Back Pain Treatment here at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic, view our 3d animated models for various Back Pain injuries and conditions such as (1) Sciatica, (2) Degenerative disc, (3) Herniated disc, (4) Facet Joints, (5) Scoliosis, (6) Kyphosis, Posture, (7) Back Neck and Pain Decompression, (they can be found under the listing”Types of Pain” in our “Back Pain” Section).
For the management of Back Pain, here at Central Chiropractic and Physiotherapy Clinic we use the latest Low Level Lasers which accelerate the recovery and healing process, leading to a significant reduction in pain inflammation. A 5 star rating has been awarded to Low Level Laser Therapy, our laser section can be found listed under ”Pain Relief”, please also view our ”Low level Laser Testimonial Video”.
Sciatic Pain
The spine is made up of 33 vertebrae with a shock absorbing disc between adjacent vertebrae. At the same level and further towards the back of the spine there are two facet joints, one on the left and one on the right. So each pair of vertebrae, together with the disc between them form one joint and combined with the two facet joints will form a motion unit. The whole spine is made up of lots of these motion units and this is what allows the spine to move freely allowing us to bend and twist in different directions. The vertebrae only move because the brain sends information through the spinal cord out through the nerves to a specific muscle, telling the muscle to contract at the right time and with the right amount of force.
The Sciatic Nerve
The nerves that exit between the vertebrae in the lower part of the back (i.e. the lumbar region) are called lumbar nerves. There are also nerves that exit through holes in the sacrum, these are called sacral nerves. The sacrum is the large triangular bone just below the last lumbar disc of the lower back. The lumbar nerves and the sacral nerves then join together to form the large sciatic nerve, which then continues down through the leg. The sciatic nerve will then divide many times forming other smaller nerves that will supply different muscles and patches of skin within the leg.
The term sciatica is often mis-used and used as a general term to describe most leg pain, particularly when there is ongoing pain in the back or buttock. The pain may not always be due to sciatica, but rather a bulging disc, a facet sprain/strain or irritation to the nerve root higher up before it forms the sciatic nerve. Of course the sciatic nerve can become irritated if it is overstretched or compressed. This can happen with lifting or twisting awkwardly, an undiagnosed underlying medical condition, sporting activities or even repetitive daily activities such as driving.
It is essential to see a therapist and undergo a thorough assessment to find out the root cause of the leg pain i.e. to determine whether or not the condition is true sciatica or not. Only then can the appropriate treatment or management be carried out.
Caution – It can be potentially dangerous to drive when suffering with shoulder, neck or even low back pain. Try to find a clinic that has a good reputation (ideally by recommendation) and a clinic that is as close to you as possible. Also, you may find it easier if you find a clinic where you don’t have to climb stairs or cross busy main roads. If you are in severe pain, then disabled access can make your visit run much more smoothly too.
What Do I do Now?
The first thing to do is follow these simple steps:
1) Rest – try to reduce any activities that you think might aggravate the condition.
This may include reducing time at your computer, decreasing or stopping sporting activities or hobbies and try to limit the distance you drive on a daily basis (particularly after treatment). Most people don’t realise how much the shoulder and surrounding musculature have to work whilst driving.
2) Ice – If the area is painful, warm/hot or tender to touch, then the use of regular ice packs can help reduce the pain and inflammation. Please refer to our other section on the correct use of ice packs.
3) Compression – When using the ice pack, try to compress the ice pack onto the affected area so there is good contact and the surface area of the ice pack covers the affected area.
4) Elevation – Elevating the affected area also helps slow down the build up of excess fluid in the affected area.
5) Appointment – Whether you are an existing patient or even if it is your first time, make an appointment to see the chiropractor/physiotherapist. The therapist can will take a good history, examine you and advise the most appropriate course of action. If it is safe to proceed with treatment, then the therapist will start to address your problem(s).
If treatment is necessary, the chiropractor will begin treatment. Treatment may include manipulation, mobilization, acupuncture or even Laser Therapy (please refer to our section on Low Level Laser Therapy).
