your health insurance may cover this nonsurgical pain relief option.

Heat

If your back pain is due to muscle spasms, consider applying heat to the affected area. You can purchase heating pads or heating belts to provide temporary relief, and consider soaking in a warm bath for a relaxing pain relief option. Remember to apply heat for short periods of time, and unplug any electric heating pads or blankets after use for added safety. To protect your skin, consider wrapping your heating pad in a soft towel, as this can help to prevent skin irritation as the warmth goes to work.

Physical Therapy

For some people, physical therapy can provide some pain relief while also helping to improve muscle strength and range of motion. Talk to your physician about which therapy options might be right for you before scheduling an appointment. Physical therapists can show you stretches and exercises you can do at home to relieve back pain, and they also use a range of passive techniques, such as heat, cryotherapy, or TENS devices, to help decrease pain in the office. The heat used by a physical therapist targets deep tissue, and it involves some specialized equipment that differs from the above advice for using heat.

If you have exhausted all possible nonsurgical treatment options, it may be time to discuss procedures that can help to relieve pain. Work with your physician throughout the process to ensure you get the care you need. Contact a clinic, like Albany Chiropractic and Physical Therapy, for more help.