Chiropractic Therapy for Back Pain

Chiropractic Therapy for Back Pain
By Brennan Howe
One of the most common physical treatments for is chiropractic therapy, which is the manipulation of the spine.  The purpose is to realign the spine, increase the range of motion in the muscles of the back, increase the flexibility of spinal soft tissue, break down scar tissue, and reduce pressure that occurs from restricted and misaligned spinal joints, all of which help to relieve pain.  Chiropractic therapists, which include not only chiropractors, but also osteopaths and some physical therapists, diagnose and treat only problems with the muscles, nerves, and skeletal system and do not use drugs or surgery.  Going to a chiropractor is much like going to a regular doctor: you will be asked for a case history involving your symptoms, have a physical exam, and possibly have x-rays taken.
 
 Chiropractors undergo intense medical training.  They must have two years of undergraduate work, and when they enter chiropractic college, they study the same topics doctors do, including anatomy, physiology, x-ray, psychology, and orthopedics.  After getting the basics down, chiropractors then study diagnosis and adjustment techniques that most other doctors do not.  Besides their coursework, chiropractors also have intern and externships, where they observe and assist licensed chiropractors.  All in all, chiropractors spend about 900 hours studying and working in their field.  After graduation, chiropractors must either take a test to be licensed in the state in which they want to practice or the National Board of Chiropractic Examination.
 
 Osteopaths are medical doctors and can prescribe medications.  They must have an undergraduate degree and take the Medical College Admissions Test before being admitted to osteopathic medical school.  Like other doctors, osteopaths take four years of coursework and spend time observing in medical settings.  They do internships and sometimes residencies, and must take exams in order to be licensed.
 
 Studies have shown that chiropractic manipulation is effective in treating lower back pain.  However, it has not been shown to be any more effective than any other method of treatment, but has been shown to be better than no treatment at all.  Chiropractic treatment is most effective when applied within two months of the onset of lower back pain, but probably will not help people who have disc prolapsed, previous back surgery, or due to disease.  If you decide to consult a chiropractor, make sure you tell him about any serious back injuries you have had, and any sharp pain or lower back pain with leg pain or numbness.  These could