Back pain has a number of sources…
There are many reasons for low-back pain, including spinal injuries, inflammation or injury of the spinal nerve, pressure on the sciatic nerve, and narrowing of the spinal column. Here are some common lower back problems:
Muscle strain and joint damage — The lower back is more prone to injury than other parts of the spine since it supports a disproportionate amount of weight while allowing us to bend and twist in almost every direction. In addition, factors such as poor muscle stability as a result of a sedentary lifestyle make the lower back more susceptible to muscle sprains, strains and joint damage.
Bulging discs and nerve damage — The spine encases the spinal cord, the main communication system from the brain to the body. The spinal cord has nerve roots that extend outward to send signals to the rest of the body. If a disc bulges, it can put pressure on nerve roots. A more severe form of a bulging disc is a herniated or “slipped” disc. A bulging or slipped disc can cause pain and inflammation as well as numbness and tingling, often extending to the legs or feet if the accompanying nerve root is irritated.
Degenerative conditions — Wear and tear over time can lead to changes in the vertebrae and discs. As we age, discs shrink and provide less cushion between the vertebrae. Cartilage can deteriorate and affect joint motion or pinch the nerve. But good maintenance of spinal and muscle health as well as regular chiropractic visits can help slow or prevent the degeneration process. When signs of degeneration are caught early, there’s a much better chance of preserving the health of your spine.
Any subluxation patterns that would be in place, including those of the neck and head, the clavicle, or the ribs in the region could produce deep, stabbing pain from a guarding mechanism that a misalignment pattern would provoke. Commonly, the mid-back pain is related to the pelvis – so the sacroiliac joints or sacral subluxation pattern would provoke rigid erector spinae muscles, the pain being consciously felt by the patient where the tendon’s fibers insert on the rib cage, underneath the scapula or just next to the scapula. A lot of people call this shoulder pain. Where the patient is complaining of pain can be remote to the actual problem but related, because of the way the muscles are arranged.
In fact, one third of the muscles in our body are attached to the pelvis. They are necessary for allowing us to sit, stand, walk and move. Depending on the muscle group affected, back pain will often manifest in baffling ways. Patients may feel fine while standing, but going from a sitting position to a standing position may be excruciating. A proper assessment by a chiropractor can help educate the patient on the cause of their pain. We often find that simple changes to posture and lifestyle can alleviate pain and prevent further injury.
Watch Dr. Ruch’s video, Ergonomics and Lifestyle Guide For Low Back Injuries, below.