If you have upper or lower back pain, over-the-counter medicines may not be enough to treat it. If that’s the case, you have two main options: massage therapy or chiropractic care. Both offer a multitude of benefits, but they help different injuries. Below is more information so you can decide which treatment option is best for you.

Massage Therapy

A massage therapist will be able to treat back pain caused by muscular issues, such as strains, pulls, spasms, or tears. Performed by a licensed professional, massage therapy treatment alleviates muscle pain, reduces tension, and promotes faster healing. During the treatment, the therapist will massage the targeted area, stimulating circulation. Increased blood flow allows for more efficient delivery of nutrients needed for healing. It also reduces inflammation in the muscles. All of this combines to relieve pain and speed your recovery. Other benefits of this therapy include relieving stress, boosting energy levels, and increasing your sense of overall wellbeing.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractic care can treat injuries and conditions of the spine, such as slipped discs, misaligned vertebrae, and spinal stenosis. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your back pain but know it’s not muscular, a chiropractor will be able to diagnose it and recommend the appropriate treatment. For misalignments, chiropractic adjustments — also known as spinal manipulation — will likely be used to restore the spine, wherein the physician will use their hands or specialized implements to apply controlled, sudden force to your spinal joints. For stenosis and other conditions, a combination of massage, physical therapy, medications, and adjustments might be used, with surgery being an option if other treatments aren’t effective.

If you need effective massage therapy or chiropractic care for your back pain, contact the experts at West Chiropractic Clinic in Soldotna, AK. Using individualized approaches and evidence-backed treatments, they treat a variety of conditions, including scoliosis, lower back pain, and auto accident injuries. Their friendly team is devoted to improving your overall wellness one treatment at a time, using adjustments, massage, and reflexology. Learn more about their services for back pain online, and call (907) 262-9171 to schedule an appointment today.