Chiropractic care is a popular alternative treatment for low back pain. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulation and other alternative treatments to restore mobility to joints restricted by tissue injury caused by a traumatic event, such as falling, or repetitive stress, such as sitting without proper back support. According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, chiropractic care may be helpful for low back pain. Researchers enrolled 750 active-duty military personnel who complained of back pain. Half were randomly assigned to receive usual care (including medications, self-care, and physical therapy) while the other half received usual care plus up to 12 chiropractic treatments. After six weeks of treatment, those assigned to receive chiropractic care reported less pain intensity, experienced less disability and more improvement in function, reported higher satisfaction with their treatment, and needed less pain medicine.
Chiropractic care can help low back pain by applying controlled force to the spine and other joints, which can improve alignment, reduce inflammation, and enhance nerve function. Chiropractic care can also help relax the muscles, improve blood flow, and stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body has the ability to heal itself when the nervous system is functioning properly. The nervous system controls all the functions of the body, including pain perception, immune response, and tissue repair. By correcting any misalignments or restrictions in the spine, chiropractic care can restore the optimal communication between the brain and the body, and thus facilitate the healing of low back pain.
The Cox technique is a type of chiropractic care that uses a special table to apply gentle flexion-distraction and decompression to the spine. This can help low back pain by:
1) Lowering the pressure inside the discs, which can reduce the irritation and inflammation of the nerves that cause pain and sciatica.
2) Increasing the space between the vertebrae, which can relieve the compression and narrowing of the spinal canal and the nerve openings (stenosis).
3) Restoring the normal motion and alignment of the spine, which can improve the function and flexibility of the joints and muscles.
4) Enhancing the blood circulation and nerve conduction, which can stimulate the natural healing process and reduce the chemical factors that contribute to pain.
The Cox technique is a safe, effective, and research-proven method for treating low back pain and other spinal conditions. It can also help prevent the need for surgery or medication in many cases. If you are interested in trying the Cox technique, you can consult a certified Cox practitioner who has received specialized training and certification in this technique.
In our office, we like to look at the combination of joint function and muscles function. Treatments on the spine will consist of cox technique, muscle work, rehabilitative exercises, electrical stimulation, and even the more common controlled force type adjustments. We like to create rehabilitation plans that consist of stretches and strengthening programs so that your back can get back to where you want it to be.