- Chiropractic Manipulations
Manipulations are usually safe, and have been shown to be as effective as more conventional treatments for some types of back pain. That said, there are situations when spinal manipulations can be dangerous and should be avoided. Patients should generally have a x-ray of their spine to assess for lesions or instability prior to beginning treatment of spinal manipulations. In addition, patients who have any leg pain or neurologic symptoms (weakness, numbness, etc.) associated with their back pain should not have spinal manipulations until evaluated by a physician: - Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. Treatment of back pain with acupuncture has many success stories. However, there is little proof that acupuncture is any better than placebo treatment for most types of back pain. That said, if you are having persistent back pain, acupuncture may be a reasonable treatment to see if it helps your situation. Be certain your are under the treatment of a medical doctor to ensure acupuncture is safe for your back pain. - Massage
Massage offers symptomatic relief for back pain caused by muscle spasm. The problem with massage treatments, is that the relief seldom lasts beyond the actual treatment. Furthermore, treatments can be quite expensive. That said, if you find relief from massage, there is unlikely any harm to be caused by these treatments.
- Biyani, A. Andersson, G.B. "Low Back Pain: Pathophysiology and Management J. Am. Acad. Ortho. Surg., March/April 2004; 12: 106 - 115.
- Swenson R, Haldeman S. "Spinal manipulative therapy for low back pain." J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2003 Jul-Aug;11(4):228-37.
