Upper Back & Lower Back Pain Treatment

With stats that indicate 90% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime, it sure would be good to have a back pain expert to advocate for you if you are hurting.  Whether your back pain is due to some simple mechanical joint strain or something slightly more complicated like a disc injury, Dr. Melander is ready to advocate for you and guide you on the path to eliminate your back pain!

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(FAQs) Upper Back & Lower Back Pain

Back Pain: Causes and Related Conditions


A back injury refers to any kind of trauma affecting the neck, upper back, or lower back.

Upper back pain:

Upper back pain is an extremely common ailment that most people will experience at some point in their lifetime, and it is amongst the most commonly treated conditions by Dr. Melander at North Shore Spine and Sport.

Arguably the most common cause of upper back pain these days is due to the strains inherent to extended sitting at a computer.  Other upper back pain causes include referred pain from the neck or shoulder area, rib dysfunction, or strains inherent to exercise, athletic, or performance tasks.


Lower back pain:

Lower back pain is likely to occur in nearly 90% of all people in their lifetime, so not surprisingly, Dr. Melander treats lower back pain daily at North Shore Spine and Sport.  Lower back pain can be caused by simple mechanical strains to joints in the lower back and pelvis, muscle strains in the lower back and pelvis and hips, or disc injuries in the lower back.


Muscle strain or ligament sprain:

Strain/sprain injuries can occur to all of the joint structures and associated musculature of the back and neck.  Sprain injuries occur to ligament connective tissue, usually require an acute trauma (IE: car accident, slip and fall, etc.), and can often prove to be stubborn varieties of back pain given how many ligamentous tissues affect each joint (vertebra) in the spine. Strain injuries occur to muscle connective tissue, are caused by repetitive or acute trauma, and after often easily treated with a combination of manual therapy and exercise.


Sciatica:

Sciatica refers to a painful sensation traveling from the lower back and into the buttock, thigh, lower leg, or foot.  Sciatica can be caused by simple mechanical joint dysfunction in the lumbar spine and pelvis, disc injury in the lumbar spine, or irritation/entrapment of the sciatica nerve from the buttock through the thigh.  Sciatica is commonly misdiagnosed as a lumbar disc injury, but fortunately, sciatica is easily treated with manual therapy and exercise.


Herniated disc:

A herniated disc refers to a situation where a spinal disc (the shock absorbing structure between vertebrae), begins to move outside its normal borders.  Often this is caused by the central substance of the disc (known as the nucleus pulposus) invading the outer layer of the disc (known as the annulus fibrosis) and/or moving outside the border of the annulus.  

The potential problem with a herniated disc is the proximity of the disc to the nerve roots (branches of spinal cord exiting spine to travel to other bodily tissues).  At times, the herniated disc can put a pressure on the nerve root leading to pain, numbness, or tingling traveling down an arm or leg, or in worse cases, weakness, loss of sensation, or loss of reflex in an arm or leg.

Most instances of herniated discs can be managed with treatment and exercise, but cases of significant neurologic compromise may require medicinal intervention or surgery.  Interestingly, there is now a great deal of evidence indicating that many people with herniated discs have no pain or symptoms of any kind.

As such, caution and patience are warranted in the evaluation and management of potential disc cases as many of these cases are known to improve spontaneously or given simply enough time.


SI joint:

The SI joint (sacroiliac joint), is formed where the sacrum at the base of the spine meets with the ilium (the large bones of the pelvis).  The SI joints can be linked to various painful conditions that may present with a localized pain near the SI joint, and/or a referred pain down the buttock, thigh, and leg such as is described with sciatica.

Upper Back Pain Symptoms (Mid-back Pain) 


Upper back pain when breathing:

It is very common to experience upper back pain when breathing, and particularly if that pain is left-sided some people fear that they are suffering from a heart problem.  In the significant majority of cases there is nothing wrong with that person’s heart, however, if that pain is associated with other life-threatening signs like a “fear of impending doom”, shortness of breath, or nausea that person should seek emergency medical attention.

