Manipulation

Manipulation is the safest and most effective method of pain relief for low back pain. It has been used successfully by chiropractors in this country for over 100 years. It has gained not only acceptance but widespread endorsement by all fields of health care professionals, some of whom now offer their own versions.

Pain fibers in the body are stimulated by both chemical activity and mechanical distortion. If you bend your finger back until it hurts, the sharp pain you feel is from mechanical distortion of the joint capsule. If your finger remains in this position, the sharp pain will eventually dissipate and be replaced by a dull ache. This comes from chemicals (histamines) released into your bloodstream that let your conscious mind know something is wrong.
 
Manipulation, like medication, can help with the ache of chemical irritation. It is also the best way to relieve the mechanical causes of back pain. The two photos shown below demonstrate how chiropractic manipulation stretches the joint back into place with an extra impulse to ensure alignment.

Windshield Wipers is an exercise for the hips: with the pelvis level, let your legs move first right then left.

Lumbar Twist is a variation on the same movement. This time allow your pelvis to rock to each side to stretch the lower back. This photo shows the lumbar twist with an impulse added by the therapist to release a fixated low back joint.