Whether it’s ongoing back pain, persistent headaches, or discomfort from a past injury, finding lasting relief from chronic pain can be challenging. At the Lafayette and Millbrae, California, chiropractic offices of Dr. Andrew L. Stewart, we provide non-invasive treatments that soothe and correct several of the most common causes of chronic pain, helping you move and feel better without relying on medication or surgery.
What Causes Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months, often lingering even after an injury has healed. Chiropractors are trained to identify and treat pain caused by:
- Spinal Misalignments (Subluxations): When the vertebrae are out of alignment, they can put pressure on nerves, leading to pain in the back, neck, and extremities.
- Herniated or Degenerative Discs: Discs that are bulging, damaged, or deteriorating can cause persistent nerve pain and stiffness in the spinal column.
- Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve can cause radiating pain from the lower back into the legs.
- Arthritis and Joint Degeneration: Inflammation and wear-and-tear in the spine or extremities can cause joints to lose lubrication and cushioning.
- Tension and Postural Strain: Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and repetitive movements can create muscle imbalances and chronic tension.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries such as whiplash or muscle strains can lead to long-term pain if not properly treated.
Chiropractic care offers holistic, drug-free solutions to help relieve chronic pain and restore function.
Chiropractic Treatments for Chronic Pain
Chiropractic Adjustments
Spinal misalignments can compress nerves and muscles. Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine, reducing irritation in the surrounding tissues and improving joint function. They also improve the body’s mechanics by ensuring that each joint is in the best position to bear its share of the body’s weight while receiving proper support from muscles.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
For those suffering from disc-related pain, spinal decompression therapy provides a safe, non-surgical solution. This therapy gently stretches the spine, creating space between the vertebrae to relieve pressure on discs and nerves. It is especially effective for conditions like:
- Herniated and bulging discs
- Sciatica and other problems related to pinched nerves
- Degenerative disc disease
Spinal decompression promotes healing by improving the flow of water, oxygen, and nutrients to the spinal discs, allowing them to rehydrate and repair over time.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (Cold Laser Therapy)
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) helps reduce chronic pain and inflammation by using specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and dilate blood vessels. This therapy is beneficial for:
- Neuropathy
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chronic conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia
Find Lasting Relief with Chiropractic Care
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, it is likely that chiropractic care can help. Dr. Andrew L. Stewart and his team in Lafayette and Millbrae, California, are dedicated to providing solutions to help you feel and function better. To get started, call our Lafayette office at (925) 937-2225, our Millbrae office at (650) 692-2273, or use the online scheduling tool for Lafayette or Millbrae.