For people with isolated upper back pain when breathing, often experienced with a catching pain during deep inhalation and often associated with pain during various neck/trunk motions, that person may be dealing with some variety of joint dysfunction or muscle strain.

Upper back joint dysfunction and muscle strains can be self-limiting and improve within a few days to weeks without intervention, or may require intervention with a healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist.


Upper back pain when lying down:

It is common to experience upper back pain when lying down, but hopefully a simple change to a person’s lying position may alleviate the pain.  If the pain is persistent and does not respond favorably to positional changes, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


Upper back pain when coughing:

Upper back pain when coughing is often due to some kind of muscle or joint strain.  In some cases, if a person has a bad cold and cough, the frequent coughing jags may strain some tissue(s) in the upper back that will require a few days to weeks to sufficiently heal.

In other cases, an underlying dysfunction or strain to tissue(s) in the upper back may be aggravated by coughing or sneezing.  In either case, if the pain is concerning and/or if it persists despite activity modification, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


Upper back pain when turning head:

Upper back pain when turning head may be due to a strain or dysfunction to muscle or joint in the neck or upper back.  These pains are common, usually self-limiting and will improve without intervention, but in more persistent cases an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


Upper back pain when sleeping:

It is common to experience upper back pain when sleeping, but hopefully a simple change to a person’s sleeping position may alleviate the pain.  If the pain is persistent and does not respond favorably to positional changes, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted. 


Upper back pain between shoulder blades:

Upper back pain between shoulder blades is the most common area of the upper back to experience pain.  The pain may be caused by some kind of muscle strain or joint dysfunction in the immediate area or from the neck or shoulder blade areas.

These pains are common, usually self-limiting and will improve without intervention, but in more persistent cases an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted. 


Upper back pain in the middle:

Upper back pain in the middle of the back, likely somewhere between the shoulder blades is the most common area of the upper back to experience pain.  The pain may be caused by some kind of muscle strain or joint dysfunction in the immediate area or from the neck or shoulder blade areas.

These pains are common, usually self-limiting and will improve without intervention, but in more persistent cases an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.

    Lower Back Pain Symptoms


    Lower back pain left side:

    It is common to experience lower back pain on the left side and the possible causes are numerous, ranging from non-specific “idiopathic” pain to muscle/joint issues to disc problems.  Most cases of simple lower back pain on the left side are usually self-limiting and will improve without intervention, but in more persistent cases an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted. 


    Lower back pain right side:

    It is common to experience lower back pain on the right side and the possible causes are numerous, ranging from non-specific “idiopathic” pain to muscle/joint issues to disc problems.  Most cases of simple lower back pain on the right side are usually self-limiting and will improve without intervention, but in more persistent cases an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted. 


    Lower back pain when sitting:

    It is common to experience lower back pain when sitting but it is unlikely of any significant concern.  For countless people, a simple change to their position or a reduction in the length of time they sit will alleviate a great deal of pain.

    Also taking deliberate breaks from sitting or incorporating more exercise into their routine will help.  If lower back pain when sitting persists despite changes to your routine, an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted. 


    Lower back pain when lying down:

    It is common to experience lower back pain when lying down, but hopefully a simple change to a person’s lying position may alleviate the pain.  In some cases the inactivity inherent to lying down causes people to experience stiffness and discomfort.

    In those cases, a short period of time plus movement upon waking is often sufficient to alleviate the pain.  If the pain is persistent and does not respond favorably to positional changes, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


    Lower back pain when walking:

    Lower back pain when walking is not apt to be too serious or concerning, but it may be frustrating if your lifestyle requires frequent long-distance walks.  A worthy consideration is to determine what you walking threshold is, which is to say, how far can you walk before symptoms are aggravated?

