Low Back Pain

Low back pain affects millions of people everyday. It is so common that many people accept it as normal and try to live their lives by coping with it. They have been told by their doctor the only option left is surgery and pain medication. Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available that are very effective for relieving low back pain. According to a recent government study, chiropractic adjustments were the most effective at relieving acute low back pain. Other treatments include exercise, physical therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional supplementation. Low back pain can take on many names: sciatica, radiculopathy, piriformis syndrome, sacroiliac dysfunction, etc. There are two different forms of low back pain. One form is localized pain in the low back and the other is low back pain with radiation of pain into the upper buttock and sometimes into the leg and down to the toes. Whatever the case may be, there are several areas that must be assessed.

1. Disc herniations. These can be ruled out or in by several methods including neurological tests, x-rays (sometimes), MRI, etc. Personally, I use neurologic muscle testing to determine if there is a herniation. I find this way to be extremely accurate and the most cost effective. If a disc herniation is diagnosed, surgery is not the only option. Chiropractic and applied kinesiology have proven over and over to be the best treatment for this condition.
   
   
2. Pelvic dysfunction. When the bones in the pelvis are not moving like they should, this can cause a lot of pain. Every time we take a step the pelvis has to compensate for the movement. If this is not happening, the hip, knee, ankle, and foot can be affected as well.
   
   
3. Muscle weakness/dysfunction. Since muscles move bones, it would be wise to check the strength of the muscles in the low back, in this instance. Unfortunately, not many doctors do. There are about 15 muscles that support the low back. In my office, these muscles and surrounding muscles are tested on every patient with low back pain. It just makes sense: If several muscles of the low back are not working, how can the low back be supported properly? The answer is: it can't.
   
   
4. TMJ dysfunction. Did you know that if the jaw is misaligned, problems such as low back pain (among others) could occur? The jaw plays a major role in balancing the entire body. This is often overlooked and can result in lifetime of pain and discomfort for the patient.
   
   
5. Nutritional deficiencies. There are certain nutrients that specifically support the disc. If these nutrients are depleted, the disc will weaken over time and eventually be injured. Adequate supply of nutrients in the right form is necessary not only for the health of the low back, but for every process in the human body.
   
   There are others factors that should be considered with low back pain. These include posture, exercise, diet, etc. A properly trained doctor will be able to check for all of these imbalances and work with you to correct them.