The lumbar section of the spine is particularly vulnerable to sprains, strains, and other injuries. As a result of this, many people suffer from recurrent pain in the lower back. This condition can often place restrictions on one’s movements and activities, disrupt sleep, and generally be frustrating. Fortunately there is an alternative for these patients besides painkillers, safe and natural healing therapy from a Wilmington chiropractor.
By undergoing chiropractic care, the patient can begin to heal naturally at the source of the pain without the use of medications or the need for surgery. These holistic practitioners believe in eliminating the reason for pain in the body rather than just minimizing the symptoms. To determine the nature of the patient’s lower back pain, the will perform an examination and take some x-rays.
Once the chiropractor is aware of what is causing the discomfort, he or she will decide what the most effective approach to therapy is for the patient. Most practitioners will use a combination of techniques to ease the pain and promote healing. The most common of these are spinal adjustments, which are gentle but firm manual thrusts which restore normal movement to the spine when there is a misaligned vertebra.
Trigger point therapy is another technique the practitioner may use to correct lower back pain. The chiropractor will locate specific points on the affected muscles which are tense then applies pressure to them as the patient moves in a particular manner. This approach is uncomfortable at the time, but effective for long term pain relief.
Some chiropractors also apply the gentle and soothing heat of ultrasound to the stiff and sore soft tissues of the lower back. This stimulates circulation in the area relieves tension. It helps ease the discomfort and encourages healing.
Patients may also be given some specific stretching exercises to do at home, as well as those which are designed to increase range of motion. As therapy progresses, most patients will experience much less pain and be able to move more easily. Choosing the services of a Wilmington chiropractor is a safe, drug-free alternative to standard medical care and it is also highly effective.