    With any mechanical pain you should remain as active as possible but always stay within pain-free thresholds.  If the lower back pain when walking seems to either refer pain down the leg and/or is associated with any kind of weakness in the leg/foot, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


    Lower back pain when bending over:

    Lower back when bending over is one of the most common presentations associated with lower back pain.  Many people immediately attribute this type of lower back pain to a disc problem, fortunately, without any of the “radicular” symptoms felt into the leg like pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation, then it is unlikely lower back pain when bending over is due to a disc.

    It is possible that this pain is due to muscle strain or joint dysfunction, but it is also highly likely the pain is self-limiting and will improve without the need of any intervention.  If lower back pain when bending over persists or proves concerning, an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


    Lower back pain when standing:

    Lower back pain when standing is not apt to be too serious or concerning unless it is associated with symptoms like weakness or loss of sensation in the leg and foot.  A worthy consideration is to determine how long can you stand prior to symptom aggravation, and then stand only for periods of time that are within your threshold.

    Almost invariably, the threshold will gradually increase given sufficient time and adaptation.  Another worthy consideration is to determine what movements and activities you can accomplish without aggravation of your pain and commit yourself to challenging your body within those pain-free parameters.

    If lower back pain when standing is concerning or persistent, an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted. 


    Lower back pain while sleeping:

    It is common to experience lower back pain when sleeping, but hopefully a simple change to a person’s lying position may alleviate the pain.  In some cases the inactivity inherent to sleeping causes people to experience stiffness and discomfort.

    In those cases, a short period of time plus movement upon waking is often sufficient to alleviate the pain.  If the pain is persistent and does not respond favorably to positional changes, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


    Lower back pain when running:

    Lower back pain when running is extremely common and can be attributable to multiple causes.  One extremely important point to consider is whether you are cross-training, or is running your only exercise?

    Cross-training is a powerful means of stimulating your body and brain in a very different and dynamic way relative to running.  If you are cross-training and still experience pain with running, then consider how long can you run without symptoms?

    Choose to run within pain-free thresholds and invariably your threshold will increase.  Many runners report that hip mobility work in addition to single-leg strengthening exercises like split squats or single leg deadlifts help to alleviate lower back pain from running.

    If lower back pain when running is concerning or persists despite these efforts, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted. 


    Lower back pain from squats:

    Lower back pain from squats is one of the more common weightlifting injuries but the treatment of these issues is not handled appropriately by many healthcare providers.  In countless scenarios, an individual with lower back from squats is told to stop squatting.

    Unfortunately, this is often the wrong advice as there are practically endless variations on squats and many of these variations may not be associated with any pain.  If an individual is told to stop doing something because of pain they are often made to feel vulnerable and weak, and the inactivity that was advocated usually leads to some level of physical deconditioning.

    If however that person is advised to explore squat variations that are not aggravating of their pain, then they are given more control of their recovery, they can greatly reduce any deconditioning, and their pain experience becomes much less concerning.

    Having said that, there are absolutely situations where lower back from squats can be due to a disc injury and these cases will likely be associated with pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation traveling down a leg or into the foot.

    In these situations, depending on the severity of disc compromise the person may be rehabbed using squat modifications (amongst other things) or they may require more aggressive intervention.  If lower back pain from squats is concerning, or persists despite attempting squat modifications, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist warranted.


    Lower back pain from deadlift:

    Lower back pain from deadlift is a common weightlifting injury and can be associated with potential disc injury.  However, there are nearly endless ways to modify deadlifts for symptomatic individuals that may allow them to continue training and rehab their pain without intervention.

    If however lower back pain from deadlift causes disc damage with neurologic compromise like weakness in the leg/foot or loss of sensation, then more aggressive medical intervention may be warranted.  These are very common lower back pains and can often be treated rapidly by a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist. 


    Lower back pain from working out:

    Lower back pain from working out is common, however, it should not stop you from working out.  Instead, evaluate what exercises and movements seem to provoke your symptoms, then consider how can you modify those exercises and movements in a manner that no longer provokes pain.

