One common form of back pain that patients experience is shooting pain. In other words, the pain radiates from one particular area and to other parts of the back and body such as down the arms or legs. What causes this type of radiating pain? How can chiropractic treat shooting back pain? Read on to learn what your options are.
What Causes Shooting Back Pain?
When pain is radiating, the cause is just about always the same – nerve irritation. The primary variable is where a misalignment exists that is causing the nerve to be compressed or otherwise irritated. This can occur in any number of places and lead to various nerves being irritated. For example, the underlying issue may be located in any of these parts of the body:
- Back – Anywhere throughout the spine, a misalignment can lead to nerve irritation. For example, a misalignment in the neck can affect the shoulders and send shooting pain down the arms.
- Hip – If the misalignment is in the hip or lower back, a nerve that can commonly become irritated is the sciatic nerve. This may result in shooting pain in the lower back and down one leg depending on which side the misalignment is on.
- Disc – If the discs between the vertebrae are bulging or deteriorating, this can also put pressure on a nerve and lead to shooting pain and perhaps even some numbness or tingling.
- Overactive muscle – If a muscle has been overworked, it could be muscle spasms that are resulting in the nerve irritation.
With this in mind, there are going to be a number of different treatments that can provide assistance. How can chiropractic relieve shooting back pain?
Treating Shooting Back Pain with Chiropractic
The first stage of treatment is determining which structure of the body is irritating the nerve. This is determined by various forms of testing in the office and may even include diagnostic imaging. Once the culprit is found, whether it be a vertebra, disc, hip, etc., an adjustment can be customized to meet the patient’s needs.
Besides an adjustment, exercises and stretches can often be helpful in freeing the nerve from the surrounding structures. At Ward Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, we combine chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitative exercises to help patients get relief from shooting back pain and other chronic pain problems. To schedule an appointment, call (703) 672-1661 today or fill out the contact form.
