The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Chronic Back Pain
Understanding Chronic Back Pain and Its Impact
Chronic back pain affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the most common reasons individuals seek medical care. Unlike acute pain, which typically resolves within a few weeks, chronic back pain persists constantly or intermittently for three months or longer, often disrupting daily activities, work productivity, and quality of life.
There are many potential causes of chronic back pain, including:
- Degenerative disc disease – gradual wear and tear of spinal discs.
- Facet joint dysfunction – irritation of the small joints between vertebrae.
- Muscle deconditioning – weakened muscles that no longer support the spine effectively.
- Previous injuries – unresolved strains or sprains that lead to persistent discomfort.
- Poor posture and prolonged sitting – especially common among those who spend long hours working at a desk or driving.
- Underlying medical conditions – including arthritis or spinal stenosis.
When left untreated, chronic back pain can lead to sleep disturbances, limited mobility, and emotional stress, creating a cycle that becomes more challenging to break over time. As the condition progresses, symptoms may become more frequent and severe.
Chiropractic Solutions for Back Pain Treatment
Through targeted adjustments that restore alignment and function, chiropractic care helps relieve chronic back pain without the need for invasive procedures. Rather than masking symptoms with medication, chiropractic focuses on correcting biomechanical issues that contribute to ongoing discomfort.
At Lakeside Chiropractic, our experienced team designs individualized care plans to target your unique needs. Some of the chiropractic methods commonly used in back pain treatment include:
- Spinal Adjustments (Manipulations) Gentle, controlled force applied to specific spinal joints can improve alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and restore motion.
- Flexion-Distraction Therapy A technique especially effective for disc-related conditions, where the spine is stretched and decompressed to relieve pressure.
- Mobilization and Soft Tissue Therapy These methods address muscle tension and help improve flexibility.
- Rehabilitative Exercises Customized stretches and strengthening routines enhance spinal support and help prevent recurrence.
- Postural and Ergonomic Guidance Learning proper body mechanics, workspace adjustments, and lifestyle changes can play a significant role in managing chronic back pain.
Chiropractic for back pain aims to improve overall spinal health, so you can move comfortably and regain confidence in your daily activities.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Chronic Back Pain Relief
Patients frequently report a wide range of benefits from chiropractic back pain treatment, including:
✅ Reduced Pain and Discomfort Many individuals experience noticeable pain relief as spinal misalignments are corrected and inflammation decreases.
✅ Improved Mobility and Flexibility Restoring joint function helps you bend, twist, and move more freely.
✅ Enhanced Posture Proper spinal alignment supports a healthier posture, reducing strain on muscles and joints.
✅ Drug-Free Pain Management Chiropractic care does not rely on opioids or other medications, helping you avoid potential side effects.
✅ Long-Term Prevention Education and proactive strategies help prevent relapses and maintain your progress over time.
Recent Research Supporting Chiropractic Back Pain Treatment
Here are a few notable recent studies that highlight the effectiveness of chiropractic care for chronic back pain:
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Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ evaluated the benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for chronic low back pain. The study concluded that SMT provides modest improvements in pain and function compared to other interventions.
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Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain A 2018 study in JAMA Network Open assessed the addition of chiropractic care to usual medical care for low back pain in active-duty military personnel. Results indicated that those receiving chiropractic care experienced greater improvements in pain intensity and disability.
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Chiropractic Care and Opioid Use Reduction A 2020 retrospective cohort study published in Pain Medicine found that patients with spinal pain who received chiropractic care had a lower risk of filling an opioid prescription compared to those who did not receive chiropractic care.
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Cost-Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care A 2016 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics evaluated the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care for low back pain. The findings suggested that chiropractic care is a cost-effective treatment option, especially when considering both direct and indirect costs.
Book an Appointment
At Lakeside Chiropractic, we are committed to providing personalized care tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced team employs evidence-based chiropractic techniques to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. If you’re dealing with back pain that just won’t ease up, book in for an assessment to find out what might be the causes behind it.
📍 Find us in Joondalup
📅 Book online:
https://www.lakesidechiro.com.au/ While outcomes can vary, many patients find this multi-modal approach helps improve over time. If you are having back pain or any pain in general, feel free to contact us on 9300 0095 to see how we may be able to help, or visit our website for more information.
📍 Serving the Joondalup & Northern Suburbs of Perth Lakeside Chiropractic is central to the northern suburbs of Perth, located in the City of Joondalup. If you are in the surrounding suburbs such as Yanchep - 6035, Tapping - 6065, Carramar - 6031, Currambine - 6028, Wanneroo - 6065, Heathridge - 6027, Edgewater - 6027, Gnangara - 6077, Mullaloo - 6027, Padbury - 6025, Kingsley - 6026, Woodvale - 6026, Banksia Grove - 6031, or Duncraig - 6023, our team is here to assist you.
Reference
- Rubinstein, S. M., de Zoete, A., van Middelkoop, M., Assendelft, W. J. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2019). Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 364, l689.
- Goertz, C. M., Long, C. R., Vining, R. D., Pohlman, K. A., Walter, J., Coulter, I., ... & Hondras, M. A. (2018). 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, 1(1), e180105.
- Whedon, J. M., Toler, A. W. J., Kazal, L. A., Bezdjian, S., Wilbur, R., & Lurie, J. D. (2020). Association between utilization of chiropractic services for treatment of low back pain and risk of adverse drug events: a retrospective cohort study. Pain Medicine, 21(5), 1019–1025.
- Haas, M., Sharma, R., Stano, M., & Vavrek, D. (2016). Cost-effectiveness of chiropractic care for low back pain. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 39(1), 63–75.e2.