    If you cannot modify an exercise or you are not sure how to modify an exercise, then consider focusing only on the exercises you can complete tolerably and then gradually reintroduce the painful exercise to determine your capacity.

    If you need help navigating this process, then a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist can help.

    Back Pain Relief


    There are many ways to seek back pain relief, including activity modification, movement/exercise, treatment, medicine, as well as more invasive procedures like surgery.  

    The overwhelming majority of back pain is self-limiting which means that the pain is non-specific (not attributable to a singular cause IE: tissue damage) and the pain will improve without any lifestyle changes or therapeutic intervention needed. If a pain is either of enough concern or persistence to warrant intervention, the best approach is to begin with least invasive and most conservative therapies first.

    Generally, the first step should be to evaluate what components of your lifestyle/activity seem to clearly aggravate your symptoms, and subsequently seek to modify those activities in a manner that makes the activity less aggravating.

    If simple activity modification does not suffice, you should seek a consultation with a healthcare provider experienced in non-surgical and non-invasive varieties of back pain like chiropractors and physical therapist.

    Your chiropractor or physical therapist should be able to guide you through an evaluation and treatment plan that may include some or all of the following: hands-on manual therapy, exercise, self-care strategies, coping mechanisms, etc. For the very small minority of patients for whom these methods fail, it may be time to seek an evaluation with a medical doctor trained in back pain evaluation like a physiatrist or orthopedic spine specialist.

    Chances are these medical doctors will provide medication ranging from non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to steroidal anti-inflammatories, or in the worst cases, they may advocate for surgical intervention (although surgery should be limited strictly to cases of neurologic compromise).

    Back Pain Treatment (Upper & Lower Back)


    Upper back pain treatment:

    Upper back pain treatment may include any of the following: activity modification, movement/exercise, hands-on therapies, medicine, or in the worst cases, invasive procedures like surgery.  The overwhelming majority of upper back pain is self-limiting and will improve without any lifestyle changes or therapeutic intervention.

    In situations of greater pain concern or greater pain persistence, treatment may be needed that should include movement, exercise, and perhaps hands-on therapies like joint manipulation, myofascial release, massage, etc.  In the worst cases of upper back pain that are deemed the result of a significant disc injury to the spine, surgical intervention may be needed.


    Lower back pain treatment:

    Lower back pain treatment may include any of the following: activity modification, movement/exercise, hands-on therapies, medicine, or in the worst cases, invasive procedures like surgery.  The overwhelming majority of lower back pain is self-limiting and will improve without any lifestyle changes or therapeutic intervention.

    In situations of greater pain concern or greater pain persistence, treatment may be needed that should include movement, exercise, and perhaps hands-on therapies like joint manipulation, myofascial release, massage, etc.

    In the worst cases of lower back pain that are deemed the result of a significant disc injury to the spine, surgical intervention may be needed. 

    Back Pain Prevention


    Back pain therapy:

    Back pain therapy is likely less about prevention and more about helping someone currently suffering from back pain.  That being said, back pain therapy may include some or all of the following: activity modification, exercise instruction, self-care strategies, coping mechanisms, hands-on treatment like joint manipulation, joint mobilization, myofascial release, massage therapy, etc.


    Back pain stretches:

    There are not currently any stretches supported by evidence that are necessarily preventative of back pain.  However, many people report feeling a reduction in lower back discomfort when their self-care routine includes various lumbar spine or hip mobility strategies, and many people report feeling a reduction in upper back discomfort when their self-care routine includes various neck mobility strategies, scapular mobility strategies, or thoracic spine mobility strategies.


    Back pain exercises:

    Arguably the best back pain exercises involve a deliberate strengthening effort to the area of the back that is symptomatic.  For example, in cases of lower back pain, many people report long-term improvement when their back pain exercises include deadlift variations or squat variations that place high load on the hips and require a strong stability of the lumbar spine.

