Chronic back pain affects approximately 8% of the global population, contributing to long-term disability and reduced quality of life for millions worldwide (Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, n.d.).
Unlike acute back pain, which usually improves within a few weeks, chronic back pain lasts 12 weeks or more, even after the initial injury or underlying cause has been addressed.
And when it comes to being a mum, we know that the postural changes that come with pregnancy also contribute to lower back pain! From the constant bending, lifting, and carrying of little ones, back strain becomes almost unavoidable.
While medications can provide temporary relief, I do not often recommend them as they do not address the root cause of the problem.
This is where chiropractic care can play a significant role in managing chronic back pain.
Understanding chronic back pain
Chronic back pain can be caused by many different conditions; the most common conditions I see in clinic are:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal joint dysfunction, also known as facet joint syndrome
- Inactive or weak muscles
- Poor posture
- Previous injury or trauma
Regardless of the cause, chronic back pain can cause a debilitating cycle that leads to reduced mobility, muscle weakness, and an inability to participate in daily tasks and activities.
The role of chiropractic care in chronic back pain management
As an allied health practitioner with extensive training in the diagnosis and management of conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, I regularly assess and treat chronic conditions of the spine.
My treatments focus on improving joint function as well as improving the health of surrounding structures. Treatment also aims to reduce pain symptoms and enhance the body’s resilience, therefore the ability to heal itself.
So, how may chiropractic care help manage your chronic back pain?
Restore spinal alignment with manual adjustments
Spinal manipulation, also known as a chiropractic adjustment, is one of the primary hands-on procedures I use to correct spinal alignment and restore the motion of a joint. By applying a controlled force to specific joints, I can improve restricted movement and overall joint health.
Let’s look more specifically at how a chiropractic adjustment may improve joint health:
- Reduce nerve irritation
- Improve joint mobility
- Decrease muscle tension
- Enhance the function of the nervous system
This can lead to significant pain relief, especially for conditions like lower back pain associated with joint dysfunction.
Reduce muscle tension and improve mobility
Tense or overactive muscles are often associated with chronic back pain, limiting movement and contributing to ongoing discomfort. Chiropractic treatment can also involve soft tissue techniques such as:
- Massage therapy to relieve muscle tightness
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
- Mobilisation techniques which aim to gently increase joint range of motion
These supportive techniques help to reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and support long-term mobility.
Addressing the root cause of the pain
Unlike treatments that focus on pure symptom relief, chiropractic care aims to identify the root cause of the chronic back pain.
During an initial consultation, I conduct a thorough assessment that includes a detailed medical history, physical and neurological examinations, postural assessment, and any imaging studies that may be required.
My thorough evaluation helps to develop a tailored treatment plan that targets the specific cause of the pain, whether it’s related to joint dysfunction, muscular imbalances, or postural alignment.
Promote long-term spinal health through lifestyle advice
Chiropractic isn’t just about applying in-clinic treatment. Our role is to provide guidance and education on the following:
Ergonomics
That is our workplace setup, lifting techniques, and posture to support the spine.
Exercise
This includes personalised advice and programmes to strengthen and activate muscle groups that play a role in spinal stability.
Movement strategies
We can recommend what activities to avoid, modify, or add to your plan to help prevent flare-ups and manage your condition.
By addressing these lifestyle factors, chiropractic care may support you over a long-term management programme and help to reduce future episodes of back pain.
What to expect during chiropractic care
If you would like to consider chiropractic care for your chronic back pain, here is a simple guide to help you understand what to expect:
Initial assessment
A thorough evaluation of your health, symptoms, and physical condition.
Diagnosis
Identification of the root cause of your pain.
Treatment plan
An individualised plan that may include spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise recommendations, and lifestyle advice.
Ongoing care regular follow-up visits as required to monitor progress and provide continued support.
Is chiropractic care safe for chronic back pain?
When performed by a qualified, registered chiropractor, spinal manipulation and other chiropractic techniques are generally safe and effective for managing chronic back pain.
Some individuals may experience mild soreness after an adjustment, similar to what you might feel after a new workout. This typically resolves within 24–48 hours.
What about chiropractic care when pregnant?
Chiropractic care may be beneficial during pregancy. We are trained to adjust pregrant women and we use a gentlier, modified technique, in addition to advising on posture and exercise.
Pregnancy chiropractic care focuses on improving posture, relieving back and pelvic pain, and reducing muscle tension caused by the body’s changing centre of gravity. Common pregnancy-related issues such as lower back pain, sciatica, and leg cramps can be eased with gentle, modified adjustments. Find out more about pregnancy and chiropractic here.
So there you have it. Chiropractic can be a good option to address chronic back pain!
Key points:
- Chronic back pain may be caused by various conditions, including degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and spinal joint dysfunction.
- Chiropractic care may help manage chronic back pain by restoring spinal alignment, reducing muscle tension, and improving mobility.
- A thorough assessment, including medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and postural analysis, helps develop a tailored treatment plan.
Disclaimer: This article is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice.
Author: Dr Kirsten Strudwick (Chiropractor) is a Doctor of Chiropractic with 15+ years of experience in Marrickville, Sydney, and runs Marrickville Chiropractic Care. Holding a BSc and M.Chiro from Macquarie University, her practice focuses on holistic, patient-centred care. Kirsten has a clinical interest in a range of areas including women’s health, paediatric care, and pregnancy-related treatments.
