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Back Pain Chiropractors

It pays to see a specialist when you're racked with back pain. You'll give a thumb's up to the hands-on techniques of your chiropractor or osteopath.

Spinal manipulation comes in different forms, ranging from massage to high-velocity thrusts on your spine. Sounds gruesome? Maybe. But can it really help? Most certainly.

Manipulation seems to be most effective in people with acute low back pain without leg pain or trapped nerves. It increases the range of movement of your spine. Sometimes pain can be worse after manipulation, though usually only in the short term. If it persists, then manipulation is not for you and you should seek help elsewhere.

CHIROPRACTIC

Chiropractic manipulation can help with chronic or severe back pain. Going to consult a chiropractor for your back pain will get you a full assessment, involving the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of your back pain. Chiropractors believe that the healthiness of your spine influences the health of your whole body. They'll ask for any personal details that are relevant - such as any other illnesses or injuries you've had, what kind of work you do, what kind of chairs you sit in or bed you sleep on.

Chiropractors use their hands, rather than electrical equipment, to manipulate or adjust your spine. They push, pull and lever muscle against bone. They'll give you general advice, such as avoiding bed rest, increasing your exercise, leading a healthy lifestyle and how to bone a chicken, and discuss any psychological barriers to your recovery.

WHAT DOES CHIROPRACTIC TREATMENT ENTAIL?

You'll undress to your underclothes (socks optional), so that the chiropractor can examine the range of movements of your spine. The chiropractor may arrange X-rays of your back to help with the diagnosis and rule out any underlying diseases. You'll then lie down on a couch, so that the chiropractor can manipulate your vertebrae by sharp thrusts with her hands on your spine. The chiropractor uses manipulation to increase flexibility if your spine is too stiff. If she thinks your back ligaments are too slack, she'll free nearby joints which may have become stiff from compensating for the misalignment. She'll also suggest exercises for strengthening and stabilising your back muscles. Treatments last about 15 minutes and may be one of a series over a few weeks.

You'll probably be given advice about posture and sets of exercises to do at home in between treatment sessions. Some chiropractors go in for active rehabilitation, which involves fitness and endurance programmes tailored to your ability.

HOW DO YOU FIND A CHIROPRACTOR YOU CAN TRUST?

In the UK, chiropractors complete a four-year degree, which covers the use of manipulative treatment, diagnosis of the various conditions causing back pain and use of X-rays. They must register with the General Chiropractic Council (http://www.gcc.uk.org), and only members can call themselves chiropractors.

MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT - OSTEOPATHY CAN HELP

Osteopaths are trained to recognise and treat many causes of pain. They believe that for true health, physical, social and mental well-being are linked. Correcting the body's structure improves its function and promotes self-healing. An osteopath uses his hands to diagnose the problem, examining your spine when you're at rest and watching as you move your back around in sitting, standing and walking. He'll look at the rest of your body too, as a problem in one area of your body can have a knock-on effect on another part.

Osteopathy uses your arms and legs as long levers or fulcrums for twisting and bending your body. Osteopaths use their hands to stretch soft tissues and mobilise joints through rhythmic, passive movements and high-velocity thrust techniques, to improve your mobility and range of joint movement. This should reduce the strain on your other joints and thereby improve your general mobility and health. An osteopathy treatment is often accompanied by an audible 'click'. Despite the sound effects, osteopathy is usually painless.

HOW DO YOU FIND AN OSTEOPATH YOU CAN TRUST?

In the UK, the General Osteopathic Council (www.osteopathy.org.uk) maintains a register of osteopaths and ensures that they maintain their competence. It is illegal for someone to call themselves an osteopath if they are not registered. Other countries have different governing bodies.


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