Guide To How Chiropractors Treat Back Pain

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger points are areas of skeletal muscle that produce discomfort when they are compressed. Also known as neuromuscular therapy and myofascial trigger point therapy, trigger point therapy detects and releases these painful areas. After performing an exam to identify muscle tenderness, chiropractors can release these points through the use of finger pressure. The chiropractor will apply pressure for a few seconds with their finger and thumb. Once the muscle relaxes, they will massage the area. The finger pressure method is the least invasive method of trigger point therapy, and it is often the first choice for treatment.

Practitioners may sometimes choose to use the spray-stretch method of trigger point therapy. This approach consists of spraying a cooling substance onto the muscle. After this has been applied, the chiropractor will gently stretch the muscle. The spray-stretch method may not be appropriate for patients who have limited movement. Dry needling (acupuncture) techniques can be useful in the release of trigger points as well. Some practitioners may use acupuncture needles for these techniques, and others might employ laser acupuncture. Only one acupuncture needle is used per trigger point, and the needle is inserted directly into the center of the affected muscle. Most dry needling sessions last less than ten minutes, and this method can be more comfortable than finger pressure for some individuals.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation can be especially useful for patients who are having spasms in their back muscles. This treatment applies a mild electrical current to specific areas of the body. The current causes the muscles in the area to contract at a fast rate, and this produces a tingling sensation that is soothing for the majority of patients. In addition, the fast muscle contractions triggered by the electrical stimulation cause the muscles to become fatigued, and this promotes relaxation of the treated muscle group.

It helps the body release endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers. Patients who use pacemakers or other implanted electrical devices should not have electrical stimulation. Individuals who have altered tissue sensation or impaired mental status should avoid this therapy as well, and it should not be used over reproductive organs or near the eyes or carotid arteries.