Back Pain Chiropractor Fort Washington

Chiropractic Questions? We’ve got answers…

01. What is a chiropractic back adjustment?

A manual adjustment or manipulation is when a chiropractor uses their hands or tools to apply pressure to the spine or back. This procedure improves movement in the back and spine. It also improves the body’s overall physical function. 

During a typical chiropractic adjustment, a chiropractor places you in a specific positions. Often, you’re positioned lying facedown on a specially designed, padded chiropractic table. The chiropractor uses his or her hands to apply a controlled, sudden force to a joint. This pushes it beyond its usual range of motion. You may hear popping or cracking sounds as your chiropractor moves your joints. This is completely normal during your treatment session. 

You can find a video on chiropractic adjustments for back pain here. 

02. Will my medical insurance cover chiropractic care or back pain treatment?

Most major insurances typically cover chiropractic treatments. You can call our chiropractic office in Fort Washington, Maryland, to discuss your insurance coverage. If you don’t have insurance, we also offer affordable discount self-pay options and payment plans.

03. How do I relieve back pain? / How do I get rid of back pain? 

The following practices will help in the pain relief for back pain: 

• Hot water bottle or warm pad compression on the affected area to relieve tight or strained muscles. 
• Ice pack compression on the area of injury. Cold compression will help reduce the pain and risk of inflammation. 
• Epsom salt bath. This can help reduce pain and inflammation. It can be used as frequently as you desire. Try two cups of Epsom salt in warm water. 
• At-home devices such a foam roller, compression gun, or stretching. 

These at-home remedies may work to temporarily relieve pain but it is recommended you see a back pain doctor in Fort Washington, MD to get to the root cause of the problem and ensure it doesn’t worsen.  

04. What can cause lower back pain in women?

Lower back pain can result

• Pregnancy 
• Carrying heavy materials, tools, and equipment.
• Improper exercise form or technique.
• Forward or sidewards trunk bending.
• Falls.
• Sitting for a long period of time.
• Obesity.

It’s more likely to occur in women than men because of some hormonal indicators such as stress, anxiety, and frequent mood shifts.

05. What exercises help with back pain?

Exercises such as stretching and foam rolling can help with back pain. Low impact exercises such as walking or yoga can also help.

06. How to know if back pain is serious? When should I worry?

Pain is not a good indicator of how serious your back pain is. You can have severe damage in your lower back but only experience light to moderate pain. If you notice pain in your lower back, you should make an appointment with a back pain chiropractor to understand the extent of your injury or pain. You should immediately seek care if your back pain is accompanies by: High fever, loss of bladder control, severe stomach pain, or persisting leg weakness.

07. Is heat or cold better for lower back pain?

Deciding between heat or cold compression for your back injury depends on the cause of the pain. Heat provides better relief from stiffness, muscle spasms and tension. Cold compress is better for pain caused by a specific injury. Cold compression can help reduce inflammation and swelling.

08. Is walking good for back pain?

Walking can help relieve tension in your lower back. It is a good low-impact exercise that can loosen the muscles and increase blood flow.

09. How can I relax my back muscles?

To relax and ease tension in your back muscles, try the following movements:

• Extend your legs while lying on your back
• Gently raise your left leg up with your knee slightly bent.
• Draw your knee towards your chest.
• Hold still for 30 Seconds
• Repeat the same on the right leg.

If this exercise elicits pain…do not push through. Contact us immediately for an appointment.