Back pain and chiropractic care
Back pain is a widespread condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often stemming from a variety of causes such as poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, or underlying medical issues like arthritis. It can manifest as acute, short-term discomfort or chronic pain lasting for months, significantly impacting daily activities and quality of life. In places like Virginia Beach, where active lifestyles are common, factors such as sedentary habits, repetitive stress, or injury further contribute to its prevalence, making it a leading reason for medical visits and missed workdays.
Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive, hands-on approach to treating back pain by focusing on the alignment and function of the spine. Chiropractors like Dr. Gregory Schierer use spinal adjustments—controlled, targeted manipulations—to correct misalignments (subluxations) in the vertebrae, aiming to relieve pressure on nerves, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility. This treatment is based on the principle that proper spinal alignment enhances the body’s natural ability to heal itself, addressing not just symptoms but also underlying structural issues that contribute to pain.
Research and patient outcomes suggest that chiropractic care can be highly effective for many types of back pain, particularly acute lower back pain. Studies, such as those published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, have shown that chiropractic adjustments often lead to faster pain relief and improved function compared to conventional treatments like medication alone. While it may not be a cure-all—severe cases or conditions like fractures may require medical intervention—chiropractic care is widely valued in communities like Virginia Beach for reducing reliance on drugs, avoiding surgery, and providing a holistic option for managing and preventing recurring back pain.
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References
1. Ferreira ML, de Luca K, Haile LM, et al. Global, regional, and national burden of low back pain, 1990–2020, its attributable risk factors, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Rheumatology. 2023;5(6):e316–e329. doi:10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00098-X.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37273833/
2. Goertz CM, Long CR, Vining RD, et al. 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. 2018;1(1):e180105. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.0105.
Link: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2680417/
3. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA; Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2017;166(7):514–530. doi:10.7326/M16-2367.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28192789/
4. Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft WJJ, de Boer MR, van Tulder MW. Benefits and Harms of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. BMJ. 2019;364:l689. doi:10.1136/bmj.l689.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30867144/
5. World Health Organization. Low Back Pain: Fact Sheet. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; June 19, 2023.
Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content is based on published scientific literature and clinical experience but may not be applicable to every individual. Treatment outcomes can vary depending on a patient's specific condition, medical history, and other factors.
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Readers should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, physical therapist, or physician, before beginning any exercise program or making healthcare decisions. No doctor-patient relationship is established by the use of this website. If you are experiencing severe pain, progressive neurological symptoms, or a medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.
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The references provided are intended to support general concepts discussed in this article and do not guarantee specific clinical results for any individual patient.