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.