Low Back Pain
Over 80% of Americans will develop lower back pain at some point in their lives. A sizeable percentage of those people will have disc problems that cause the back pain. Some low back pain cases are due to sprains and strains which involve overstretching and/or tearing of the muscles, tendons and ligaments which connect into the spine. Ligaments connect bone to bone usually over a joint. Tendons connect muscles to bone. When they get overstretched or torn, the pain can be excruciating. Rest and modalities such as ultrasound, diathermy, and electrical muscle stimulation can enhance the healing process.
Probably the most common cause of back pain is subluxation of the spinal vertebrae. This is a condition where the vertebrae move out of place and become locked in the misaligned position. Once this occurs, it places great stress on the spinal joints, the discs and the nerves. Treatment consists of chiropractic adjustments to correct the misalignments and relieve the stress on the joints, discs and nerves.
Facet syndrome is directly related to subluxations. The articular joints that are between the vertebrae are called facet joints. When facet joints are under stress, they can misalign and the vertebra can tip backwards, placing great pressure on the nerves. The joints can degenerate and the body reacts by developing bone spurs or osteophytes. This is called facet hypertrophy and is permanent.
Degenerated disc develops as a result of stress on the spine. The discs cannot handle the stress and they gradually wear away. As the discs thin out, the vertebrae get closer together and the nerves can become compressed or irritated. The discs also have very small sinu vertebral nerves in them and when they become irritated, they can also cause pain.
Herniated discs can be compared to jelly donuts. There is a gel in the middle of the disc surrounded by annular ligaments. The gel can push out the annular fibers causing direct pressure to the nerves. This will cause pain along the course of the spinal nerves. If the nerve travels down the buttock to the thigh and leg, then the symptoms will be in those areas. When nerves are irritated, symptoms can range from pain to pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the leg. This is commonly referred to as sciatica. This simply means pain along the course of the sciatic nerve.
A ruptured disc is a herniated disc where the gel (nucleus pulposus) has broken through the annular ligaments and presses on the nerve.
Sacroiliac Syndrome involves a slippage of the sacroiliac joint (SI). When the ilium or hip bone subluxates, it rotates and slips against the articular surface of the sacrum. The joint becomes inflamed and this will cause low back pain.
When you come to us complaining of lower back pain, we perform a very extensive consultation and examination to localize the problem and determine the specific cause. Once the cause is established, we can tell you the best course of action.
If you are suffering with constant low back pain or occasional low back pain, you should be examined to determine the cause and the extent of your problem before it is too late! The earlier spinal problems are taken care of, the better chance for a successful outcome
