Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is widespread. Approximately 85% of people in industrialized countries experience this restricting pain in the lumbar spine area at least once in their lives. 7% of American adults suffer from acute lower back pain that lasts longer than 2 weeks. The estimated cost of these problems amounts to over US$50 billion per year. In Germany, the numbers are similar, as calculated by the lower population.

Sciatica and lumbago

These terms denote a state of pain in the lower back (lumbar spine). In most cases, patients have a dysfunction of the pelvis with painful involvement of the ligaments, tendons and muscles of the region. At this juncture, and with a long case history, it can lead to irritation of the outbound nerves and inflammation of the tissues surrounding the affected area. The symptoms – pain and a burning sensation – can travel along the entire length of an affected leg. Most people have to assume a bent over, protective position to deal with the pain.

 

However, if the jointed and binding connections of the pelvic girdle are in a correct and relaxed position, then the supporting structure can relax again.

 

Recurring sciatica is also frequently attributed to a misaligned pelvis. This can lead to heavily burdened inter-vertebral discs in the lower lumbar spine area and result in subsequent damage. Regular adjustment can stabilize the pelvis and prevent deterioration and excessive pressure on inter-vertebral discs.

Other forms of treatment

The academic medicine approach for back pain varies according to the intensity of the condition. Some classically applied methods are::

  • Bed rest with legs elevated
  • Physical therapy (high frequency heat therapy, ultrasound, heat & cold therapy)
  • Acupuncture
  • Medication for relaxing muscles and relieving pain
  • Physiotherapy
  • injection procedures close to the spinal column
  • Surgery

Almost everyone is familiar with these forms of treatment. Bed rest alone has proven to be ineffective for sciatica. Depending on the patient's pain level and/or progress, a recommendation for surgery can even be discussed.

 

However, a recommendation for spinal intrusion is being posed with more and more caution. Recent examinations have revealed many unnecessary operations on the lumbar spine and surgeons are responding to this trend. Many, who have had back surgery, tell of a recurrence of the symptoms after an operation (Failed Back Surgery).

Surgical invasion of the spinal column is a controversial (and costly) method. Most patients recover from a herniated disc over time with or without surgery – when comparing non-surgical and surgical approaches, the results are nearly the same after 5 years.. 

The chiropractic approach

The success of chiropractic care for lower back pain is well documented. An important advantage is its low risk potential in comparison to invasive or medicated forms of treatment.

 

A chiropractor's goal is to adjust your backbone gently, safely and effectively. Thus, balance is reestablished and pressure is removed from nerve structures and inter-vertebral discs.

 

According to American, Canadian and New Zealand studies, chiropractic was particularly successful for intense pain as well as for patients with a longer history of pain.