QuestionDear Doctor, im a 27 year old male who has been experiencing chronic low and mid back pain for the last 2 years and would be very grateful for your advice. I was diagnosed through an mri scan as having a ruptured disk at l4-l5 and a disk bulge at t-10 t-11. After months of core stability exercise and swimming my low back pain has greatly reduced however i just cant seem to get rid of the pain in my thoracic spine area. The pain seems to be in the area where the ribs meet the spine and if the area is pushed (eg through massage) or i extend that area of my back i get stabbing pain like a trapped nerve, the rest of the time i have a constant ache in that area witch if im on my feet all day travels in to my whole upper back, i also get cracking in the area. If i lay down for a while the pain subsides. I thought it was the disk bulge causing the pain but a doctor who injected me with steroid in that area (with no effect)said it could be a problem with the joint where the rib meets the spine. i did suffer a extension trauma to that area whilst getting treatment for my low back pain and that was when the pain started. If you could give me any advice on what the problem could be and how i can get myself treated i would be very grateful, i used to be very active person and a keen surfer which i haven't been able to do for a long while and its really getting me down, here in the uk its difficult to get treatment from specialists like yourself,
Many thanks
Reuben
AnswerBack pain, MRI, ruptured disc, herniated disc, low back pain, midback pain,
Hello Reuben,
Sorry to hear of your pain.
Thank you for writing-- all the way from the U.K. to me in my Staten Island Chiropractic office! This internet thing is amazing.
You specifically mention: ".... i did suffer a extension trauma to that area whilst getting treatment for my low back pain ...", what happened here? what were you doing, what was being done to you?
"Extension Trauma"- did this result in a new Xray or MRI ? Was this trauma properly evaluated by a health professional?
"....a doctor who injected me with steroid in that area (with no effect)said it could be a problem with the joint where the rib meets the spine....", It 'COULD' be a problem ? Get a proper evaluation from a proper health professional and narrow down the 'coulds'.
".....difficult to get treatment from specialists like yourself...."- thank you for the kind words,,,, there is a Chiropractic School in Great Britain-
Anglo朎uropean College of Chiropractic
13/15 Parkwood Road
Bournemouth, BH5 2DF
Dorset, England BH5 2DF
Tel (+44) 01202 436200
FAX (+44) 01202 436312
[email protected]
When I attended my graduate professional school- Palmer Chiropractic in Davenport Iowa, we had (and still have) a student clinic- where Graduate, Licensed Doctors of Chiropractic supervise the student doctors, and the fee is very very low. If you can- contact the above Chiropractic Graduate school.
I would recommend and prefer a Doctor of Chiropractic for your case, but if none is available, perhaps a different profession may be appropriate for neuro-musculo-skeletal manipulation of your mal-aligned joints. I am under the impression that Doctor of Osteopathy exist throughout the British colonies and they manipulate- you may find a naturopath or a homeopath that manipulates. Manipulative medicine is also practised by many medical degreed doctors in England and Europe as well. Look for a Doctor who works with manual manipulation.
The SPINE is one large continuous organ. When one part of it has a problem, it is not unusual for elsewhere in the spine to COMPENSATE, alter the way it works, and ultimately become a problem area itself.
You should see someone who specializes in the spine and understands this concept of compensatory changes in the spinal column.
I utilize information handouts in my Staten Island Chiropractic office
- perhaps this will be helpful for 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).
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).
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC.
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.
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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Mid Back Pain (MBP):
Middle Back Pain can be caused by many different things. Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause mid back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your family Doctor of Chiropractic, or your Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing). Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, DDD, DJD, possible fracture or dislocation can cause MBP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral). Bad things, like - Muscle Spasm. Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic. MBP can come from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping. All of these things often have a Thoracic ( Middle Back ) Vertebral Subluxation involved.
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.
This 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:
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.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
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
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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). Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC. 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.
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I hope this helps. Do not hesitate to contact me again here at www.ALLExperts.com for additional information.
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm .
I hope my information helps. If not- write for additional info.
I am surprised by your statement:
"..... here in the uk its difficult to get treatment from specialists like yourself....."-
-- here in the states , especially this political season- we are told that nationalized healthcare (socialized medicine) is the way to go- free healthcare for everyone, no wait, good doctors, specialists, you do not have to pay for the treatment you want.
If you need further, give me a contact. And I would even like to hear of your experience as a young person with your healthcare system- what Chiropractor do you go to, how is chiropractic integrated? how is healthcare in general?
Anyway,,,
Again, thank you for your question.
Wishing you good luck, wishing you Good Health Naturally, your Staten Island Chiropractor friend signing off,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (email newsletter)
http://www.DocDolan.net
http://www.GoodHealthNaturally.info
