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 greatly depending on the professional visited. This article looks at some of the different opinions and therapies that a patient may encounter, as well as the current research related to low back pain.
One of the types of professionals that a person suffering from low back pain may see is a medical doctor (MD). An MD’s approach can range from conservative to aggressive. The most common conservative treatment is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, physical therapy consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises may be used.
A medical doctor might also seek diagnostic investigation by having the patient undergo a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the lower spine. An MRI is a tool that allows healthcare professionals to see images or views of the anatomy of the lower back. Physical structures seen include the bones of the spinal column, called vertebrae, intervertebral discs, the spinal cord, and its posterior nerve roots.
A common finding seen on an MRI is an abnormality of an intervertebral disc. An intervertebral disc (also called a lumbar disc or simply “disc”) is a cushion or cushion that sits between two vertebrae. The most common abnormal finding of a disc is a bulge or bulge. A more worrisome finding would be a lumbar disc extrusion.
In the past, a bulge or bulge was thought to be a major cause of back pain. However, studies have definitely shown that this is not the case. A research study reported by physicians at the Mayo Clinic, published in the Journal of Neuroradiology in 2014, revealed that MRI findings of disc bulge and disc degeneration are part of the normal aging process rather than a condition requiring back surgery. The researchers stated that most abnormal disc changes are no more significant than “gray hair or crow’s feet around the eyes.”
The best advice for anyone diagnosed with a “bad disc” is to first seek conservative, non-surgical, non-drug chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment of low back pain has been very successful for over 100 years. The treatment given by doctors of chiropractic consists mainly of spinal manipulation. Spinal manipulation is manual therapy administered 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 about 90% of the cases where spinal mechanics, mainly joint dysfunction, is the main cause of low back pain.
Usually, the only people who need medication, injections or surgery are those who suffer from infections such as staff, cancer, fractures or one in 100 cases of disc that does not respond to chiropractic care.
So the next time you or someone you know is told they need disc surgery, seek chiropractic care first and there’s a good chance you’ll be pleased with the results.
