Everyone experiences back pain at some time in their life. In
fact, it is in the top three complaints that people bring to the
doctor's office.
In most cases there is soft tissue inflammation, muscle spasms,
or degenerative arthritis. These respond well to conservative
treatments such as anti-inflammatory medicines, stretches, and
osteopathic manipulative therapy. Physical modalities such as
heat or cold, massage, and acupuncture are also helpful.
So when should you worry? Any loss of bowel or bladder control
needs immediate attention. Surgery can release the pressure on
the nerves and full function usually returns.
The longer the loss of bladder or bowel control continues
without treatment, the higher the risk of permanent damage. This
also includes weakness of any muscles in the legs or feet. Plus
you can reduce the risks of falls and fractures.
Contrary to popular opinion, a thorough history, neurological
and structural exams, plus basic X-rays of the spine can
diagnose the problem 80-90% of the time. Expensive MRI studies
certainly can be helpful looking at the cross-sections of the
spine into the discs and spinal cord. But, in most cases it will
not change the eventual conservative treatment anyway.
Consider an MRI if surgery is likely. Certainly if there is no
improvement in your symptoms after several weeks or there is
worsening of your pain.
Besides the obvious causes of low back pain from muscle spasms,
degenerative discs and osteoarthritis, chronic structural
imbalances play a major role. Wear and tear to the spine from
old trauma, sports, and obesity cause the discs to lose their
cushioning ability. They also may bulge or protrude backwards.
Over 50 years of age almost everyone has changes I the discs
loosing height and acquiring some bone spurs. However, not
everyone has pain. Again, unless the nerve root coming out of
the spinal cord or the spinal cord itself is squeezed, surgery
will not help. Even radiating leg pain called sciatica along
with numbness and tingling in the legs can go away over time
with proper treatment that includes osteopathic manipulation
therapy.
Studies show that back pain sufferers who have surgery have no
better pain relief or function than those who didn't have
surgery after five years passed. Certainly if surgery is
recommended it is wise to get a second opinion.
About the author:
Author: Katherine A Martin, D.O. - Board Certified Family
Practice Physician. Medical Coaching and Consulting. Health for
the whole person. Visit my web site at
http://www.DO-Medicine.com
