Lower Back Pain

Over 80% of the population will suffer some form of lower back pain in their life.  What many do not realize is there is things that can be done today that will help get rid of lower back pain and prevent it from coming back.  We are going to discuss the different causes of lower back pain and treatment options that can help you immediately.  

What Causes Lower Back Pain

For the purposes of explanation we are going to discuss lower right back pain.  In your lower back your spine has separate segments of bone called lumbar vertebra.  Inside a canal in the vertebra is the spinal cord which is strands of nerves in the lower back.  In between the bones is the vertebral disc that is made up of several layers of cartilage tissue with a nucleus jelly like substance in the middle of the disc.  The disc does not have blood vessel running in to it because that would weaken the disc.  The tissue relies on motion to pump nutrients in and the waste out.  Between each bone on the side is a space called the foramen that allows for the spinal nerve to exit and in the case of the lumbar spine go down into the legs and the organs in the abdomen.  When a bone gets stuck out of position, that is called a subluxation.  That twisted bone will compress or close down the nerve space causing a pinched nerve.  Where ever that nerve travels will give you pain and spasm.  Also since the joint is stuck there is no more motion and the disc will start to thin because the nutrients are no longer getting to the cells inside the disc .  This weakens the disc causing it so shrink further pinching the nerve.  If left too long this also can cause a disc bulge or herniation.  Eventually left untreated it will degenerate and become arthritic. So if the nerve was pinched on the left side, this would cause lower left back pain and possibly pain down the left leg.

Lower Back Pain Treatment

There are many options for lower back pain treatment today that do not include medication or surgery.  Your chiropractor can assess what is going on in the lower back through an examination.  He will take X-rays and preform orthopedic and neurologic testing to determine what levels is causing the problem   Adjusting the spine back in position will relieve the pinched nerve and allow function to return to everything that nerve travels to.  In my office we also utilize biofeedback microcurrent to restore electrical function to the cells which allows for further healing.  In addition we utilize the DBC Health rehabilitation of the lower back to increase core strength so the pain does not come back.  Even if there is a herniation or failed back surgery adjustments, microcurrent, and rehab can restore function.  Also in our office we have integrated with a nurse practitioner to offer pain management during treatment so our patients can have the best of both worlds.  Pain management with medication while we fix what causes lower back pain.

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