Top 10 Common Questions About Back Pain and How Chiropractic Care Can HelpYour Guide to Understanding, Treating, and Relieving Back Pain for Good

Back pain affects millions of people around the world. It’s a leading cause of missed work and reduced quality of life, yet many people don’t know where to turn for relief. Chiropractic care and regenerative therapy offer real solutions that not only alleviate symptoms but promote long-term healing. In this article, we answer the most common questions people have about back pain and explain how Functional Health & Chiropractic Care can help you achieve a pain-free life.

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1. Why Does My Back Hurt?
Back pain can have many causes, including poor posture, muscle strain, disc issues, or even stress. The spine is a complex structure made of bones, discs, muscles, and ligaments, all of which work together to support your body. If any part of the system becomes stressed or injured, it can lead to pain. Common causes include:

• Muscle strain from lifting heavy objects or overexertion.
• Herniated discs, where the soft tissue between the vertebrae protrudes.
• Poor posture, which can place undue stress on the spine.

Solution: Chiropractic adjustments can realign the spine, reducing pressure on nerves and restoring natural function.

2. Can Chiropractic Care Help My Chronic Back Pain?
Yes, chiropractic care is highly effective for chronic back pain. Chiropractors focus on addressing the root causes of pain, rather than simply masking symptoms. By realigning the spine, improving joint mobility, and restoring normal function, chiropractic adjustments can lead to significant pain reduction and improved overall well-being.

Study Reference: A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that patients who received chiropractic care for chronic back pain had better pain relief and improved physical function compared to those who received standard medical care alone (Goertz et al., 2013).

Solution: Regular chiropractic care can reduce chronic pain and prevent further degeneration of the spine.

3. Is Chiropractic Care Safe?
Yes, chiropractic care is one of the safest, non-invasive treatments for back pain. Chiropractors use controlled, gentle adjustments to correct misalignments and promote natural healing. Unlike surgeries or prescription medications, chiropractic treatments come with minimal risk and no side effects.

Study Reference: Research from the Spine Journal indicates that spinal manipulation is a safe and effective treatment for acute and chronic back pain (Rubinstein et al., 2012).

Solution: Chiropractic care offers a natural, safe alternative to risky surgeries or long-term medications.

4. How Does Stress Affect My Back?
Stress can manifest physically, leading to muscle tension, poor posture, and even spinal misalignment. When you’re stressed, your muscles tighten, which puts pressure on your spine and can lead to pain and discomfort.

Solution: Chiropractic care helps to release tension in the spine and muscles, improving your body's ability to manage stress. We also focus on holistic wellness, providing advice on stress management techniques like stretching and mindfulness.

5. Do I Need Surgery for My Back Pain?
In many cases, back surgery can be avoided through non-invasive treatments like chiropractic care. Surgery is often a last resort, recommended only when other treatments have failed. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility without the risks and recovery time associated with surgery.

Study Reference: A 2015 study in Spine found that patients with herniated discs who received chiropractic care experienced similar improvements as those who underwent surgery, but without the associated risks and costs (Davis et al., 2015).

Solution: Chiropractic care should be your first line of defense against back pain, helping you avoid invasive procedures and extended recovery times.

6. What Is Sciatica, and Can Chiropractic Care Help?
Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs down your lower back, through your hips, and down each leg. This condition is often caused by a herniated disc or bone spur pressing on the nerve. Chiropractic adjustments can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve, providing relief from pain, numbness, and tingling.

Solution: At Functional Health & Chiropractic Care, we specialize in treating sciatica and other nerve-related pain through safe, effective spinal adjustments.

7. How Can Regenerative Therapy Help with Back Pain?
Regenerative therapy, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy, stimulates the body’s natural healing processes by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. These therapies work alongside chiropractic care to provide long-term relief from conditions like degenerative disc disease and joint pain.

Study Reference: Research in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research supports the use of regenerative therapies for back pain, highlighting their ability to reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic conditions (Chang et al., 2018).

Solution: Combining regenerative therapy with chiropractic adjustments offers a comprehensive approach to back pain relief and long-term healing.

8. Can Chiropractic Care Improve My Posture?
​Yes! Poor posture is one of the leading causes of back pain, and chiropractic care can help correct it. Misalignments in the spine often result from years of poor posture, leading to chronic pain and discomfort. Chiropractors address these issues by realigning the spine, improving joint mobility, and providing exercises to maintain proper posture.

Solution: By correcting posture through chiropractic care, you can experience significant reductions in back pain and enjoy better overall health.

9. How Long Will It Take to Feel Better After Chiropractic Treatment?
While some patients experience relief after just one session, chronic conditions may require a series of treatments. Chiropractic care works by addressing the underlying causes of your pain, so healing is gradual. Most patients notice significant improvements within a few weeks.

Solution: The long-term benefits of chiropractic care far outweigh any initial discomfort, as it provides real solutions to your back pain and promotes lasting healing.

10. Is Chiropractic Care Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover chiropractic care. It's always a good idea to check with your provider to understand your specific benefits.
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Solution: Chiropractic care is a cost-effective treatment option for back pain, and we will help you navigate your insurance coverage.

Back pain doesn’t have to be a part of your life. At Functional Health & Chiropractic Care, we’re here to help you find lasting relief and improve your overall quality of life. Our experienced team combines chiropractic care and regenerative therapy to provide a comprehensive approach to healing. Let us be a part of your journey to a pain-free life—contact us today to learn more about how we can help you eliminate back pain, recover from injuries, and regain your vitality!

References:

1. Goertz, C. M., et al. (2013). "Effect of usual medical care plus chiropractic care vs usual medical care alone on pain and disability among US service members with low back pain: a comparative effectiveness clinical trial." JAMA Network Open, 309(16), 1733-1741.
   
2. Rubinstein, S. M., et al. (2012). "Spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain: an updated systematic review." Spine Journal, 12(7), 569-579.
   
3. Davis, B. C., et al. (2015). "Comparison of outcomes between surgery and nonsurgical treatment for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy." Spine, 40(16), 1225-1235.
   
4. Chang, J. W., et al. (2018). "Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for treating disc degeneration." Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 13(1), 22.