    Back Pain FAQs


    What can I do to relieve my back pain?

    The first step that should be advised to relieve back pain is to modify whatever activities are clearly associated with back pain.  Next, consider your current level of physical activity and determine whether your back pain is associated with your capacity for that physical activity.  In other words, are you either a) exceeding your capacity leading to pain, or b) consistently below your capacity leading to deconditioning?

    With that determination made, consider modifying your activity to reflect your capacity.  Other very worthy options to relieve back pain include gentle stretching (particularly of the hips), strength training within pain-free parameters, movement systems like yoga or pilates, and in some cases, over the counter anti-inflammatories.

    If these efforts do not provide sufficient relief, consider seeing a chiropractor or physical therapist as they can both evaluate your condition and guide you through a treatment plan.


    How long does back pain last?

    The length of time back pain lasts is highly variable, from seconds to years, depending on multiple factors including severity of injury, age, general good health and physical preparedness, emotional well-being, etc.

    Most episodes of back pain will be self-limiting, meaning the pain will improve without any intervention.  If back pain is concerning or persists then it is advisable to seek help from a chiropractor or physical therapist as they manage back pain patients every day.


    How should I sleep with back pain?

    Every case of back pain is unique to the individual, however, as a general rule try to find your comfortable position(s) and stay there as best as possible.  There are no sleeping positions that are inherently bad and there are no mattresses or pillows that are inherently bad.

    There are times that no position will be comfortable indefinitely, but these situations will likely improve within a few days.  There are times that people may want to consult their primary care provider as certain medications can help people in pain get a better night sleep.  Lastly, there are times that a back pain affecting sleep may require a treatment plan, in which case, seek a chiropractor or physical therapist.


    What could be the cause of upper back pain?

    There are multiple potential causes of upper back pain ranging from idiopathic pain (meaning there is no cause), to muscle strains, joint dysfunction, disc issues, nerve entrapments, and even referred pain from different internal organs.

    The overwhelming majority of upper back pain is self-limiting and will improve without any intervention.  In cases of upper back pain that are concerning or persistent, then an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted to determine what has gone wrong.


    How can I relieve upper back pain?

    The first step in trying to relieve upper back pain is to modify any activities that clearly aggravate your pain experience.  For example, if sitting at the computer seems to lead to lower back pain, consider taking regular breaks to move around or investing in a standing desk.

    Alternatively, consider a strength training program focused on the upper back to improve the stability, stamina, and capacity of that region of your body.  Other potential considerations include improving neck mobility, scapular mobility, thoracic spine mobility, over the counter anti-inflammatories, or seeking the help of a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist.


    Why does my upper back hurt between my shoulder blades?

    Pain is a complicated experience, and many instances of pain are idiopathic, which means there is no discernible cause.  However, it is common that muscle strains or joint dysfunction in the upper back can lead to pain but these can be easily managed with some or all of the following: activity modification, exercise instruction, self-care strategies, coping mechanisms, hands-on treatment like joint manipulation, joint mobilization, myofascial release, massage therapy, etc.  A chiropractor or physical therapist can help in cases of more concerning or persistent pain between the shoulder blades.


    Can stress cause upper back pain?

    Absolutely yes.  Stress is associated with nearly every abnormal condition known to mankind, not to mention, while stress is usually considered an emotional experience there are countless examples of physical stress that could be causing a disproportionate strain to tissue in the upper back.  There are many kinds of coping strategies that people can research ranging from meditation to breathing practices to exercise that can help reduce stress.


    Why is my lower back hurting so bad?

    Every case of lower back pain is unique to the individual suffering, but in most cases making an attempt to modify pain aggravating activity, as well as seeking more physical activity within pain-free thresholds will help alleviate lower back pain.  In cases of concerning or persistent lower back pain an evaluation with a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist may be warranted.


