Questions About Chiropractor Procedures What Specific Procedures Would The Chiropractor Use To Treat Your Condition? Most chiropractors will recommend an adjustment/manipulative treatment. This treatment is used to restore normal joint function, to decrease pain, swelling and muscle spasms, as well as to improve range of motion. What Is The Difference Between Acute And Chronic Pain? Pain that hits you suddenly after falling from a ladder, being tackled on the football field, or lifting a load that is just too heavy, for example is acute pain. Acute pain comes on quickly and often leaves just as quickly. To be classified as acute, pain should last no longer than 6 weeks. Acute pain is the most common type of back pain. Chronic pain, on the other hand, may come on either quickly or slowly, and it lingers a long time. In general, pain that lasts more than 3 months is considered chronic. Chronic pain is much less common than acute pain. What Is Spinal Manipulation? Spinal manipulation refers to procedures in which professionals use their hands to mobilize, adjust, massage, or stimulate the spine or surrounding tissues. This type of therapy is often performed by osteopathic doctors and chiropractors. It tends to be most effective in people with uncomplicated pain and when used with other therapies. What Are Herniated discs? A potentially painful problem in which the hard outer coating of the discs, which are the circular pieces of connective tissue that cushion the bones of the spine, are damaged, allowing the discs’ jelly-like center to leak, irritating nearby nerves. This causes severe sciatica and nerve pain down the leg. A herniated disc is sometimes called a ruptured disc. What Is Back Pain? Back pain is an all-too-familiar problem that can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. It can come on suddenly – from an accident, a fall, or lifting something too heavy – or it can develop slowly, perhaps as the result of age-related changes to the spine. How Is Back Pain Diagnosed? Diagnosing the cause of back pain requires a medical history and a physical exam. If necessary, your doctor may also order medical tests, which may include x rays. What Is Spinal Stenosis? Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the spine (backbone) that results in pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. What Are Some Alternative Therapies for Spinal Stenosis? Chiropractic treatment—This treatment is based on the philosophy that restricted movement in the spine reduces proper function and may cause pain. Chiropractors may manipulate (adjust) the spine in order to restore normal spinal movement. They may also employ traction, a pulling force, to help increase space between the vertebrae and reduce pressure on affected nerves. Some people report that they benefit from chiropractic care. Research thus far has shown that chiropractic treatment is about as effective as conventional, nonoperative treatments for acute back pain. Will The Chiropractor Suggest Exercise Or Lifestyle Changes? It is important in any recovery that you are actively involved in your treatment and rehabilitation. You should expect to be given instruction and education on the proper exercises needed to improve your problem.