Treating Lower Back Pain, Chiropractic Relief:
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Treating Lower Back Pain:
About 80% of adults will experience lower back pain at some time. In the general population the one month prevalence for lower back pain is between 35-37%.
A UCLA study showed that chiropractic care of lower back pain has been shown to have a higher rate of patient satisfaction than medical care. Additionally, studies by Meade have indicated long term benefit in the treatment of lower back pain with Chiropractic.
The three major areas of lower back pain are in: The Disc, Facet Joints, and the Sacro-iliac.
 The Disc:
Almost all lower back pain caused by the disc occurs at the lowest two lumbar discs (L4/L5).
- About 40% of persons suffering from lower back pain have involvement of the lumbar discs.
- About 5% of those persons with disc involvement have pain caused by a herniation of a disc.
The disc is composed of two parts:
- The inner, fluid core (the nucleus) acts as a shock absorber.
- The outer ligamentous annulus fibrosis contains the nucleus and resists twisting motions.
A disc herniation occurs when the inner, fluid nucleus leaks through the annulus fibrosis. Once a disc has herniated the nuclear material may directly impinge the nerves or cause an irritating inflammatory response.
 Disc bulges or herniations are relatively common and often result in recurrent bouts of back pain without sciatica or leg pain. Often the nuclear material leaks out and is absorbed by the body causing little problem.
As we age the discs generally tend to become smaller and have a decreased fluid content. As a result, younger patients (30-50) are generally more inclined to have disc herniations. Disc injuries typically result from a a bending twisting motion and can cause pain or numbness below the knee (sciatica). A history of episodes of lower back pain that resolve may indicate problems with the disc. Younger people with disc problems generally have more pain in the seated position and experience relief while standing or walking. Older persons may have more problems on standing due to loading of the joints and stenosis.
Most disc problems can resolve in several weeks. Chiropractic management involves traction stretches to decompress the disc, myofascial release and adjustments/mobilization of the lumbar vertebrae. Often walking and gentle exercise are beneficial in speeding recovery and reducing pain.
 Facet Joint
The facet joints are located behind the discs and limit twisting and extension of the back. Pain caused by the facet joints is estimated to account for 15-40% of cases of lower back pain.
Facet joint pain may begin suddenly and cause localized back pain and pain in the leg above the knee. Facet joint pain is usually very responsive to chiropractic adjustments and may resolve in a relatively short amount of time.
 Sacro-iliac Joint
Sacro-iliac joint problems are estimated to be responsible for almost half of all cases of lower back pain. Sacro-iliac joint problems do not directly effect the discs or nerves but are caused by locking of the sacro-iliac joint. The sacro-iliac joints are weight bearing joints, and the pain may be made worse on standing, walking or running.
Typically, the pain begins immediately following straightening up from a stooped position, as in lifting something off the floor. The pain may be sharp on motion, dull at rest, and may radiate down the leg. The pain may be somewhat relieved by sitting or lying on the side. Chiropractic adjustments are often able to deliver dramatic relief to persons suffering from sacro-iliac joint pain.
Piriformis Pain
The piriformis is a small muscle that rotates the leg outward. It is attached to the sacrum and femur. The piriformis is important because it may compress the sciatic nerve. Piriformis problems usually result in buttock, back, or leg pain without a known cause. The pain is usually dull and muscular and may result in sciatica. Myofascial release treatments are often very effective in releasing the muscle and relieving the symptoms of sciatica.
 
Dr. Tom Etter will guide you on your road to freedom from pain through a variety of techniques that fit your specific needs.
We help all age ranges and fitness levels to find relief from pain. Please call 913.829.7246 today to set an appt for an initial consultation and exam.
913-829-7246
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