Chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal and nervous system disorders. It is commonly used for managing low back pain, among many other conditions. At Butler Spine & Sport, we use a combination of chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and therapeutic exercises to alleviate pain and improve function.
1. Assessment and Diagnosis:
The chiropractor will typically start with a thorough evaluation, including a discussion of your medical history and symptoms. They will then perform physical examinations to identify the source of your pain. This could include orthopedic exams, movement screens, muscle testing, and more. Chiropractors take a holistic approach to treatment, meaning they look at the body as a whole that is interconnected instead of focusing only on the area of complaint. This means for low back pain, they will evaluate your spine, SI joints, hips, knees, feet, and other surrounding muscles and soft tissue, as irregularities in any of these areas could lead to low back pain and dysfunction. If necessary, your chiropractor may order imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs to assess the structure and integrity of your low back.
2. Chiropractic Adjustments:
Chiropractors restore movement into the spine and other joints through chiropractic adjustments. Based on the evaluation that your chiropractor performed, they will adjust the joints that are not moving properly. Restoring motion to those joints can help relieve stress and pressure on the low back, with the goal of reducing pain and improving function.
3. Soft Tissue Techniques:
Chiropractors may use soft tissue techniques that can help reduce pain and improve flexibility. Some of the different soft tissue techniques we use at Butler Spine & Sport are:
4. Exercises and Stretches:
Chiropractors often incorporate exercises and stretches into their treatment plans. Weakened or underactive muscles can contribute to low back pain, so many of our patients benefit from exercises that strengthen the core, glutes, and hamstrings, among others. Tight muscles also contribute to low back pain as they limit range of motion and put extra stress on the joints of the spine. Some common muscles that tend to be tight or overactive in patients with low back pain are the hamstrings, quadriceps, QL, and the paraspinals. These exercises and stretches can be an essential part of rehabilitation and help ensure that you are making progress daily, not just when you are in the office.
5. Follow-up Care:
Chiropractic care for low back pain often involves a series of treatments. The frequency and duration of treatment will depend on your specific condition and response to care.
It is important to note that each patient’s case is unique, which is why at Butler Spine & Sport we customize each patient’s care plan based off of the findings of their initial exam. This ensures that each patient is getting the best care possible to get them out of pain and back to the activities they love.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment, you can click here or call/text (913) 359-5819. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the treatment options we have to offer, please reach out. Consultations are always free!
