When a person
develops lower back pain that is significant and persists they eventually tend
to see a health care specialist for help. The response and recommendations that
the patient receives can vary quite substantially depending upon the
professional visited. This article discusses some of the different opinions and
therapies that a patient might encounter, as well as current research
pertaining to lower back pain.
One of the types of
practitioners a person suffering from low back pain might see is a medical
doctor (M.D.). A M.D.'s approach can vary from conservative to aggressive. The
most common conservative treatment is the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
Additionally, physical therapy consisting of stretching and strengthening
exercises might be utilized.
A doctor of
medicine might also seek diagnostic investigation by having the patient undergo
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lower spine. A MRI is a tool that
allows healthcare specialists to see images or views of the anatomy of the
lower back. Physical structures seen include the bones of the spine, called
vertebrae, intervertebral discs, the spinal cord and its subsequent nerve
roots.
A common finding seen
on a MRI is an abnormality of an intervertebral disc. An intervertebral disc
(also called a lumbar disc or simply "disc") is a pad or shock
absorber that sits between two vertebrae. The most common abnormal finding of a
disc is a bulge or protrusion. A more concerning finding would be an extrusion
of a lumbar disc.
In the past, a
protrusion or bulge was thought to be a significant cause of back pain
causation. However studies have shown, definitively, that this is not the case.
A research study reported by doctors of the Mayo Clinic, published in the
Journal of Neuroradiology in 2014 revealed that MRI findings of disc protrusion
and disc degeneration are part of the normal aging process rather than a
condition requiring back surgery. The researchers stated that most of the
abnormal disc changes are no more significant than "gray hair or crow's
feet around their eyes".
The best advice for
anyone diagnosed with a "bad disc" is to seek conservative
nonsurgical, drug-free chiropractic care first. Chiropractic treatment of lower
back pain has had much success for over 100 years. Treatment given by doctors
of chiropractic consists primarily of spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation
is a manual therapy given by a chiropractor to a patient to realign and correct
abnormal movements of the spine and pelvis. These treatments are very safe and
can help nearly 90% of cases where spinal mechanics, principally joint
dysfunction, are the main cause of lower back pain.
Typically the only
people who need drugs, injections, or surgery are those who suffer from
infections such as staff, cancer, fractures or the one in 100 disc case that
does not respond to chiropractic care.
So the next time
you or someone you know is told you need disc surgery seek chiropractic care
first and it is highly likely you will be pleased with the results.
