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This is the question that I get asked most often in my office. I wish I had an easy answer. Often I come up with a diagnosis by taking an accurate history, doing an exam, taking x-rays or ordering an MRI. Coming up with a diagnosis may still not answer the patient’s initial question, “How did I hurt my back?” The true answer lies in the complexity of the spine and in its dynamic ability to move so it can protect the spinal cord, hydrate discs, and maintain posture. Typically adults have spinal or back pain tied “How did I hurt my back?” This is the question that I get asked most often in my office. I wish I had an easy answer. Often I come up with a diagnosis by taking an accurate history, doing an exam, taking x-rays or ordering an MRI. Coming up with a diagnosis may still not answer the patient’s initial question, “How did I hurt my back?” The true answer lies in the complexity of the spine and in its dynamic ability to move so it can protect the spinal cord, hydrate discs, and maintain posture. Typically adults have spinal or back pain tied not to a specific current event, but caused by an issue that may have started years earlier. Let me tell you a little about the spine. The spine is made up of 24 moveable vertebrae each separated by a disc. A disc is a cushion of fluid and cartilage between the bones of the spine that allow flexibility and protection for the back. Loss of motion can occur in one or more segments of the spine causing destabilization of that area. A healthy spine’s movement pumps fluid into the disc to keep it healthy and thick. If there is a loss of movement we see the disc start to dry up called arthritic degeneration. Sometimes this fixation can be exhibited on x-ray and sometimes not, depending on how bad the problem. In addition, added weight on your body (especially in the stomach area) causes further problems in spinal areas, thus leading to the breakdown in the disc or joint. I realize that this still does not answer the question, “How did I hurt my back?” But I hope you can see how a previous injury, maybe years before you came to my office, can cause a fixation which over time and repeated injury and possibly weight gain may cause degeneration of the discs and your current pain. Now, here is the good news. There are 3 ways to help restore the motion of your spinal joints. 1. Chiropractic adjustments Regular adjustments restore the motion to the vertebrae which in turn restore the body’s ability to hydrate the disc area. Regular chiropractic monthly visits go a long way in keeping your disc material from drying up by putting motion directly into a fixated joint. 2. Exercise Exercise is important to keep the discs and joints hydrated. However, if a weakened joint becomes overloaded improperly it may do more harm than good. So, make sure to talk to the doctor about what types of exercise you can do with your condition. 3. Losing added weight Losing weight can reduce the strain on your spinal joints and discs keeping the vertebrae moving in a healthy manner. I hope this letter finds all of you doing well, but remember to come and get your monthly adjustment to keep that spine moving properly. Best Health, Dr. Doug & Your Wards Corner Chiropractic Staff |
