Lower back pain is a common affliction with many possible causes: poor posture, sprains, sports injuries, stress associated with weight gain, and many others. For some victims of back pain, symptoms can go away on their own after a period of rest and healing, or after addressing the root cause through exercise or weight loss.
But sometimes, it’s best to take the body’s cue that something is wrong and have lower back pain treated by a professional.
If you’re uncertain whether it’s time for you to find a lower back pain specialist, these signs can make it a safe bet that it’s time to start looking.
Your Back Pain Won’t Go Away
Whether it’s a persistent ache or a sharp pain when you turn just so, if your lower back pain lasts more than two or three weeks, then it’s likely that things aren’t going to get better on their own.
Your Back Pain is Getting Worse
If what started as a minor discomfort is becoming more serious—or preventing you from living your normal life—it’s time to get some professional help.
Other Remedies Aren’t Cutting It
If you’ve already tried over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, hot or cold compresses, massage, stretching, or any of the other common back pain remedies and none of them have effectively managed your pain, you should consider a trip to your local chiropractor.
You Have Symptoms of Sciatica
If your discomfort is in the form of a stinging or burning pain that moves from your lower back to your hips and thighs, you likely are suffering from sciatica. Sciatica is a common affliction caused by damage to the sciatic nerve, which runs through the lower back and down each leg. It’s often caused by herniated spinal discs. Chiropractic adjustments can be an effective treatment for sciatica.
What Does a Chiropractor Do to Help With Back Pain?
Chiropractors help treat lower back pain with a variety of techniques, including Active Release Techniques, a patented massage-based treatment focussing on the soft tissues; spinal manipulation; Graston Technique therapy, with involves identifying and treating scar tissue within your body; and others.
Your first visits to the chiropractor will include a consultation and a discussion of your medical history, as well as one or more physical examinations. From there, your chiropractor will be able to create a custom treatment plan to address your specific pain-management needs.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor in the Milford, Connecticut area, get in touch with Dr. Michael Orefice as Active Health today.
Note: This blog post is informational only, and should not be used in lieu of professional advice from a trained doctor or medical practitioner. See this site’s terms and conditions for more info.