Chiropractic treatment of back pain

Dr. Louis Stimmel, D.C. – Harrison Spine & Rehabilitation

Chiropractic is a health care profession dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of disorders of the nervous system and/or musculoskeletal system. Generally, chiropractors maintain a unique focus on spinal manipulation and treatment of surrounding structures. Many medical studies and research journals have concluded that manual therapies (spinal manipulation) commonly used by chiropractors are generally effective for the treatment of lower back pain, as well as for treatment of cervical and lumbar disc bulges and herniations, neck pain, arm pain and sciatica.

Among people seeking back pain relief alternatives to traditional medical treatments, most choose chiropractic treatment. About 22 million Americans visit chiropractors annually. Of these, 7.7 million, or 35%, are seeking pain relief from back pain from various causes, including motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and muscle strains. Other complaints commonly treated by chiropractors include pain in the neck, arms, legs, pins and needles and headaches.

Chiropractors typically use spinal manipulation and other alternative forms of treatment to properly align the body’s spinal bones (vertebrae) thereby enhancing the body’s ability to help heal itself without the use of drugs or surgery. Spinal manipulation is used to restore mobility to joints caused by a traumatic event such as a slip and fall or motor vehicle accident, repetitive stress, or a sports-related injury. Chiropractic is primarily used as a pain relief alternative for injuries to the muscles, joints, bones, and connective tissue, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. It is also sometimes used in conjunction with conventional medical care. A chiropractor initially takes a thorough medical history, performs a physical examination, and may use lab tests or diagnostic imaging to determine if treatment is appropriate for your pain and discomfort caused by nerve irritation or inflammation. The treatment plan may involve one or more manual adjustments in which the doctor manipulates the joints using a soft and gentle amount of pressure to improve range and quality of motion to the spinal bones and joints. Many chiropractors also include nutritional and weight loss counseling along with a specific form of exercise/rehabilitation. The goals of chiropractic care include the restoration of function and prevention of injury in addition to immediate and long-lasting pain relief. Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care are now widely accepted within the medical community as a safe, gentle and effective treatment for various types of musculoskeletal pain. Many chiropractors today are now included on the medical staff for both college and professional sports teams as well as the Olympic team medical staff.

Dr. Stimmel of Harrison Spine and Rehabilitation Center is a board certified chiropractic physician with over 25 years of clinical experience. Dr. Stimmel has been board certified as a chiropractic sports physician and is certified in hospital protocols and privileges. Contact our office today at 973-483-3380 for a free consult and evaluation.

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