If you suffer from back pain, you're not alone. According to the American Chiropractic Association, more than 80 percent of all Americans will suffer with back or neck pain at some point in their lives and it represents one of the most common reasons employees miss work. Traditional care for most causes of back pain includes pain killers, muscle relaxers and physical therapy. Alternative therapies are gaining popularity as well as scientific respect as evidence of their effectiveness mounts.
Chiropractic
Doctors of chiropractic are concerned with the proper function of the spine and surrounding soft tissues. They diagnose all causes of back and neck pain as well as other musculoskeletal conditions. The primary form of treatment utilized is the spinal adjustment or manipulation which is aimed at restoring motion to fixated joints. Chiropractic is widely accepted with significant evidence that shows it to be very effective at treating back pain. Patients are generally happy with the care they receive from chiropractors, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine and its use dates back thousands of years. The theory behind acupuncture is that by stimulating certain meridian points on the body that energy can be channeled and used to heal the body. These meridian points are stimulated by inserting small needles into the skin at the site of the meridian. Patients report significant back pain relief with the use of acupuncture, according to Acupuncture.com.
Decompression Therapy
Decompression therapy is often employed by chiropractors or physical therapists to treat herniated discs. It requires a specialized computer controlled table that delivers traction to the spine. The table and computer are designed to provide intermittent traction that separates the vertebrae of the spine, pulling the discs apart a very small amount. This small amount of separation causes a vacuum effect or negative pressure within the disc and is able to help pull the herniated disc back into its normal confines.
Massage
Massage is a very common therapy that treats back pain due to muscle strain or myofascial trigger points. Deep kneading strokes by the practitioner through the muscle belly helps realign fibers, break up muscle adhesions and restore blood flow. Patients who use massage therapy may notice an improvement in pain and experience a feeling of deep relaxation which can help remove stress from muscles and joints, according to SpineHealth.com.
Yoga/Pilates
Both Yoga and Pilates are designed to improve flexibility and core muscle strength, both of which are critical to long term relief of back pain. Keeping muscles limber allows for a full range of motion which will ensure joints remain healthy. Muscle strength is required to provide stability and resistance to injury.
