Back pain can be debilitating. When discomfort begins to interfere with your quality of life, it’s time to consider your treatment options. Spinal injections are one of the most common solutions for chronic back pain. Unfortunately, they only mask the problem, and do not address the root cause of discomfort. Here, Dr. Cody Doyle – your chiropractor in Roanoke, TX – explains why we recommend trying chiropractic care before receiving spinal injections.
What Do Spinal Injections Do?
Spinal injections have two primary uses. First, they can help diagnose pain and determine where it is originating. Secondly, they can be used therapeutically to alleviate discomfort. Oftentimes, spinal injections are combined with other treatments, such as mobility and strengthening exercises.
Disadvantages of Spinal Injections for Back Pain
In some cases, spinal injections are necessary. However, there are disadvantages to this type of treatment. Therefore, they should only be considered as a last resort. In fact, one recent study indicated that there is a 21 percent increased risk of spinal fracture following every injection. With over nine million spinal injections administered every year, many Americans now have a higher chance of developing more serious back problems in the future.
Furthermore, the pain relief achieved through spinal injections is typically short-lived. On average, most patients who receive injections notice that the discomfort returns in just a few days or weeks. This is because the problem wasn’t really corrected; the symptoms were just camouflaged.
Risks of Spinal Injections
Due to the nature of spinal injections, there are certain risks associated with them. Some include:
- Dural puncture: The dura mater – a membrane protecting the spinal cord – can become punctured in some instances. If this occurs, it can result in severe symptoms – such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, tinnitus, and more – that linger for several days.
- Infection: Though severe infections are rare, they can occur, causing further complications.
- Bleeding: There is a risk for bleeding after spinal injections, especially in patients with underlying bleeding disorders.
- Nerve damage: Bleeding, infection, or trauma from the needle can occur following spinal injections.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Back pain can occur due to spinal misalignment, ergonomic stress, or degenerative changes. In all of these instances, chiropractic adjustments can actively treat the underlying problem while reducing pain and discomfort.
Spinal issues can place excessive pressure on the associated nerves and discs, leading to swelling, irritation, and reduced range of motion. Using carefully formulated chiropractic manipulations, Dr. Doyle can align the spine, helping to decrease back pain and its side effects.
Benefits of Chiropractic Care
The most obvious benefit of chiropractic care is that it is less invasive than spinal injections. Treatment can be conducted conservatively, without the use of drugs or medications. Your Trophy Club, TX chiropractor believes that the body has the innate ability to heal itself if we foster the right conditions.
As part of the central nervous system, the spine can influence every single organ and cell in the body. When the spine is brought back into its proper alignment, patients not only notice a reduction of pain, but many of them feel better overall. Furthermore, individuals who incorporate routine chiropractic adjustments into their healthcare regimen are less likely to experience chronic pain; and if they do sustain an injury, they heal much faster.
Contact Your Chiropractor in Roanoke, TX
If you suffer from back pain, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each treatment option. To find out if chiropractic care is right for you, schedule a visit with your chiropractor in Roanoke, TX. Contact us online or give us a call at (817) 767-5430.