Chronic back pain is defined as pain that lasts longer than three months. It is not necessarily continuous, but it seems to always be there. 50 billion dollars a year is spent on the treatment of back pain in this country. It is one of the most common neurological complaints and can be debilitating if not treated properly.

The common sources of chronic pain include injuries that don’t ever heal completely, injuries to the nervous system and long-term diseases. The common denominator in all sources of chronic pain is the failure to completely heal.

There are two types of pain generally identified with back pain:

• Neuropathic pain – caused by damage to nerve tissue, usually associated with a sharp stabbing pain or burning sensation. Pinched nerves and herniated disks are good examples of neuropathic pain.
• Nociceptive pain – caused by injury or disease outside of the nervous system, typically defined as a constant dull pain or ache.

Chronic back pain can be a result of either type of pain. It is usually found in men and women between the age of 30 and 50, however lifestyle practices and injuries are also sources of any chronic or acute pain. Spinal degeneration and disc disease, which will bring on chronic pain, does increase with age though.

The onset of this kind of injury can be a life altering experience. Daily routines or chores that are normally taken for granted and completed without effort, become exercises in pain and frustration. For some, simply getting out of bed in the morning has become a monumental task.

While prescription medicine is common for those who suffer from chronic pain, neither it nor standard medical procedures can typically ease the suffering.  Temporary relief may be found for a little while, but the pain will continue in various intensities. This type of injury is debilitating and has the ability to cause depression. Studies have shown that depression is nearly four times more likely in people who suffer from chronic back pain.

Doctors of Chiropractic may differ on their techniques and theory of pain; some using modern explanations from neurology and orthopedics, while others apply Palmer’s theory of subluxation. However, all chiropractors use spinal adjustments for the treatment of pain. Chiropractic is extremely effective in the treatment of chronic pain that is associated with an injury that affects the nervous system. This type of treatment is also effective in re-introducing normal function to the muscles, joints and vascular system.  This will assist in eliminating the root causes of chronic pain.

Most Doctors of Chiropractic will supplement the treatment of chronic pain by using other therapies, such as trigger point therapy and massage. They may also use nutrition and suggest a regimen of vitamins, minerals and other supplements to strengthen the overall treatment.

An October 2005 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) shows that the costs of chiropractic and medical care for treating chronic low-back pain are comparable. However, chiropractic care produced significantly better results.

2,780 chronic low-back patients received treatment from 60 chiropractors and 111 medical doctors. The results of chiropractic treatment showed higher pain relief and satisfaction with the care and lower disability scores than that from medical care.

There have been several cost-effectiveness studies internationally that have favorably compared chiropractic to medical care. This was the first to compare low-back treatment costs and outcomes within the structure of the American health care system.

When used together, chiropractic and these other related therapies are extremely effective treatments for pain. There are no drug side effects, no surgery or other high-cost medical treatment. Patients dealing with this issue may find chiropractic just the right therapy for long term pain management, and perhaps even the elimination of pain.

For further information about this topic, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.

There is a specific set of rules that every injury follows. A Doctor of Chiropractic must develop an analytical program that covers everything about the patient in front of them. In order to create a true assessment of an injury and the treatment program to correct it, every major joint in the patient must be examined.

The psoas is possibly the single most overlooked muscle despite the fact that it can be the cause of a decrease in the range of motion in the neck, shoulders, lower back and also the hip joint. The psoas muscle begins in the lumbar, or lower spine.  It anchors both sides of the spine. It travels down into the pelvic area and attaches at the knobby part of the hip with several strong tendons.

The psoas muscle is crucial among the hip flexor muscles. Hip flexors give people the ability to bend their bodies into their hips and to pull their hips into their bodies. The psoas has two primary functions:

• When the leg is free to move, as when walking, it is a strong flexor of the thigh at the hip joint.
• When the leg is planted firmly, as when standing or sitting still, it bends the lower spine forward. This action is used to maintain the balance of the trunk when sitting.

When a person sits, the psoas is in a shortened position. When sitting for long stretches of time, as many of us do, the muscle stays “short,” even after standing up. The shortened psoas then pulls the lower spine forward. The muscles around the lower back counter this pull by tightening, like ropes anchoring a tent pole. This battle forces the spine down and compresses the discs of the lumbar spine. This irritation causes a nagging, aching low back. The discs degenerate over time, making them more susceptible to bulging or tearing. It’s possible that the disc could herniate and press on the sciatic nerve. This causes unbearable pain down one or both of the legs.

The psoas is involved in many patient issues that are seen in the office of Dr. Kerew. Many chiropractors don’t see this as a major source of the problem or don’t know how to recognize it as such. The exploratory procedure appears very simplistic, yet other doctors of chiropractic rarely ever bother to check it. The end result is that the patient is left with recurring chronic problems.  The psoas causes low back pain, sciatica, sacroiliac pain, scoliosis, disc problems, hip degeneration, knee pain, menstruation pain, infertility, and digestive problems.

Gentle stretching can help relieve back pain from psoas tightness. It can also help strengthen the muscle. The most basic psoas stretch involves lying on your back on the floor. Make sure that your pelvic position is neutral, your shoulder blades are flat on the floor, and that your spine and head are in perfect alignment. This will form a smooth, straight line in your body. Slowly bring one knee up to your chest while extending the other leg along the floor. Breathe deeply and evenly as you do this. Hold the knee in that position for several breaths before switching sides, and repeat several times.

Yoga poses such as One-Legged Pigeon, Wind-Relieving Pose, Crescent Lunge, Warrior One and Reverse Plank target the area and can also help relieve lower back pain. Chiropractic techniques that focus on the psoas rather than the spine itself, have the best results in relieving tightness.

Those suffering from lower back pain may be able to find relief that they may not have thought possible. For further information about this topic or to schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Lynn Kerew directly at drlynn@lynnkerew.com or visit her website at http://www.lynnkerew.com.