Pain and depression often feed on each other in a vicious cycle. Likewise, treating one will often help the other and maybe even stop the cycle of pain and depression.
If you have ever experienced back pain you know just how disruptive it can be on your life. The impact of not being able to participate in our day-to-day activities can cause worry, fatigue, a decrease in self-esteem, sleep disturbances, and financial worry due to an inability to work.
Inevitably dealing with the pain itself as well as the mental ramifications can cause acute depressive symptoms which in turn will magnify the back pain, making the whole experience all-consuming.
Although it sounds like a bleak predicament, it doesn’t have to be. The best way to break the cycle of pain and depression is to take control of your symptoms and seek a treatment that is best suited to you.
Pain and depression often go hand in hand.
How a chiropractor can help?
Chiropractors take a holistic approach when developing individualized chiropractic care plans. They look at the whole body to ensure that you are receiving the most effective pain management treatment for you.
Spinal manipulation is just one of the chiropractic treatment methods employed in easing the pain caused by both acute and chronic back pain, but it is not the only one. A good chiropractor will thoroughly assess your needs and refer you to other professionals if they feel that is what is best for you as the patient. In order to come up with the most effective treatment they will take the time to get to know you and understand the source of your pain.
What can you expect from your first visit?
The first step in determining which chiropractic techniques will work best for you, is understanding your medical background and current health status. You will be asked to fill out a form prior to meeting with your chiropractor for the first time.
The second step is a thorough chiropractic exam which may include respiration, blood pressure, and reflex testing. Depending on your symptoms, the chiropractor may also want to asses your range of motion or complete a posture analysis.
All of the information gathered in these initial two steps will help the chiropractor understand your specific needs and develop a chiropractic care plan that will have you stepping back into your daily life without the pain.
Chiropractors are a good resource when dealing with pain.
What is a chiropractic treatment plan?
For each patient the plan will be tailored to suit their diagnosis and individual needs. Chiropractors aim to have you back on your feet and enjoying life as soon as possible. For acute low back pain the treatment plan often ranges from six to twelve sessions over the course of a two to four week period. The initial sessions are often thirty minutes long with the follow-ups being around ten to fifteen minutes.
Your treatment plan will be unique to you and can involve manual spinal manipulations, spinal traction, soft tissue manual therapies, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and therapeutic stretching. Your chiropractor may also refer you to other professionals for diet and nutritional counselling or life counselling.
There are many factors that come into play when we are experiencing debilitating pain. Chiropractors take the full picture into account and recognize the importance of a well rounded care plan that addresses the individual needs of each patient.
Living with pain is something that greatly reduces your quality of life by stealing away those moments when you experience joy in your accomplishments and the things you love to do. Seeking treatment and getting your pain management under control is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Chiropractors can help!