LOW BACK PAIN AND SCIATICA
There are as many causes of low back pain as there are corn fields in Iowa, and many of them are structural in their nature. In cases where the source of the pain is muscular or skeletal it is recommended that patients seek the least invasive procedures first (including chiropractic care) before seeking more aggressive procedures like surgery or injections.
While some are lucky to have their back pain resolve on its own within a week, many deal with constantly aching low backs, or on a cycle over time. If you struggle to get comfortable, can’t sit for very long periods of time without discomfort, have trouble sleeping, and/ or the pain becomes a nuisance in everyday activities it’s time to give us a call!
What we do:
It’s important to determine the cause of your low back pain in order to effectively treat the low back pain. The treatment for a strained muscle will not be the same as treatment for chronic pain caused by the intervertebral disc. Dr. Pray will perform an evaluation including movement testing neurological testing, and orthopedic testing to determine the source of the issue.
Next, we’ll establish a plan of care based on the exam results to most effectively improve your condition. which may include chiropractic adjustments, therapy, flexion-distraction, as well as stretches/ strengthening to speed recovery and reduce the chances for re-injury.
What causes Sciatica?
There are 3 causes for sciatica. The first, and most well known, cause is a disc bulge or disc herniation where the nucleus pulposus (the gel like substance in the center of the intervertebral disc pushes through the outer layers, and pushes on the nerves that innervate the leg causing pain, and (sometimes) muscle dysfunction. A second cause is soft tissue or muscle swelling or tightening on which can press on the nerve. The third cause is the bone of the vertebrae pushing on the nerve.
We have had great success in treating sciatica in our office with chiropractic care, flexion-distraction to help with disc bulge, and stretching/ strengthening instruction.
