Back Pain: How Long Will It Take for My Chiropractor to Help?

Low back pain is among the most common complaints in Americans today. As many as one out of every five people experience low back pain as an adult. It’s important to find non-drug related options to relive this perturbing and prevalent condition. In the age of rampant opioid addiction, it is simply imperative to explore non-drug alternatives. According to the American College of Physicians, spinal manipulation is an effective therapy for many with back pain issues. 

After a thorough assessment of your symptoms, a chiropractor will perform a series of spinal manipulations designed to relieve nerve pressure and the pain associated with it. Chiropractic care can be combined with other non-pharmaceutical measures, such as exercise, heat and cold therapy and other alternative therapies to treat the whole person rather than simply mask the pain. Over time, this combined approach to wellness often improves whatever dysfunction is causing back pain. 

Just How Much Time Does It Take?

Every case is completely different. Pain might be classified as acute, chronic, or severe. The origin of the dysfunction, medical history, and level of disability the person is experiencing will set the stage for each person’s treatment plan. Back pain is notoriously difficult to treat and its origin is often hard to pinpoint. By committing to a series of sessions with your chiropractor, you are putting yourself in the hands of an expert that will become familiar with the unique aspects of your physiology. Over the course of your relationship, as you begin to notice improvement, you’ll know the investment into your health and well-being is paying off. 
Very generally speaking, six weeks of twice-weekly treatments is a reasonable time-frame to consider. The health blog from Harvard Medical School cites a recent study on the role of chiropractic care in those suffering from low back pain. All subjects in the study received standard treatment, while half of the subject included chiropractic care in their regimen. Twelve chiropractic treatments were administered over six weeks, and the reported outcomes were optimistic for the reduction of back pain. 
The recipients of chiropractic care in the study reported significant results. These included less pain intensity, reduced disability, and a general improvement in function. They noted feeling more satisfied with their treatment, and most importantly, less reliant on pain medicine to manage their symptoms. 
The time frame of your chiropractic treatment may vary, of course. Either way, it stands as a promising solution to low back pain and an excellent complement to standard care with the potential to eliminate the need for pain medicine. Consider seeing a chiropractor to ease your back pain for good.