Research indicates that at some point in our lives 4 out of 5 of us will experience back pain.
Treating the cause of your pain not just the symptoms
Chiropractic has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of back pain and along with staying active may well be the best solution for treating your back pain. Unlike painkillers, chiropractic treats the cause of your pain rather than justthe pain itself.
With 4 out 5 people suffering low back pain at some point of their lives, Chiropractic treatment along with staying active may well be the best solution. Chiropractic, unlike painkillers, treats the cause of the pain rather than just the pain itself.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Poor posture may lead to back pain. Your Chiropractor at the Spine & Joint Centre can advise you on sitting positions and may also advise you to make changes if you:
- Spend many hours a day sitting at a desk, computer or in front of the tv
- Sleep in a bed that is too hard or soft
- Drive long distances in in car, van or lorry
Other common activities that can result in back pain include lifting, driving, bending, twisting.
When you visit the Spine & Joint Centre your Chiropractor will want to understand how you tackle these everyday movements. Your chiropractor will also ask about any major traumas to your back such as car accidents, falls, sporting injuries or lifting heavy weights.
Is it a slipped disc?
A ‘slipped disc’ refers to disc damage such as a tear, bulge or prolapse and does not mean that a disc has actually slipped.
Spinal discs are fibrous rings, containing a soft gel-like ‘cushion’ between each verterbrae (bones) in the spine. The discs are attached to thespinal verterbae and so cannot slip.
When disc damage occurs, the resulting pressure or irritation on the nerves that exit your spine can cause pain in the back. It may cause what is known as referred pain which will be felt around the areas through which the nerves pass such your legs. Nerve irritation or pressure in your lower spine can cause symptoms such as leg pain, pins and needles, weakness or numbness.
There are many problems that have similar pain patterns to a ‘slipped disc’. Following a detailed consultation and examination, your Chiropractor at the Spine & Joint Centre will be able to diagnose your problem and explain to you the cause of your pain.
How long will Chiropractic take to work?
Spinal manipulation can help back pain as medical research and scientific evidence has repeatedly shown. The use of Chiropractic treatment for back pain is recommended by many national for medical practictioners.
The length of time that it takes for treatment to work will be determiend by a number of factors. One of these is the amoutn of time you have had the pain. The longer you have suffered with the pain the longer it may take to improve with treatment. Early treatment is important but chiropractors are also effective at treating long standing or chronic pain.
Your Chiropractor at the Spine & Joint Centre will be able to advise you of yoru likely recovery time. In addition, your chiropractor will be able to provide you with advice and guidance to help you minimise the chances of yoru problem reoccurring.
Is Chiropractic treatment possible after surgery?
Chiropractic treament will probably be possible after surgery.It will really depend on your individual circumstance.
The Chiropractors at the Spine & Joint Centre have the training and experience to assess your condition and treat you as an individual. You will receive appropriate treatment for your specific condition, whilst areas not suitable for treatment will be carefully avoided.
Your chiropractor may also offer you post-surgical advice, exercise and rehabilitation.
Can Chiropractic treatment be given during pregnancy?
Chiropractic treatment can be given during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant, your Chiropractor at the Spine & Joint Centre, will use safe and gentle techniques that are suitable for use during pregnancy.
Your Chiropractor may also offer you advice with regards to nutrition, posture and exercise.
Do I need an x-ray?
At the Spine & Joint Center we do not routinely x-ray every patient. Your Chiropractor will determine whether there is a need for you to have an x-ray. If the Chiropractor believes that an x-ray is important to yoru treatment then he will discuss this with you.
Most back problems do not show up on x-ray and in fact are better diagnosed with a thorough spinal examination (including orthopaedic and neurological tests) and other diagnostic imaging such as MRI scans. Unfortunately some patients can believe that they are getting good care if they are sent for x-rays. However practitioners who routinely x-ray every patient are not in keeping with the accepted scientific evidence and national guidelines.
From the Team at The Spine and Joint Centre
Experienced Ealing and Harrow Chiropractors that care for You
Serving the local communities of North West London
Including Ealing, Harrow, Wembley and Sudbury
