Treatment of the Lower Back
Lower
back pain is usually divided into one of three categories which are
Mechanical, Trapped Nerves and ‘Other’ causes.
Mechanical
back pain is caused by problems with the function of the tissues of the
back and is rarely related to any damage or injury. A good analogy for
this is that of a new car engine. There may be nothing twisted or missing
but if the timing is out it will not run smoothly. A person with
mechanical back pain may be stiff and in pain but the back is still
inherently strong and not susceptible to damage with normal activities.
Problems with the joints of the spine, the muscles, posture or ergonomics
(furniture) at home or work are examples of this.
Chiropractic
management of mechanical back pain is all about getting the back going
again. Once full motion is restored to the back, possibly through
manipulation of stiff joints or specific stretches, the pains tend to
settle rapidly. Having the time to provide advice, explanation and
exercises are particularly important not just to help patients get over
their current episode but also to help prevent future problems.
Trapped
nerves in the back often cause symptoms that travel into the
buttock, thigh or calf. The main symptom is usually pain but pins and
needles, numbness and even weakness to the muscles are not uncommon.
Due to the anatomy of the area there are several different ways
that a nerve can become trapped or irritated but commonly an injury to a
disk is responsible.
Chiropractors
manage trapped nerves by taking the pressure off them. The exact
treatment depends on which tissue is doing the trapping but it may involve
relaxing tight muscles, exercises or manipulating the back and its joints,
and will almost always involve some advice on preventing further
irritation to the nerve. Contrary to popular myth it is not possibly to
manipulate a damaged disc ‘back into place’.
However chiropractic care may improve recovery times and reduce the
pain from discal injuries.
Other
causes of back pain are exceptionally rare, accounting for less than 1% of
all cases. Chiropractic is not an appropriate treatment for this category
of problem. However
chiropractors are trained to identify problems from this group and arrange
a referral to an appropriate specialist.
The
key messages for back pain are:
- Whilst
common it is rarely serious.
- Even
if painful there is unlikely to be any damage to the back or its
tissues.
- Movement
and activity are important to encourage recovery.
- Most
back pain gets better on its own in a few days with no treatment.
It
is advisable to seek advice if:
- The
pain is severe enough to stop normal activities at home or work.
- The
pain lasts for more than a week without showing signs of settling.
- There
is pain felt radiating to the leg especially if it travels below the
knee.
- There
is numbness to the bottom, legs or genitals.
- The pain started after severe trauma such as a heavy fall or sporting injury.
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© September, 2009
- Back2Health Group