Back Pain Treatment and Alternatives:

Over 80% of Americans will suffer from back pain at some time in their lives. There are many causes for back pain. Back pain can be structural (scoliosis) or functional (weak muscles). By far the most common cause is functional. This functional cause can be corrected through the right exercise and therapy.

This article will discuss functional back pain and effective techniques to provide permanent relief. First let’s look at the main causes of back pain.

Degenerative disc syndrome: As our bodies age the disc’s that support the spine start to deteriorate. The fluid within the vertebral discs can become dry and shriveled like s raison. This in turn leads to a lack of spinal support and pain results when the spinal bones rub against each other and cause local soft tissue inflammation.

Sciatica: is a condition characterized by impingement of the sciatic nerve. The impingement can occur in the lower back (L4-5) area or locally on the soft tissue of the hips and buttocks. Usually this manifests as sharp pain that travels down the legs. A skilled clinician can determine if the impingement is coming from the back or extremity through palpation and muscle testing.

Sprain-strain: this is the most common cause of acute back pain. It is usually the result of improper lifting with an underlying muscle imbalance. Acute sprain-strains can vary in severity. Usually it will self resolve within a few days to weeks. If the underlying muscle imbalance is not corrected, it is likely to reoccur in the future.

Myofascial pain syndrome: is characterized by painful aching muscles, though can become sharp at times. The exact cause is often difficult to determine but the known factor is soft tissue irritation and/or inflammation. There can be many factors that can lead to MFS, such as improper diet-poor posture-weak core muscles-auto immune response. This condition responds very well to acupuncture, massage and moxibustion.

If you suffer from any of these conditions you should take these steps to improvement.

Strengthen weak core muscles. The deep muscles in our abdomen are responsible for the support and function of our whole body. If the abdominal muscles are weak our posture will suffer and in turn can lead to back pain. A knowledgeable trainer, kinesiologist, physical therapist or physiatrist can create a program tailored to your specific areas of core weakness. Referrals are available upon request.

Correct posture. This coincides with strengthening the core muscles. In addition to abdominal musculature, neck-lower back-hamstring muscles need to function optimally to prevent back pain. Try to pay attention to how you carry your body. When sitting at the computer make sure your feet are on the ground, your back is straight and not hunched, and your shoulders are relaxed.

Stretch tight muscles. A very common cause of back pain is tight muscles. When muscles are not stretched often they start to adapt into a shortened position. This can become permanent if not addressed. Tight hamstrings (back of the thigh) are a huge contributor to back pain. To test if your hamstrings are too tight lie on your back with both legs straight. Lift one leg while keeping the knee straight. If the leg is less than vertical (90 degrees) you should stretch this muscle group daily. Another common tight muscle group is the anterior deltoids-pectorals (front of the shoulders). You can stretch these muscles by leaning into a door way with your arms slightly bent.

Eat a nutritional diet. This is often overlooked by most people when addressing back pain. Certain foods can cause a build up of acid in the body which leads to inflammation. This can prolong the healing response. If you suffer from back pain try avoiding coffee, red meat and refined sugar. Also increase fresh fruits and vegetables (ideally raw). They are loaded with trace minerals that the body needs for cellular repair.

Try alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage and moxibustion. These therapies help to promote circulation and healing of soft tissue. Acupuncture in particular helps to repair damage on a cellular level. It also blocks pain by releasing internal chemicals called endogenous opioids. When you are pain free you can begin to work on an exercise program to prevent future relapses.

Jesse Phelps, M.T.O.M., L.Ac, B.Sc.
Phelpsacupuncture.com

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