So you hurt your back? How long until it gets better? What is a realistic science based approach for recovery? Are you setting yourself up for disappointment by setting unrealistic goals? Let’s take a look.
How did your pain start? Did you sleep wrong and wake up with minor low back pain or did you lift up that beer keg that your wife told you not to lift and now you have a full blown herniated disc with searing low back pain that radiates to the back of your legs?
These are two examples of causes of back pain that will need significantly different care plans. If you are going to a chiropractor that requires a set number of visits for every patient you may need to consider other options for care. The condition should dictate the care plan.
How long will I be under care? That is a fair question that I hear from most new patients. The answer? It depends on several factors including: age of the patient, prior injuries/surgeries, mechanism of injury, extent of damage to the disc. Some patients see full recovery in just a few visits. Some patients need three months of active care with multiple modalities to achieve correction. Most people with a truly herniated disc are likely to have future flare ups and will need on and off care for their condition.
How long will your condition take? There are variables involved. The most important thing is to be properly diagnosed, have a care plan tailored to your unique condition and to openly communicate with your healthcare provider.
