What therapist is best for neck and back pain?
With so many different therapists, different opinions, and different TicTok heroes, it can be difficult to know what type of therapy is best for relieving neck and back pain. Unfortunately, when it comes to health care there is no “one size fits all” solution. In this blog post I will discuss the 5 main therapies that people use for treating and managing neck and back pain, and how they all are different.
1. Massage
Massage is a therapeutic practice that involves working on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and soft tissue structures of the body using techniques such as kneading, stroking and pressure application. For people that are suffering from neck and back pain, massage can provide great relief as it may reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and help with relaxation. There have been studies showing that massage can help alleviate pain by decreasing inflammation and enhancing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. Massage can also reduce overall stress, which can contribute to a feeling of overall well-being, which may help with managing neck and back pain.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves inserting thin needles into very specific points on the body to help promote healing and reduce pain. The practice of acupuncture is based on the concept of balancing the body’s energy flow, or Qi. The points of the body that are stimulated with acupuncture often correspond with the visceral organs of the body, therefor, not only does it stimulate the bodies natural pain killers to reduce discomfort at the site of pain, but it can also have an effect on how other systems in the body work such as digestion and blood flow.
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a healthcare profession that aims to diagnose, treat and prevent musculoskeletal complaints through various techniques and exercises. It aims to restore and maintain physical function and mobility of individuals affected by injury, illness or disability. In regards to neck and back pain, physio therapy may be beneficial in diagnosing the cause of the problem, providing relief from discomfort using a variety of manual therapeutic techniques and promoting soft tissue healing through alternative devices such as cold laser or electronic stimulation. Physiotherapist may also prescribe exercises and stretches to help prevent further damage to the affected neck or back.
4. General Practitioner
A GP might be most people’s initial thought when it comes to neck and back pain to get some pain relief medication. A GP will be able to conduct initial triage and advise on the next course of action and decide if additional imaging such as X-ray or an MRI are required. GP’s can also refer patients to the most appropriate specialists for further evaluation, treatment, and ongoing support to try and reduce the likelihood of further problems.
5. Chiropractic
Chiropractic care Is a profession that diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal complaints and are the experts on conditions of the spine. Chiropractors use hands-on spinal manipulations to restore function and proper alignment of spinal segments, reducing pain, and improving quality of life. By correcting spinal structures Chiropractors are able to enhance joint mobility, support the nervous system and get to the root cause of the reason for neck and back pain. The most common conditions that people present to a chiropractic clinic include neck and back pain, headaches, joint pain, and sciatic nerve complaints. Due to the impact that the chiropractic adjustment has on the nervous system many patients also report improvements in digestion, posture, sleep, and mood. Chiropractors look at health with a holistic approach and will often incorporate lifestyle advice, exercise and nutrition to promote overall health and prevent future injuries.
So, what is the best treatment for neck and back pain?
Every human is unique, and we all have different responses to different treatments. With that being said, chiropractic is the one profession that attempts to fix the underlying cause of neck and back pain and come up with a solution that is going to create a permanent fix to the problem. Chiropractors have formal qualifications of a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Masters of Chiropractic, with the focus of the study being on spinal conditions, treatment, and prevention, of back and neck complaints.
At Body & Soul Chiropractic we take care of people that are suffering from neck and back pain every day. We use a combination of different techniques and tailor care to suit you as an individual. Therefore, if you have been experiencing pain, and it is preventing you from living the life that you want, don’t hesitate to call and book in an initial consult. We are the experts in this field.