Back Pain
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic involves hands-on manipulations of the spinal column and other parts of the body. Chiropractic is based on the theory that disease originates from disruptions of the nervous system, and misalignment of the vertebrae (subluxations) interrupts the nervous system.
Most people who go to a chiropractor are seeking back pain relief.
Though chiropractic can help to relieve back pain, help restore mobility, and treat neuromusculoskeletal disorders, there is much controversy over chiropractic treatment in general and the ‘subluxation theory’.
There presently isn’t any scientific proof that supports the subluxation theory. However, there is substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of spinal manipulation for relief of certain types of back pain.
The Subluxation Theory
Chiropractic is based on the theory that if the spinal column is properly aligned, nerve impulses can freely flow along the spinal cord. If the spinal column is out of alignment (a subluxation), the flow of nerve impulses is interrupted and disease (not just back pain) result. This is called the subluxation theory. According to the subluxation theory, disorders in any area of the body can result from subluxations in the spine as the nervous system carries messages to all areas of the body. Restoring the vertebrae to proper alignment restores proper functioning of the nervous system, helping the body to heal itself.
There is presently a lack of scientific evidence that chiropractic can cure disease or restore health in general or that minor misalignments in the spine affect the spinal nerves and interrupt the nervous system. Some doctors say that for spinal nerves that exit the spine to be obstructed, the spine would have to be so out of alignment that the person would be disabled. There is evidence, however, that chiropractic treatment is an effective treatment for neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
Chiropractors that subscribe to the subluxation theory use spinal manipulation to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies, asthma, digestive problems, etc. The subluxation theory is a controversial subject between chiropractors and medical doctors and even between Chiropractors themselves.
Chiropractic subluxation and orthopedic subluxation are not the same. From chiropractic perspective, subluxation or vertebral subluxation describes a very slight misalignment of one or more vertebrae. A chiropractic subluxation is usually so minor it is difficult, if not impossible to identify on an x-ray.
An orthopedic subluxation is a partial dislocation of a bone in a joint causing pain and limiting range of motion.
Chiropractic Treatment For Back Pain Relief
There is evidence that chiropractic relieves many types of back pain, lower back pain in particular, and helps restore normal range of motion. Spinal manipulations may take stress off surrounding tissues – muscles, tendons, and ligaments – to relieve back pain and restore normal functioning. Some chiropractors follow scientific guidelines and only do manipulations for people with neuromusculoskeletal problems. These chiropractors often work with doctors in treating back pain.
Chiropractic Health Alternatives 558 Main Street South Portland, ME 04106 207.775.2265 http://drmrwdc.chirodocsite.com
