Understanding Back Sprains & Strains
Your "lumbar spine", or low back, is constructed and built from five bones that are stacked on top of each other with a shock-absorbing disc between each level.
Your low back is very much reliant on its surrounding muscles and ligaments for support. "Sprains" and "strains" are a direct result of these tissues being stretched too hard or too far, much in the same way that a rope frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity.
The term "sprain" means that the tough, durable ligaments that support bones have been damaged, while a "strain" refers to when your muscles or tendons that move your trunk have been partially torn.
It Is Very Common To Face Back Pain.
The majority of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lifetime, and 70% of those patients can attribute their symptoms to sprain/strain injuries.
Lumbar sprains and strains can often result from sudden or forceful movements like a fall, twist, lift, push, pull, direct blow, or quickly straightening up from a seated, crouched, or bent position. Most commonly, sprains and strains are not the result of any single event, but rather from repeated overloading.
The spine is very good at being able to manage small isolated stressors, but repetitive challenges often can lead to injury in much the same way that constantly bending a piece of copper wire will cause it to break. Examples of stress that can cause lower back pain include bad postures, sedentary lifestyles, poor-fitting workstations, repetitive movements, improper lifting, or being overweight.
Understanding The Symptoms Of Back Pain.
Symptoms from a sprain/strain can begin very abruptly but in most cases will actually develop gradually.
Rest may relieve your symptoms in some cases but often leads to stiffness. The pain is generally localized in your lower back but can also spread towards your hips or thighs. You should notify your doctor if your pain extends beyond your knee, or if you have weakness in your lower extremities or a fever.
Back Strains & Sprains Need Early & Appropriate Treatment
Sprain/strain injuries can cause your normal healthy elastic tissue to be lost and replaced with less elastic "scar tissue."
This process can lead to an ongoing cycle of pain and even arthritis. Patients who elect to forego treatment and "just deal with it" are known to develop chronic low back pain in 60% of cases.
It is critical to seek early and appropriate treatment like the type we provide.
Recovering From Lower Back Pain
Depending on how severe your lower back injury is, you may need to limit your activity for a period of time, especially bending, twisting, lifting, and movements that cause pain.
Bed rest is not in your best interest. You should keep your body moving as symptoms allow. This could be as little as a 5-10 walk. As symptom reduction progresses, so can your activity level. We will provide guidance for your progression.
The short-term use of a lumbar support belt may help reduce your symptoms. Sitting makes your back temporarily more vulnerable to sustaining a sprain or strain from a sudden movement. It may be wise to take "micro-breaks" from workstations for 10 seconds every 20 minutes. Following acute injuries, you can apply ice for 15-20 minutes each hour. Heat may also be helpful after several days or for more chronic origins of pain. Be sure to inform your doctor of your exact situation and ask for specific ice/heat recommendations. Some patients report partial relief from sports creams.
Lumbar Disc Disorders
Lumbar disc disorders refer to conditions affecting the intervertebral discs in the lower back. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing flexibility, and shock absorption, and allowing movement in the spine. Disc disorders can include various issues such as:
- Herniated Disc: Occurs when the inner gel-like material of the disc protrudes through the outer layer, often pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back or legs.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Involves the gradual wear and tear of the discs over time, leading to reduced disc height, dehydration, and potential narrowing of the spaces between the vertebrae. This can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility in the lower back.
- Bulging Disc: Similar to a herniated disc but to a lesser extent. The disc extends outward but hasn’t ruptured.
Symptoms of lumbar disc disorders may include localized pain in the lower back, shooting pain down the legs, numbness, tingling sensations, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, difficulty walking or controlling bowel or bladder function.
Conservative care should be your first course of treatment to manage lumbar disc disorders. We will do a thorough examination to take into consideration your clinical presentation, age, and overall health in order to find the right treatment solutions for your specific lumbar disc disorder.
Facet Syndrome
Lumbar facet syndrome refers to a condition affecting the facet joints in the lower back, specifically in the lumbar region of the spine. The facet joints are small joints that link the vertebrae and allow movement in the spine.
This syndrome typically arises due to degeneration, injury, or stress on the facet joints. The most common causes include osteoarthritis, wear and tear, or traumatic injury to the lumbar spine, such as whiplash or repetitive stress.
Symptoms of lumbar facet syndrome include localized low back pain, stiffness, tenderness in the affected area, and reduced flexibility. The pain might worsen with certain movements, such as bending backward or twisting the spine.
Chiropractic care excels in the treatment of facet syndrome. Utilizing a combination of spinal manipulation (adjustments) and core strengthening exercises is particularly effective for this condition.
Lumbar Stenosis
Lumbar stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back, specifically the lumbar spine. This narrowing can compress the spinal cord or the nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord, leading to a range of symptoms.
The condition can be caused by various factors, such as the normal aging process, the formation of bone spurs, thickening of ligaments, herniated discs, or other degenerative changes of the spine.
Symptoms of lumbar stenosis include:
- Pain in the lower back and legs, which can worsen with prolonged standing and might improve with sitting or leaning forward.
- Numbness or weakness in the legs that may cause difficulties in walking or maintaining balance.
- Tingling or radiating pain due to nerve compression that shoots down the legs.
Diagnosis involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess the degree of spinal canal narrowing. Dr. Bergner and his staff will collaborate with various medical practitioners to confirm that their care plan is the best path forward in managing your canal stenosis.
