Alternative Management –Acupuncture/Osteopathy/Chiropractic/Pilates
Introduction
Alternative management of lower back pain has gained immense popularity in the recent years with medical practitioners as well as the patient groups.
Alternate and complementary forms of treatment are finding an acceptance in traditional medical communities like never before. Here, we give a brief insight in to some of the most popular forms of alternative management for lower back pain.
Acupuncture – Definition and Treatment
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very thin needles through the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points (acupoints) in the body in order to control pain and other symptoms.
This form of alternative management causes the body to produce natural steroids and promote the production of natural endorphins. While the steroids decrease inflammation, the endorphins cause reduction in pain, thereby breaking the cycle of pain.
Research proves that acupuncture treatment leads to pain relief, decrease of swelling, reduced stiffness and return of better function and range of motion. Acupuncture is also known to reduce the side effects of surgery, such as nerve damage, unpleasant sensations in the trunk and legs and general weakness.
It is best to employ acupuncture and other techniques of traditional Chinese medicine in the early course of a back injury.
Osteopathy – Introduction and Techniques
Osteopathic medicine is defined as a system of healthcare based on the fundamental belief that most of the diseases are related to the musculoskeletal system and are a result of the relationship between anatomical structure and physiological function.
As an alternative therapy, Osteopathic Manipulation Techniques (OMTs) are employed to cure lower back pain. OMTs involve applying light pressure on the soft tissues or high-velocity thrusts on joints, depending on the severity of the osteopathic lesions or spinal problems.
Research indicates that if taken from certified Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s), OMTs can reduce the amount of pain medication required for lower back pain to a large extent. Chiropractic – Basics and Practices
Chiropractic is a form of healthcare that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure, primarily that of the spine, and function. Chiropractors or doctors of chiropractics employ a hands-on therapy called manipulation or adjustment as their fundamental procedure.
Chiropractic treatment is based on the concept that restricted movement in the spine leads to pain and reduced function. Spinal adjustments are carried out with the aim of treating this restricted movement, in turn improving function and decrease back pain.
Some chiropractors also use massage and stretching to relax muscles that are shortened or are in a spasm, along with additional treatment such as ultrasounds, electrical muscle stimulation and exercises.
Pilates – Program and Exercises
The Pilates Method is essentially defined as a physical fitness system that focuses on the core postural muscles that help in keeping the body balanced and are crucial in providing support for the spine.
Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of spine leading to the strengthening of the torso muscles, which are important to prevent and reduce back pain. Pilates exercises are gentle, progressive and performed slowly with good postural alignments.
Pilates is regarded as one of the most result-oriented forms of self-management done in order to reduce and prevent lower back pain.
