What Happens When You See a Portland Chiropractor for Back Pain

While chiropractic care in Portland can do many things for your health, it is most well known as a way to help those who suffer from back pain. Chiropractors see people who are experiencing sudden back pain without a cause, have suffered a recent injury, or who have been experiencing chronic issues for a long time. Whether the problem is in your upper, mid, or lower back, your chiropractor is prepared to evaluate your situation and create a care plan with you to get your back health on track.

Your First Chiropractic Appointment for Back Pain in Portland

If you've never seen a chiropractor before, you may not be sure what to expect.

Your first appointment at North Portland Wellness Group will be longer than others you may schedule in the future. Your chiropractor wants to set aside time for a thorough exam so they can get to the source of your problems, as well as time for chiropractic care.

During the exam, your chiropractor will likely look at your entire spinal column. They may even examine some of your other joints in your body. Why? Because your chiropractor knows that pain in one place can always be caused by issues in another. They are invested in finding the source if possible so they can correct the issue and provide better long term results for your health.

The chiropractic itself is natural, non-invasive, and often provides some immediate relief from symptoms. While many may tell you that your chiropractor is just going to "crack your back", it's more than that. Spinal manipulation will help move your spinal column back to its natural alignment. This means the vertebrae in your spinal column can be manipulated back into their natural place. When this happens, there may be a popping sound that reminds you of a "cracking back". However, your chiropractor has been trained for many years in how to care for your spinal health. They aren't so much cracking the spine as they are manipulating one vertebra back into place. The sound you hear is air shifting as this happens.

Why Chiropractic Care Help Back Pain in Portland

When your spinal column is misaligned, the small interlocking bones are in places they shouldn't be. This gives them free range to press on any of the nerves bundled around your back. When a nerve is irritated, it sends pain signals to alert you to the issue.

Most people experience spinal misalignment and pain in the lower back, upper back, or neck. This is because we have a lot of vertebrae in these places, a lot of nerves, and perform a lot of daily activities that require us to move around.

Once the spinal column is properly aligned again, the nerves are free of the problem and your vertebrae are back in their natural place.

Moving Forward With Back Pain

There are cases where back pain is brief. A chiropractor performs an adjustment, and the patient is in good shape to move forward.

There are other cases where care is needed along with some lifestyle tips for preventing back pain in the future.

For some people, a more long term care plan is needed. Your chiropractor will work with you to create a plan for either healing an injury or managing a chronic condition. This plan will include a schedule for chiropractic adjustments, along with at-home tips for management and healing. These tips may include things like stretches you can perform at home, ice therapies for inflamed nerves, and lifestyle tips for moving through your day in ways that will be easiest on your back.

Everyone's back pain is different. Fortunately, your chiropractor is there to provide thorough answers for your unique problem. If you're experiencing back pain, don't wait until the issue gets worse. Contact North Portland Wellness Group today for an appointment.