Many people experience back pain. It has been estimated that the prevalence of back pain in the United States is nearly eighty-percent, meaning that four out of five people are likely to experience back pain at some point in their life. Although there are many factors that can contribute to back pain, a common cause of back pain is a car accident. Car accidents can be traumatic for many tissues in the body, but especially those in the back. One effective form of treatment available for back pain is spinal manipulation performed by chiropractors or physical therapists. 

What is Spinal Manipulation?

Spinal manipulations are a form of low back pain treatment that have been utilized by chiropractors and physiotherapists for many years. They involve a rapid thrust of the patient's spinal column in a certain direction. A pop, click, or crack is often elicited from the patient's spine during a spinal manipulation. This noise, called a cavitation, is the release of pressure from the spinal column.

These spinal manipulations are effective because they increase the range of motion available at a particular spinal segment. Therefore, they are especially beneficial for individuals who have a rigid, stiff spine.

Is a Spinal Manipulation Good For Everyone with Low Back Pain?

Although spinal manipulations are a very effective form of treatment for a large number of individuals living with back pain, they may not be as effective for everyone.

Individuals who have been living with back pain for several weeks, or months, for example, are unlikely to benefit from spinal manipulations. Additionally, those who are experiencing  radiating pain down into their feet and lower legs are unlikely to benefit from a spinal manipulation.

However, those that have been experiencing back pain for less than two weeks, and those who do not have any pain radiating below their knee are very likely to benefit from a spinal manipulation technique. This is what makes this treatment technique so effective for individuals who have been involved in a car accident. 

What Else Should be Done?

Physical therapy and chiropractic treatment that involves spinal manipulations should always be followed by range of motion exercises that are designed to further enhance the mobility of the spine. Although spinal manipulation can help resolve a great deal of the stiffness of the spine, these improvements in the range of motion will not be maintained unless the patient is able to utilize the new range of motion in a functional manner. Talk to your chiropractor such as someone from Brementowne Chiropractic for more information.