When Should I See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?

By Genevieve Cunningham

Back pain is a huge problem. It’s estimated that 8 in 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and a whopping 8 percent of American adults experience chronic back pain -- or back pain that just never seems to fully go away. Before you experience back pain for yourself, it’s easy to dismiss it, easy to think that it’s not a big issue. “Just deal with it,” we often think.

But here’s the thing about the back: It’s used in almost every single thing we do. If we’re experiencing pain, we’re also experiencing a significant reduction in quality of life. The good news? We absolutely don’t have to take it. Instead, we can use our resources -- like visiting a chiropractor -- to restore back health and improve our lives.

What’s the Risk of Letting Back Pain Go Unattended?

If you choose to go with the “just deal with it” route, you should know that there are consequences to leaving back pain unattended. Some of the risks associated with ignoring back pain include:

• Prolonged nerve damage - When back pain affects the nerves -- such as a pinched nerve -- and we ignore it, it can lead to lasting nerve damage, sometimes even leading to permanent disability. Unfortunately, we often don’t know the actual cause of our pain. Finding the cause of your back pain is just as important as finding pain relief.
• Extensive treatment - It’s possible that your back pain needs minimal treatment. But if you don’t get the care you need, you may accidentally make the treatment plan much more extensive because of continued damage.
• Loss of mobility - The longer back pain is left untreated, the more mobility you’re likely to lose.
• Continuous decline in quality of life - Sleep, work, exercise. All of these are going to be affected by back pain. If we ignore the pain, we’re also ignoring our right to a quality life.

What Are the Symptoms of Back Pain?

When it comes to the symptoms of back pain, you might think that it’s obvious. The symptom is experiencing back pain. But how are we supposed to know when the back pain is getting worse? When it’s doing more damage? When it’s finally time to do something about it? It’s when we’re experiencing any of the following:

• Back pain that comes and goes - It’s one thing to experience back pain once and then the pain is gone. But if your back pain comes and goes repeatedly, it’s a good sign that it’s time to see a chiropractor for professional help.
• Tingling or numbness - Even before pain sets in, you might feel a tingling sensation or numbness in the body. This can indicate nerve damage and should be evaluated as soon as possible.
• Stiffness first thing - Back pain is often worse in the morning and gets better throughout the day. If every morning begins with pain, care should be considered.
• Pain with activity - Activity is a part of life. If you can’t participate without pain, get help so that you can enjoy your life to the fullest.

These aren’t the only symptoms of back pain or poor back health, but they are some of the most common. The most important thing to remember is that if you feel the need -- any need at all -- to see a professional for a treatment plan, do it sooner rather than later.

What is the Chiropractic Experience Like?

Getting chiropractic care can feel stressful, but there’s truly no need for the apprehension. To make you feel more comfortable, it’s helpful to know the answers to a few questions:

• What will the chiropractor do? - They’ll give you an evaluation, determine the best treatment method, and create a plan with you for your best health. Your treatment will likely include spinal manipulation -- a gentle procedure that helps restore the health of your spine.
• Does it hurt to have my back adjusted by a chiropractor? - Chiropractic care does not usually hurt. Some people feel a little sore after manipulation, but it’s generally not severe and passes within a day or two. It’s also possible to feel a few side effects such as headaches or fatigue, but this also passes quickly. Although there may be some discomfort, there may also be immediate relief.
• How often do I have to go? - The best care that you can get for your body is continual. Regular appointments offer the greatest chance of success. The Joint offers regular visits (no appointment needed) and affordable care. It’s a great way to get routine care.

Is Chiropractic a Replacement for Painkillers?

One of the most common ways that people deal with back pain is with pain relievers, sometimes over-the-counter and other times prescription. Do these work? They certainly can, but they also come with risks and side effects. Using painkillers masks the pain, but rarely addresses the cause. This means you could end up depending on them indefinitely with a heightened risk of dependence and addiction. Opioid addiction is a major health problem in the U.S.

Does chiropractic care serve as a suitable replacement to eliminate the need for painkillers? If you’re under a doctor’s care, don’t stop using anything prescribed for you until you discuss it with your healthcare provider. However, research suggests that in many cases, chiropractic care is able to manage chronic pain and reduce the need for painkillers. For long-term wellness, chiropractic care may very well be your best option. Studies show that seeing a chiropractor as your first response to pain may reduce the need for surgery.

When Should I See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the time to see a chiropractor, the answer is probably yes. It’s time to see a chiropractor when you have sharp pain, chronic pain, or pain that gets in the way of daily life. It’s time to see a chiropractor when you’re tired of being uncomfortable and finally want to relieve pain. It’s time to see a chiropractor when you want to live a healthy life. When should you see a chiropractor for back pain? If a healthy life is the goal, the answer is right now.

The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this page are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.