    How do you tell if lower back pain is muscle or disc?

    You can tell if lower back pain is muscle or disc by answering some simple questions.  1) Is the pain localized or does it refer down the leg? 2) If the pain refers down the leg, is there any numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of sensation in the leg or foot?

    If the pain is localized, it is unlikely you are suffering from a disc problem, although the pain could be due to a joint issue rather than a muscle issue.  If the pain refers down the leg and is associated with symptoms of neurologic compromise like weakness or loss of sensation, it is possible you are dealing with a disc injury.

    There are situations where pain, numbness, tingling traveling down the leg is not due to a disc but could be due to a joint problem or a nerve entrapment.  The best means of getting absolute clarity about the nature of lower back pain is to seek a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist as they manage lower back pain and disc issues every day.


    Is walking good for lower back pain?

    Yes, walking is most likely good for lower back pain.  In fact, any movement or activity that you can do that does not clearly aggravate your symptoms is likely good for your pain.  If walking leads to lower back pain, then consider how long you can walk prior to symptoms aggravation and keep your future walks within that threshold.  Almost invariably, as you stay within pain-free activity thresholds your capacity will increase for that activity.


    What is the best exercise for lower back pain?
    There are an endless number of opinions about the best exercise for lower back pain, but none of these opinions are supported by quality research.  That being said there is consensus regarding a few points.

    1. The best exercise may be whatever exercise you enjoy most and therefore are apt to keep doing.
    2. Strength matters, so consider strength training programs that will target all areas of your body (not just your back).
    3. Hip motion, or lack of hip motion, will either mitigate or increase likelihood of lower back strains respectively.


    What should you not do with lower back pain?

    There is nothing inherently bad for lower back pain.  Every case is highly individualized, and as such, vilifying any activity is counterproductive.  A good rule is to modify any activity that clearly aggravates your pain and seek instead the hardest variations of that activity that you can do well.

    If you cannot modify an activity in a manner that is helpful, then you may want to consider seeing a trained healthcare provider like a chiropractor or physical therapist who can guide you on a path to recovery.


    Are squats good for lower back pain?

    It depends!  Squats are a great exercise and for some people with certain varieties of lower back pain a squat may be a great means of reducing their pain and mitigating the likelihood of recurrence.

    However, some people may not feel any change to their lower back pain from squatting, so it is important those people investigate other exercise or therapeutic avenues to help their pain.  A chiropractor or physical therapist can help guide you during your exploration of exercises that will help your lower back pain.

    our Chiropractic
    Approach

    Dr. Melander has often described his work as new-school rehab, which is to say, an amalgamation of current best practices regarding pain or injury management, hands-on manual therapy or strength/mobility training, and endless advocacy and support for his patients.

    In Dr. Melander’s opinion, the best providers in the field of musculoskeletal injury are able to draw from multiple disciplines to create the most efficient and impactful care strategy for their patients.  If you are injured or hurting and not sure what to do, please reach out, it will be our greatest pleasure to help you.

    We serve Newburyport and surrounding North Shore communities, including: Newbury, West Newbury, Rowley, Byfield, Georgetown, Amesbury, Salisbury, Ipswich, Seabrook NH, Hampton NH, Rye NH.

    Chiropractic FAQs


    We've compiled a list of common chiropractic questions to help you get all the answers you are looking for. If you have additional questions if our chiropractic and treatment services in North Shore would be a good fit for you, please contact our team. 

    How do I know if I should see a chiropractor?

