In This Issue
Welcome. This is the first issue of our monthly newsletter which will provide you with fascinating articles about chiropractic and its benefits. Today we will look at low back pain and why the pain is there. In addition, we will take a look at "Warning Signs" you should be looking for when you are experiencing low back pain.
Quote of the day
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest the patient in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.”
-Thomas Edison
Articles
- Why Does My Back Hurt?
- A Low Back Pain Warning You Better Not ignore
Why Does My Back Hurt?
A Low Back Pain Warning You Better Not Ignore
Low back pain can gradually arise from many forms. Some may be traumatic, some may not but for the most part most of our low back pain comes from a gradual build up of many factors that were never dealt with prior the initial pain symptoms. Every day factors such as: vast amounts of hours we drive, sitting or standing for long periods of time, and our posture all play a big part in the pain we experience. For the majority of time when someone experiences these symptoms, conservative treatment such as chiropractic, acupuncture and massage therapy is the best form of treatment.
However, there are a handful of times when a medical emergency is appropriate. There are many "Red Flags" we all should be aware and properly diagnosed by your chiropractor. Common conditions we should be looking out for include cancer, caudal equine syndrome, infection, and fractures. A thorough patient history, routine physical and orthopedic examination and special diagnostic test such as X-rays or MRI's are all used to properly diagnose these "Red Flags" in a chiropractic office.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
However, there are a handful of times when a medical emergency is appropriate. There are many "Red Flags" we all should be aware and properly diagnosed by your chiropractor. Common conditions we should be looking out for include cancer, caudal equine syndrome, infection, and fractures. A thorough patient history, routine physical and orthopedic examination and special diagnostic test such as X-rays or MRI's are all used to properly diagnose these "Red Flags" in a chiropractic office.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
- Cancer:
- Unexplained weight loss (>22 lbs within 6 months)
- If you are older than 50 or younger than 18 years of age
- Failure to respond to conservative treatment
- Pain at night wakes you up and night sweats.
- Infection:
- Persistent fever (> 100 degree F)
- Problems breathing and or chest pain
- Pain while going to the bathroom
- Lumbar spine surgery within the past year
- Recent bacterial infection
- Immunocompromised diseases such as diabetes mellitus and HIV
- Cauda Equina Syndrome:
- Urinary incontinence
- Fecal incontinence
- Bilateral lower extremity weakness or numbness
- Sensory deficit
- Fracture:
- Prolonged corticosteroid use
- Older than >70 years of age
- History of osteoporosis
- Trauma to the area
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurism:
- Abdominal pulsations
- Pain at rest or night time pain
- Older than 60 years of age
Keep in mind that the majority of times these tend to be the minority of cases for most people. Conservative care will usually resolve the majority of low back pain. However, having a good sense of things to look for not only helps you determine what could be happening but information like the one above provide by the patient to the chiropractor can help him diagnose you properly so you can get the proper treatment.
Sources:
https://chiro-trust.org/back-pain/why-does-my-back-hurt/
https://chiro-trust.org/back-pain/warning-you-better-not-ignore/