Overcoming Low Back Pain: Your Guide to Relief at Our Plymouth Chiropractic Office

Understanding Low Back Pain

It’s a tough day at our Plymouth chiropractic office when someone walks in with low back pain and can’t stand up straight. Unfortunately, this scenario happens more often than you might think. Many of my new patients have ignored their symptoms for far too long. They minimize the issue, creating workarounds instead of addressing the root cause.

Low back pain can linger for years. Patients often experience regular spasms or persistent soreness. The tipping point usually comes from something trivial—like picking up a pen, a bar of soap, or even a book. Before they know it, they’re bent over, unable to stand. The scene often involves rolling on the floor, gasping, and uttering a few choice words.

Then, they reach for a heat pack, which can actually make things worse.

Ice Is Nice!

Repeat after me: ice is nice! It doesn’t matter what your coworker’s wife, the emergency room doctor, or your kid’s football coach told you. Do NOT apply heat to your back pain. No hot tubs, heated car seats, or anything warm.

Always choose ice. It might feel good temporarily, but your muscles weren’t contracting enough to support your spine when you initially hurt yourself. Applying heat can further relax those muscles, worsening your pain. If your doctor recommends heat, it might be time to seek a new one.

The Importance of Movement

On top of icing, it’s crucial to start moving. When faced with low back pain, the natural instinct is to lie on the couch and avoid movement. But this can lead to increased spasms and stiffness.

Begin with small steps. Walk to the end of your driveway and back. Then do it again. When my patients are in acute spasm, I often recommend four 15-minute walks each day. They may look at me as if I’m torturing them, but trust me, it’s tough love. I genuinely want you to feel better.

The more you sit, the stiffer you’ll become. I promise you that. Learn when back pain is serious. There are indeed times when it’s better to seek emergency medical attention.

Finding the Right Chiropractor

When searching for a chiropractor in Plymouth, many patients call every Plymouth chiropractic office they can find, hoping to get an immediate appointment. But just because someone can see you right away doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for your needs.

Do your research. Look for a trusted chiropractor who offers quality care for chiropractic needs in Plymouth. It’s worth the wait to find someone who truly understands your situation.

The Reality of Chiropractic Care

A common myth among new patients is that they’ll walk out feeling normal after just one chiropractic treatment. This rarely happens. If it has happened to you before, consider yourself lucky; it’s unlikely to occur again.

A chiropractor needs to understand your spine to diagnose and treat you properly. They’ll adjust you in ways you may not be used to moving. You need to relax and trust them for effective treatment. This process doesn’t happen in a quick 15-minute session.

Start by checking online reviews and asking for referrals. Then, remember to ice and walk until you can get an appointment with a trusted chiropractor.

What to Expect from Your Adjustments

As you begin a series of chiropractic adjustments, you may experience temporary pain during your first few sessions. This is normal! It often means the chiropractor has pinpointed the source of your problem, and relief is on the way.

Give chiropractic care time to work. While the lower back spasms that brought you to my office came on suddenly, the underlying issue didn’t develop overnight. You’ll need to adjust your daily activities, strengthen your core muscles, and allow chiropractic care to change how your spine functions.

The more frequently you receive chiropractic care over an extended period, the more long-term relief you can expect.

Taking Action for Your Health

Consider this: your back pain is a warning sign. It indicates a significant issue that could drastically affect your quality of life. If you’re not willing to take steps to resolve it, you may find yourself sidelined for a long time. But there is hope!

If you’re struggling with back pain, please call me. I’m here to help at my chiropractic office in Plymouth.

Looking for a trusted family chiropractor? Our expert team at our Plymouth chiropractic office provides personalized care to relieve pain and improve your wellness, right in the heart of Plymouth, MN.

Voted Best Chiropractic Office in Plymouth-Sun Newspapers Reader's Choice Awards!