    Chiropractors are trained in the evaluation and management (IE: treatment) of issues affecting the neuromusculoskeletal system (muscles, joints, connective tissue, nerves).  Many people associate chiropractic care with the spine only, but this is an inaccurate reflection of many chiropractors in the 21st century who are experts in treating spinal issues AND extremity issues (arms and legs).  As a general rule of thumb, if you have a painful condition that does not get better given a few days of activity modification you may want to consult a professional like a chiropractor.  Your chiropractor should be able to evaluate your painful condition, offer you some perspective and guidance relative to the painful condition, and help you care for the painful condition if treatment is warranted.  Like any profession though, each chiropractor has different clinical experience and different post-graduate education that may lend their practice toward a focus on sports injuries or pregnancy/neonatal care or neurologic issues or nutritional issues to name just a few.  If you are considering seeing a chiropractor, make sure that their experience and skill set seems like a proper match for your complaint and your ultimate goals.

    How do I choose a good chiropractor?

    Choosing a good chiropractor does not have to be a complicated process.  To begin with, ask your friends or family if they know someone they trust and can vet for you.  Next, check online as most chiropractors should have fairly informative websites relative to their clinical interests and experience that may help indicate whether they are a good fit for your issue.  If you are still not sure who to see after taking those steps, call your prospective chiropractor’s office as either the staff or the chiropractor will be more than happy to answer any questions and tell you if your issue is something commonly treated in that office.  Many people also like to read online reviews and while some online reviews can be misleading, if the significant majority of a chiropractor’s reviews are super positive then chances are you can trust the expertise of that provider.  Lastly, and arguably the most important step in choosing a good chiropractor, remember that you are in total control of your healthcare decision making.  If you go to an initial or follow-up appointment and you are not absolutely confident in the assessment and plan your chiropractor has rendered, then seek a second opinion.

    What can a chiropractor fix?

    A chiropractor can help you fix a wide variety of painful conditions related to the neuromusculoskeletal system such as headaches, back/neck pain, shoulder/elbow/wrist/hand pains, hip/knee/ankle/foot pains to name just a few.  Injuries of actual orthopedic compromise like fractures are best handled by orthopedists, but chances are if your pain/injury is non-surgical in nature then a chiropractor may be a great option to help you.  The best chiropractors will explain what they can about your pain/injury, offer guidance and likely treatment as efficiently as possible (days to weeks, maybe months in extreme situations), and then remove themselves and let your brain/body do the rest.  A great deal of research these days indicates that in many healthcare interactions providers should try and limit their patient’s dependency on them, opting instead for interventions and language that fosters resiliency and self-efficacy (independence).

    What happens at your first chiropractic appointment?

    Your first chiropractic appointment should include a detailed discussion of your health history and presenting complaint(s), an examination of your complaint(s), a discussion regarding what is indicated by the examination relative to prognosis and treatment plan, and finally some form of treatment/intervention assuming time permits.  Many painful conditions can be evaluated thoroughly and completely in a matter of minutes and certain treatment interventions could yield immediate relief, while other conditions may require more complex evaluations and more lengthy treatment plans.  Above all, you should leave your first chiropractic appointment feeling confident that your chiropractor is the best option to help you with your problem and you should leave feeling confident that you are on the road to recovery.

    How often should you see a chiropractor?

    You should see a chiropractor as often as you want or need.  Perhaps the most common criticism of chiropractors is that chiropractors “need to see you for the rest of your life”, and while there are unfortunately examples of chiropractors who advocate for this kind of dependency, the significant majority of chiropractors today want to help you as quickly as possible with no long-term commitments of any kind.  The best chiropractor will see you the minimally necessary number of times to help you overcome your issue and suggest you follow-up if there are any residual issues or new complaints sometime in the future.  Many patients however recognize how good they feel after chiropractic care and therefore wish to see their chiropractor with some kind of recurring frequency (IE: once/month, twice/year, or more).  These examples though should be dictated by the patient based on their assessment of their body’s needs and absolutely not dictated by the chiropractor based on some kind of pseudoscientific reasoning.

    Does insurance pay for chiropractor?

    In many cases, yes, insurance will help pay for chiropractic care assuming the chiropractor is participating with your health insurer.  If your chiropractor is not participating with health insurance, then it is still possible you have an out-of-network benefit with your insurer and can seek reimbursement that way.

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