QuestionIs a person who has a sacral transitional vertebra more likely to have low back trouble than a person who doesn't have this condition. Is that my weakest link or what?
Thank you for taking the time to consider this question..........Joe
Answersacral transitional vertebrae , low back pain , sciatica , herniated disc ,
Hello Joe,
Thank you for your question. "....sacral transitional vertebra ....", tells me some, not a lot. Our spine has different sections; Cervical (neck = 7 vertebrae), Thoracic (mid-back = 12 vertebrae), Lumbar (lower back = 5 vertebrae), Sacral ( lowest back = 5 fused segments, between/ within our buttocks), Coccyx (lowest of the low back = usually 4 or 5 segments, small, almost like a tail, deep between our butt cheeks). Down in our lower back (indeed sometimes elsewhere in our spine or body) there are occasional skeletal anomalies. Sometimes we have a lumbar attached to our sacrum, and it looks more sacrum-like. Sometimes we have an un-fused sacral segment, and it looks like a lumbar. Sometimes we have 6 lumbars, sometimes 6 sacrum.
We are born with these peculiarities, these anomalies, these idiosyncrasies. Often, when one anomaly is discovered, there are other anomalies elsewhere. We are born this way, develop this way, adapt to life this way. I myself have a spina bifida occulta at L5.
My Spina Bifida has never given me a problem.
Bony anomalies are birth 'defects'. We are born and live with them throughout life. The body adapts, we adapt.
Radiology textbooks discuss 'transitional segments':
""""".... The lumbosacral junction is the most common site for transitional vertebra to occur. ...the lowest lumbar segment may have some of the characteristics of the first sacral segment, so-called sacralization. ...the first sacral segment may have the radiographic appearance of a lumbar vertebra, known as lumbarization. These changes are found in 4%- 8% of the population.
The clinical significance of transitional vertebra, especially at the L/Sac junction is still being debated and researched..... """"" pages 234, 235; "Essentials of Skeletal Radiology", Yochum and Rowe, Second Edition, 1996.
Some studies have found absolutely no correlation between back pain, dysfunction, disability and transitional segments.
Some studies have found a correlation.
Xray findings are not as important as the FUNCTION of the joint(s).
The spine is designed to have a certain number of moving segments. These segments move in a certain way. If your segments are moving properly, you should have no problem. If your segments are not moving properly, not aligned properly FOR THEM, then you will be prone to back problems ie: low back pain, sprain/ strain, herniated disc, sciatica.
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I have many people with transitional segments. Upon Xray and/or MRI some seem more 'abnormal' then others. Some allow proper movement- and problems are minimal. Some anomalies do not allow good motion- and here is where problems develop. The Body was meant to move- inhibiting motion or excessive motion creates stress and problems.
Does YOUR particular anomaly result in greater predisposition to back problems??- Take the Xray and or MRI FILMS themselves (not just the report) to your Doctor of Chiropractic (DC). Have the 'spine specialist- the DC take a look, have the Doctor perform a physical evaluation upon you; even with this, prediction (prognosis) will be tough.
Just because you have this Radiographic Finding, I would not panic, I would NOT be discouraged. A large portion of the population has bony anomalies. Many anomalies give NO symptoms. Do what you want, play sports, engage in activities. IF you can walk and run, then you can do whatever you want. If you practice proper postures, proper movement patterns, good technique in your sport or athletic or daily activities, you will probably NOT be more predicposed to low back pain then anyone else.
I do recommend a Doctor of Chiropractic for an evaluation and perhaps treatment. Chiropractic will make your particular biomechanics work as well as possible for you.
"Is a person who has a sacral transitional vertebra more likely to have low back trouble than a person who doesn't ...." - probably not, given proper posture, movement, proper technique.
"Is that my weakest link or what..." - almost EVERYONE's weakest link is the low back. I do not know the condition of the rest of you. This may be your weakest link, as it is for most of us, or it may not.
Again: given proper posture, movement, proper technique, your risk is no greater or only minimally greater then the athlete next to you.
In my Staten Island Chiropractic office, I usually handout informational sheets, this may be helpful to you:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car- -- do you ignore it until the car breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body- -- do you ignore it until your body breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem? Pain, do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller? Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition.
Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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Disk Herniation
Low Back Pain can be caused by many different things.
Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).
Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause LBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).
Bad things, like - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.
Sometimes LBP is caused by a Herniated disc: Herniated disk is actually a quite common condition. However, the course of the condition is highly variable. Some patients with a herniated disk literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar MRI findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Although the course is highly variable, there are certain steps that are always helpful to follow: Ice the area when painful- 10/ 15minutes on, 30/ 45 minutes off; avoid certain postures and movements; bend the knees when coughing or sneezing; bend the knees when lifting anything; do not extend legs straight out when sitting, laying down, lifting, or driving. Avoiding certain movements and postures will prevent aggravation of the condition. Practicing good postures and movement patterns will help the condition heal and be less painful.
Disk Herniation is often caused by, or often concurrent with the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation?
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
Subluxation is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
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See a local Doctor of Chiropractic. Be aware of your anomaly, but do not let it scare you. Practice proper posture, movement, technique.
I hope this helps. If furthr info is needed, please do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com
( http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm )
I am sorry my computers were either dead or down, thanks for the question.
Thank You, your Staten Island Chiropractor friend signing off,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
Http://www.SIworkcomp.com
