Back Pain
London Chiropractor Treating Back Pain and symptoms associated with Lumbar Disc Conditions
Back Pain will affect the majority of the population at some time, causing severe pain, disability and stress, costing industry billions of pounds. Chiropractic manipulation has been shown to be the very effective in the treatment of back pain.
Sciatic type symptoms is a commonly used term that describes a condition resulting from prolonged pressure to the nerve and or the spinal cord from the protruding/slipped disc and possibly the vertebrae as mentioned above. As a result of this continued pressure on the spinal nerve, pain extends from the base of the spine down the back and side of the leg to the foot.
CAUSES of BACK PAIN
The main causes of back pain are either of a micro (small) or macro (large) traumatic nature. Macro traumas encompass; car accidents, falls, lifting heavy objects sporting injuries etc, while micro traumas are caused by performing a repetitive activities over a prolonged time period. These activities may include; occupational activities, poor ergonomics and posture, lack of exercise, TOO much exercise, age and being overweight… or all of the above. Both of the above macro and micro traumas weaken the structural integrity of the spine which are the ligaments. These ligaments hold all bones together and allow us to move. Tendons attach muscle to the bones.
As a result of the Micro and or Macro traumatic events (aka Sprain/Strain injuries) which we all experience, the ligaments weaken or overstretch to cause the vertebrae that it is holding in a stable position to move backwards and either compress a nerve and or cause microscopic tears to the disc causing an inflammatory reaction.
In addition to the ligaments, there are special nerves called proprioceptors which tell the brain instantly where the body is in space and reacts accordingly. When the vertebrae moves into the position it shouldn’t as a result of an accident or wear and tear, these nerves/sensors tell the brain to tell the muscles surrounding the vertebrae to go into spasm to PREVENT further damage beneficially but continuing to keep the vertebrae in the bad position. This ‘’locked’’ position then irritates the disc and sensitive spinal nerves to cause pain. SEE MECHANICAL JOINT DYSFUNCTION.
Spinal nerve distribution
SYMPTOMS of BACK PAIN
Back pain and its related nerve pain are usually worse in the morning when you get out of bed and ease slightly when you move around for the first 20-30 minutes upon waking. A disc related condition will be more painful with prolonged sitting and or standing and will improve with walking but can worsen if walk for too long. Disc conditions will also be more painful with coughing and sneezing. It is very common to have referred pain down the leg, into the hip, lower extremities and this will be coming from the spinal/neural origin in the spinal cord and muscular involvement . It is therefore common to see a patient with leg pain, hip pain, groin pain, knee pain and or foot pain without back pain symptoms. This will occur as a result of either the disc impinging (pinching) the nerve root and or the vertebrae pressing on the nerve root.
If back pain has been present for some time, a neurological change can occur resulting in pain down the back and or side of the leg.
Sciatic nerve pain
GONSTEAD LONDON CHIROPRACTOR TREATMENT
Utilising the Gonstead system, specific examination and diagnostic principles are utilized including X-Rays and MRI Scans in order to ensure patient safety, and a speedy resolution of your pain.
We at the Gonstead Clinic treat the Mechanical Joint Dysfunction which can be the cause of the resultant pain pattern. As Gonstead specific London Chiropractors, we are able to identify the exact vertebrae that is misaligned in the exact position and using our hands gently maneuver the problem vertebrae in the correct position. Xrays and MRI’s may be used to assist in the diagnosis if needed.
In order to effectively manage your condition, your Gonstead London Chiropractor may also implement spinal stabilization exercises and massage therapy to address the muscle spasms.
The sooner you receive treatment the more successful the outcome. Otherwise, over many years, due to the reduced mobility the vertebrae and disc will degenerate complicating the condition.
The Gonstead London Chiropractor Clinic works closely with Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic Surgeons, therefore,if your condition requires further attention, or if you case is not a chiropractic condition, your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate medical specialist.
