Back Pain Treatment Melbourne

Adaptive Chiropractic are the Melbourne CBD Back Pain Specialists

Back pain can range from frustrating to debilitating. Severe pain can stop you from doing the simplest tasks like tying your shoelaces, picking up your child or training for your next marathon…

With both upper and lower back pain, it is essential to diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms as there are many muscles, ligaments and bones along the spine. We first make sure we identify the root of the problem before planning your chiropractic treatment so you get relief not just in the short term but also in the long run. After an initial thorough examination, if we believe you’re better off seeing someone else, we will refer you. However, if we can help you with pain symptoms through a tailored chiropractic plan, then we will ensure you are treated with complete care and satisfaction.

How Can Chiropractors Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractors are healthcare professionals trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system, particularly those related to the spine. When it comes to back pain treatment, chiropractors offer several interventions that can help. Here’s how a chiropractor might address back and neck pain:

  1. Spinal Manipulation (Adjustment)
    This is the most common therapeutic procedure performed by chiropractors. The goal is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force to joints that have become restricted in their movement due to tissue injury. This can help alleviate pain coming from the facet joints, spinal nerves nad other areas, improving flexibility and reducing inflammation.
  2. Spinal Decompression
    This therapy involves stretching the lumbar spine using a traction table or similar device with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain. It’s often used for individuals with herniated discs or degenerative disc disease.
  3. Physical Modalities
    These can include the use of cold packs, heat, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound to reduce inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms.
  4. Exercise Recommendations
    Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles, increase flexibility, and promote proper posture. This can be essential for long-term back health and pain prevention.
  5. Ergonomic and Posture Advice
    Poor posture or inappropriate work ergonomics can contribute to or exacerbate back pain. Chiropractors can provide guidance on proper sitting, standing, and lifting techniques to prevent or relieve back discomfort.
  6. Soft Tissue Therapies
    Some chiropractors might utilize various techniques like massage, trigger point therapy, or myofascial release to address muscle tension or spasms.
  7. Joint Bracing/Taping
    In certain cases, taping or bracing might be used to support sprained joints or muscles as they heal.
  8. Nutritional Counseling
    Nutrition plays a role in inflammatory responses and tissue repair. Some chiropractors might provide advice or supplements to aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
  9. Patient Education
    Chiropractors often emphasize the importance of patient participation in their own care. Educating patients about the causes of back pain, lifestyle modifications, and self-care strategies can be instrumental in achieving long-term relief.
  10. Co-management with Other Healthcare Providers
    In cases where chiropractic care isn’t the sole solution or when there are other underlying health issues, a chiropractor might work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, physios, or pain management specialists, to provide comprehensive care including muscle relaxants or pain medications.

While many people find relief from back pain through chiropractic care, it’s important to consult with a qualified chiropractor who can conduct a thorough examination and provide individualized treatment recommendations. It’s also important to note that not all back pain cases will be suitable for chiropractic care, so in certain situations, other medical interventions might be more appropriate.

What Causes Chronic Back Pain?

Chronic back pain can be a result of a variety of causes. While it’s challenging to list a definitive “top 10,” the following are commonly recognized causes of chronic back pain:

Disc Problems

Herniated or Bulging Disc

When an intervertebral disc herniates, it can press on a nerve root. This might cause pain to radiate along the course of the nerve. For example, a herniated lumbar disc might press on the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that radiates down the leg, a condition commonly referred to as sciatica.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Natural wear and tear of the discs as one ages can lead to chronic pain.

Muscle or Ligament Strain

Repeated heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments, leading to persistent pain.

Spinal Stenosis

This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord or spinal nerves. This compression can lead to pain that is referred to other parts of the body.

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, and sometimes arthritis in the lumbar spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.

Facet Joint Osteoarthritis

Facet joints help stabilize the spine and allow for movement. When these joints degenerate due to osteoarthritis, they can cause localized facet joint pain as well as referred pain in the surrounding areas.

Osteoporosis

Vertebrae can develop compression fractures if bones become porous and brittle.

Postural Problems

Poor posture, often due to sedentary lifestyles or prolonged sitting, can contribute to chronic back pain over time.

Trauma or Injuries

Past injuries, car accidents, falls, or fractures can lead to chronic lower back pain, sometimes years after the actual event. Past trauma can cause a range of issues.

Spinal Infections or Tumors

Though less common, infections or tumors can cause chronic pain by directly affecting the spine or by causing compression on the spinal cord or nerves.

Non-spinal Causes

Issues not directly related to the back, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, or endometriosis, can also cause severe back pain.

It’s also worth noting that in some cases, despite thorough investigation, the exact cause of chronic back pain might remain unidentified. Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice if you experience persistent or chronic lower back pain, to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Holistic Back Pain Treatment Solutions

Our approach uses the latest scanning technology, combined with thorough and methodical assessments, and finally safe and effective treatments to provide you with a tailored and holistic back pain solution. We also empower you with education and information, to ensure your ongoing back pain management, that you can share with your friends and family. With our convenient Collins Street location, we are able to help people living and working in inner Melbourne and the Melbourne CBD.