Do you know what your treatment options are in Council Bluffs IA? This question is on a lot of patient's minds and one that I answer to the best of my ability. It all depends on what your condition is and how long you have had it. This is something we discuss during the new patient exam while conducting a thorough history of the patient.

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Treatment Options in Council Bluffs IA

Most cases of non-traumatic low back or neck pain are treated with over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. This works pretty well at blocking pain signals but carries the risk of internal bleeding if used for too long or too often. If the pain is severe enough, opioids may be prescribed however with the rate of addiction to opioids increasing, this is not as common as it was only a few years ago. A muscle relaxer may help to ease spasm and help with some pain.

Most MD's recommend starting with the least invasive form of treatment, Chiropractors and Physical Therapists.

Physical Therapists

PTs are good at retraining muscles and strengthening injured areas. They may use mobilization to add a range of motion to a certain movement pattern. This may help alleviate pain but, in my opinion, doesn't address the cause of the issue. IF the muscles around the joint get stronger, there is still stress being put on that joint.

Chiropractors

Chiropractors, who actually adjust and don't mobilize, focus on specific joints. We use specific adjustments to these joints to restore motion and reduce stress at the joint that leads to the pain you feel. We treat the cause and not the symptoms as with medical intervention. Many patients have great success with Chiropractic.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy also helps to relieve pain and tension in the muscles and helps improve the overall range of motion. Massage therapy works great in conjunction with adjustments and can make it easier for the Chiropractor to adjust. There sadly are those patients that have severe degeneration that has been present over years and years that can not be helped by adjustment. These patients may require surgery to stabilize the spine and prevent further neurological damage.

Surgery

Surgery should, however, be the last resort when treating your condition after trying all your other options. The good news is that even if you have had a fusion or other back surgery and still have pain and haven't tried Chiropractic, you still can.