Would You Visit a Chiropractor for Back Pain?
If you have persistent neck or back pain, you might be considering chiropractic manipulation, or realigning the spine by pressing on its joints, a therapy often touted to relieve such chronic discomfort. Chiropractic care is one of the most popular forms of complementary medicine. In 2012, one in 12 U.S. adults visited the chiropractor, according to an analysis of federal survey data published in January. And each year chiropractors (along with some osteopathic physicians and physical therapists) perform several million adjustments.
Will It Work?
The founder of modern chiropractic care, a 19th-century Iowan, believed that chiropractic manipulation could cure all manner of maladies. And some chiropractors still offer services for conditions such as asthma and high blood pressure, even though there’s no strong evidence that chiropractic treatment helps for those. But most chiropractors focus on skeletal and muscular problems—especially low back, neck, and shoulder pain, and related headaches.
And some studies suggest that spinal manipulations (“adjustments”) can help diminish such pain. A 2011 review of 26 studies found that for chronic low back pain, manipulation reduced pain in the short term at least as much as exercise and even pain relievers. Chiropractic care also improved participants’ short-term physical functions, such as their ability to climb stairs or bend over.
“The bad news is that for chronic, persistent back pain, even the best therapies result in only mild to moderate relief,” says Roger Chou, M.D., a professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University who studies back pain. “The key is finding the treatment that works for you and seeing a therapist who cares about function—not just pain relief—and who will help you get back to the activities that matter most in your life.”
When it comes to neck pain, a study of 181 people published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that getting regular chiropractic care (about once per week for 12 weeks) could lessen discomfort better than acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Some research also suggests that chiropractic manipulation might work as well as medication for migraine headaches.
“For chronic backache or neck pain that is not accompanied by symptoms requiring medical attention—such as urinary or intestinal problems or weakness, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg—considering chiropractic manipulation seems reasonable,” says Consumer Reports’ chief medical adviser, Marvin M. Lipman, M.D. But it isn’t risk-free. “It can cause temporary headaches and, rarely, serious problems such as worsening the pain of a slipped disk,” he notes.
What You Should Know, If You Go
All states require chiropractors to earn a four-year doctor of chiropractic (D.C.) degree from a program accredited by the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE). Chiropractors are also required to pass an exam administered by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners to get licensed.
Treatments are often covered by insurance, including Medicare Part B, which pays 80 percent of the cost after your deductible.
Back pain is one of the most common symptoms reported among the general population. While a majority of cases resolve on their own, some instances of back pain may be due to further injury or an aggravated condition. If the symptoms are persistent, it might be time to seek medical attention immediately. Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, helping to restore the original health of the spine.
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Check Out Our Blog Regarding Spine Care
What is a Clay-Shoveler’s Fracture?
Clay-shoveler’s fracture is a breakage of the vertebrae in the spine as a consequence of stress in the neck or upper back. It is often described as a steady fracture during the process of a vertebra happening at C7 or C6, classically at some of the cervical or thoracic vertebrae.
Clay-shoveler’s fracture usually occurs in laborers who engage in tasks involving lifting weights with the arms stretched. Examples of these actions include physical activities like shoveling soil, rubble or snow up and over the head backwards, using a pickax or scythe, and pulling out roots.
Back in Australia in the 1930s, men digging deep ditches tossed clay 10 to 15 feet above their heads using long handled shovels. Rather than separating, the clay would stick to the spade; the employee would hear a pop followed by a sudden pain between the shoulder blades, making them unable to continue working.
Mechanism of Injury: Clay Shoveler’s Fracture
The mecha
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Ligament Pathology with Alteration of Motion Segment Integrity
A good read to understanding alteration of motion segment integrity (AOMSI) is the article “Biomechanical Analysis of clinical instability in the cervical spine” White, et al., Clin Ortho Relat Res, 1975;(109):85-96.
AOMSI is a biomechanical analysis. It’s all about numbers that have clinical meaning and significance. Threshold values have been determined that quantify without a doubt the patient has serious injury. It is a test of structural integrity of the ligaments interconnecting the motion segments. In this case, structural integrity has to do with the material properties of ligament tissue. Those properties include strength and flexibility. When a material is both strong and flexible, it’s called a semi-rigid material. Strength is related to the composition of the material. Strength might be thought of as load carrying capacity before failure.
Mechanism of Injury: Ligaments
Ligament tissue has previously been bench tested to de
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U.S. Case Study: Chiropractic & Vertebrobasilar Stroke
Thomas M Kosloff1*†, David Elton1†, Jiang Tao2† and Wade M Bannister2†
CHIROPRACTIC & MANUAL THERAPIES
Abstract
Background: There is controversy surrounding the risk of manipulation, which is often used by chiropractors, with respect to its association with vertebrobasilar artery system (VBA) stroke. The objective of this study was to compare the associations between chiropractic care and VBA stroke with recent primary care physician (PCP) care and VBA stroke.
Methods: The study design was a case–control study of commercially insured and Medicare Advantage (MA) health plan members in the U.S. population between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2013. Administrative data
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El Paso Back Clinic: Central
El Paso Back Clinic: Eastside
11150 La Quinta Pl
El Paso, Tx 79935
915-850-0900
Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on total health, strength training and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries. We take a global physiological treatment approach in order to regain total functional health.
We use Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Balanced Diet Plans, Agility Training programs, Cross-Fit techniques, the PUSH-Rx Rehabilitation System and a highly specialized program for our Veterans.
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Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic
6440 Gateway East Ste. B
El Paso, TX 79905
Office / Clinic: 915-850-0900 ✔️
