Questions About Having Back Pain Treated By A Chiropractor

It is common for those with back pain to seek treatment from a chiropractor. After all, chiropractors are experts at treating and aligning the spine, and most back pain is either caused or made worse by spinal misalignment. If you are about to have your back adjusted to address pain, you might have some of these questions.

Will the adjustment hurt?

When you hear someone having their back adjusted, the popping noises that result may lead you to believe the treatment is painful. Thankfully, this is not the case. A spinal adjustment is not painful. Some people barely feel anything other than the pressure of the chiropractor's hands or adjustment tool against their backs. Others do feel a minor popping or moving sensation, but they're more likely to find it relaxing or relieving than painful.

How long will it take you to feel better?

Patients generally experience some relief within one adjustment. Your back may feel less sore instantly, or you may notice the soreness dissipates in the day or two following treatment. However, depending on the root cause and severity of your back pain, you may not be fully "healed" after one adjustment. People often require a few adjustments, spaced a few weeks apart, in order to keep their spine in alignment and back pain at bay. 

Do chiropractors do more than just adjust the spine?

Yes. While spinal adjustments are essentially the "core" of back pain treatment, chiropractors do more than just adjust the spine. If you come in complaining of back pain, they may also guide you through a variety of stretches meant to loosen the muscles. They may also use a device called a TENS device to deliver mild electrical impulses to the muscles, which stops them from sending so many pain signals to your brain. (Don't worry; this does not hurt, although it can feel a little strange.)

Some chiropractors even use massage therapy or recommend herbal pain relievers for their patients to take. They cannot, however, legally prescribe medication like pain relievers. If you have been prescribed pain relievers by a doctor, it is generally safe to continue using them in conjunction with the treatments administered by your chiropractor.

Now that you've had these questions answered, you should feel more comfortable having your back pain treated by a chiropractor. This is one of the things chiropractors really excel at, so you can rest assured that you're in good hands. 

For more information, contact a local company like Cornerstone Chiropractic Center.