Lower back pain is an all-too-common condition in modern life. Studies show it affects over 80% of adults at some point in their lives. Lower back pain causes missed work days and missed social activities, which in turn affects our overall quality of life.
Finding your ideal solution to back pain can be confusing; should you see a massage therapist or a chiropractor for help? Both methods offer relief but treat different parts of the body. The experts at Dominguez Injury Centers treat thousands of patients each year, providing much-needed relief to our patients. Read on to discover the differences between massage therapy and chiropractic adjustments to choose the best option.
Lower Back Pain in Atlanta: Massage vs. Chiropractic
Living in one of America’s major cities, Atlantans are no strangers to stress-related lower back pain. We spend hours in our cars and at our desks as our muscles tense up. Then, we spend the remaining hours trying to relax the stressful effects away. The problem for many is choosing the right therapy for our type of back pain.
Massage and chiropractic are both popular, effective treatments. But they are different and address different problems. A study published by the National Institute of Health concludes that chiropractic is more effective at providing real relief than massage. However, a combination of both can often give the best result.
How Do Chiropractic and Massage Differ?
Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, while massage focuses on muscles and soft tissue. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper alignment, relieving pinched nerves, while deep tissue massage relieves muscle tension, knots, and strain.
Major Causes of Lower Back Pain
– Muscle or Ligament Strains
– Sciatica
– Arthritis
– Aging
– Pregnancy
– Herniated Discs
– Poor Posture
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Common complaints include a dull ache in the lower back, sharp or stabbing pains when moving the body in a specific direction, trouble standing up straight, limited range of motion, and sudden muscle spasms.
Massage Therapy for Lower Back Pain – What It Does
Patients suffering from muscle spasms or a dull ache often find quick relief from a deep muscle therapeutic massage session. Massage therapists use targeted movements and muscle point pressure to improve blood flow and relax the tensed muscles causing pain.
How Massage Therapy Helps Lower Back Pain
Massage sessions enhance blood circulation, reduce inflammation, release muscle tension causing spasms or aches, reduce stress, and release endorphins that act as natural painkillers.
Chiropractic Care for Lower Back Pain – What It Does
Spinal manipulation and adjustments restore proper spine alignment, unleashing the body’s innate healing mechanisms without surgery or medication. Proper alignment removes pressure on pinched nerves, enhances blood flow, and alleviates pain almost instantaneously in many cases.
How Chiropractic Helps Lower Back Pain
A realignment of the spine provides a wealth of health benefits, including better mobility and function, less nerve irritability, and enhanced overall health resulting from proper spine position.
The Benefits of Combining Massage Therapy with Chiropractic Care
Many patients enjoy the benefits of an integrated approach. They get the improved flexibility and pain relief of chiropractic adjustment along with the relaxation benefits of massage. This comprehensive way of treating lower back pain is becoming more common as a way to prevent future occurrences.
Massage vs. Chiropractic FAQs
Q: Can I see both a massage therapist and a chiropractor?
A: Absolutely, and as previously mentioned, the benefits are doubled, and patients often find relief more quickly when combining the two therapies.
Q: Which one should I try first if I’m experiencing back pain?
A: That depends on the nature and root cause of your pain. Massage might be the best way to go if you have muscle tension. However, if you experience pain when you move your back a certain way or have a pinched nerve, chiropractic care offers fast relief.
Q: How often should I get a massage or see a chiropractor?
A: The short answer is to follow your therapist’s recommendations. Your therapist will design a treatment schedule based on your specific needs.
Learn More About Back Pain Relief in Atlanta – Call Us!
So, what’s your best bet for back pain relief? It all boils down to your specific injury and needs. At Dominguez Injury Centers, we tailor unique solutions for each individual. Our skilled chiropractic team and expert pain relief specialists provide compassionate care for lower back pain that gets you back to enjoying everything you love.
Forget one-size-fits-all solutions—our advanced techniques and professional understanding of your condition help us bring you the pain relief you deserve quickly. We’re greater Atlanta’s go-to destination for holistic healing, expert advice, and effective treatments designed with you in mind.
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Don’t let back pain hold you back from living your best life! Contact our professional team today and claim the pain-free days you deserve.