You may have considered chiropractic, but it seems if you ask friends, relatives, and even some doctors, everyone has a different opinion. And you might still be unsure of what to do. Meanwhile you still have neck and back problems.
The problem with opinions is that everyone has one. You may know someone who had a great experience with chiropractic, but that might not mean it is right for you. Likewise, someone might have had a bad experience. But without knowing the full story, it’s difficult to say why someone had a positive or negative experience. And therein lies the rub… individual experiences are anecdotal, but they are not evidence.
It is truly difficult to sift through all of the differing opinions. Whether or not you should go to a chiropractor depends on proper evaluation of your personal situation by a credentialed spine care specialist. You probably wouldn’t ask your veterinarian how to fix your car. It is always best to seek information from a credible source who is knowledgeable in the field you are researching.
Likewise, most doctors are well-trained to diagnose anatomical spine pain (disc herniation, spinal stenosis, muscle strain). However, most are not trained in diagnosing and treating spinal biomechanics, which may be responsible for up to 80% of neck and back pain.
Unfortunately, spine pain is the number two reason people seek medical care and the number one reason for disability. It is also inextricably linked to the opioid crisis. Therefore, other options for dealing with neck and back pain should be considered.
Opinions cannot take the place of proper evaluation, examination, and diagnosis of the actual cause of your condition. The first step is to pinpoint the source of your neck or back pain.
You might not need a chiropractor, but until you have a workup by a spine care specialist, all the opinions in the world don’t mean a thing. The only way to know the correct treatment for your back pain is to find out the cause.
Common Chiropractic Questions
But even then you might have questions:
- Is it worth it? Should you spend money?
- Is it safe?
- Is it going to work for you?
- What kind of chiropractic is best for you?
These are all very valid questions that I discuss with patients as a matter of course. Before I begin treatment with anyone, I make sure you are informed and know exactly what to expect. And if I determine through examination that chiropractic is not your best option, I will refer you to the doctor or specialist who is best suited to meet your needs.
Consider the Source of the Information
I have been practicing NUCCA Chiropractic in Chesapeake since 2002. I am board certified in NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association), which is a safe and painless, evidence-based approach to correct spinal problems. Pinpointing and alleviating the cause of your neck and back pain is our goal.
I also serve on the NUCCA Board of Directors as the Co-Chair of Education and I am credentialed in spinal biomechanical engineering through SUNY Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine. I am a fellow candidate for spinal biomechanics and spinal trauma through SUNY Buffalo, having studied and done practical rotations in spine surgery, pain management, neuroradiology, family medicine, and emergency medicine. I also serve on the Foundation Board for Chesapeake Regional Hospital.
At Precision Spinal Care, we use the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, 5th Edition. This manual gives precise guidance to measurements and quantifies the “loss of motion segment integrity” when spinal ligaments are compromised. In other words, I use evidence-based evaluation in order to pinpoint the cause of your pain.
I understand what neck and back pain is like and just how debilitating and frustrating it can be. I too suffer from back pain. I enjoy lifting weights and golf is a personal passion. After years of engaging in these sports, I have damaged my own spine.
Depending upon the condition at hand, I have had to seek the help of various treatments and therapies in order to maintain my own spinal health. It’s an investment that I make in myself so I can enjoy my life. But I always make sure I pinpoint the cause of my own pain before I choose a treatment.
Solving the Problem of Back and Neck Pain
I get it. Having neck or back pain makes it difficult just to get through the day. We all seek the advice of others in an attempt to inform ourselves. However, shortcuts to information and education cut short knowledge that is based on years of evidence and scientific medical studies.
Everyone has an opinion on how to feel better when you have neck or back pain, but nothing replaces proper evaluation and diagnosis. Your health is the most important asset you have. Yet Americans spend twice as much on their transportation as they spend on their healthcare. When it comes to your health, being pennywise and pound foolish is never a good idea.
Chiropractic is a safe and effective technique for treating neck and back pain for most people. There is a wealth of information documenting the benefits and effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for neck and back pain. The particular technique of chiropractic one chooses depends upon one’s individual condition and the underlying causes of pain. Treating the cause is always better than treating the symptoms.
Adjusting affects the central nervous system and decreases pain by modulation of areas in the brain (demonstrated on functional MRIs). It also decreases mechanical sensitivity of the spinal joints and targets spinal ligaments for transition of scar tissue to healthy ligaments.
Is Chiropractic Care Right for You?
Remember, opinions cannot take the place of evidence-based inquiry.
- Educate yourself on the options that are available to take care of your neck and back pain.
- Make a list of questions about the various options and which ones are best for your condition.
- Talk to a credentialed spine care specialist.
A thorough neurological, orthopaedic and biomechanical examination is the most important thing you can do to determine whom you should see about your neck and back pain.
At Precision Spinal Care, we will perform a thorough examination of you before any treatment is performed or prescribed. If it is determined that chiropractic is not the best solution, we will explain your condition and recommend the type of specialist who is most appropriate for you.
We understand that you need to explore all your options when you look for expert chiropractic care. At Precision Spinal Care, we are happy to help you determine the best way to address your specific needs.
Call our office at (757) 382-5555 to speak to the doctor or set up a consultation. You can also set up an appointment through our webpage.
