Using mobilization to treat back pain

Even though some back problems may not be avoidable, there are things that one can do to relieve or even prevent the occurrence of back pain. NIAMS (2014) suggests that exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture can prevent chronic back pain. Proper stretching before exercising can decrease the likelihood of injuries caused by strain. According to Ullrich Jr. (2009), a regular routine of back exercises helps relieve stiffness and weakness, as well as, strengthening the muscles which can minimize repeated occurrences of back pain or at least reduce the severity and duration of future back pain. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and nutrition prevents excess weight gain, particularly weight around the waistline, which strains the lower back muscles (NINDS, n.d.). Poor posture can also increase back pain because it adds strain to the back muscles and stresses the spine, and over time, poor posture can even change the anatomy of the spine which leads to problems with the muscles, disks, and joints (Schubbe, 2004).

Chiropractors treat disorders of the nervous and musculoskeletal system through non-surgical and spinal manipulation treatments. According to Yeomans (2013), chiropractors use manual spinal manipulation and mobilization to treat back pain. Manual manipulation, commonly called “chiropractic adjustment”, is a high-velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to the abnormal vertebrae in order to improve function, reduce irritability, and restore range of motion (Yeomans, 2013). Conversely, low velocity manipulation, referred to as mobilization, is the movement and stretching of the muscles and joints in order to increase the range of motion of those regions (Yeomans, 2013). However, chiropractors are not limited to just using adjustments to treat their patients with back pain. For example, chiropractors also use forms of therapy, such as hydrotherapy, to treat back pain. Hydrotherapy is the use of water through hot baths, whirlpools, and saunas or wraps at various pressures and temperatures (Yeomans, 2013). According to Yeomans (2013), chiropractors use hydrotherapy to reduce the sensitivity of back pain by using cold to numb pain and heat to promote circulation and swifter healing.

Therefore, it can be seen that back pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as mechanical problems like herniated disks, conditions like scoliosis, and diseases like fibromyalgia. However, there are things that can be done to prevent or at least reduce back pain. For example, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture can all reduce or prevent chronic back pain. Chiropractors have many ways to treat back pain, but the most common are forms of adjustment such as manual manipulation and mobilization, however, other treatments such as hydrotherapy are used as well.