Tackling Lower Back Pain with Effective Solutions

by Dr. Chad Koterba | May 2, 2023 | Back Pain

Have you been feeling like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your lower back? Does your back hurt so bad that you dread getting out of bed every morning? You’re not alone. Millions of people worldwide suffer from low back pain (LBP), and it can be downright debilitating. 

Last month we discussed if getting an MRI was right for your lower back pain. But now let’s explore how chiropractic care can help you find relief and get back to living your best life.

First, let’s start by taking a closer look at the anatomy of the lower back. Your lower back is made up of five lumbar vertebrae that hold up the weight of your upper body and protect your spinal cord. It’s like the foundation of a house, and when it’s not working correctly, everything else can crumble. Between each vertebrae, you have these little cushiony disks that absorb pressure from your daily movements, and facet joints that allow for flexibility in movements like bending forward, backward, and sideways. The sacrum, which is at the base of the spine, is connected to the pelvis by the sacroiliac joint (SIJ).

So, what can go wrong in this complex system of bones and joints? A lot, actually. Lower back pain can be caused by herniated disks, spinal stenosis (narrowing), osteoarthritis, and SIJ dysfunction. Pinched nerves in the lower back can also cause weakness, radiating pain down the legs, numbness, or tingling sensations. Additionally, spinal misalignments, poor posture, and muscle strains can trigger low back pain. It’s like a game of Jenga – if one piece is off, the whole thing can come tumbling down. It is a system that all needs to work properly together, or dysfunction occurs.

If you’re suffering from lower back pain, a Chiropractor can help you find relief by conducting a thorough exam to identify the root cause of what is causing your pain. Once the problem is identified, the use of spinal adjustments, manual therapies, rehabilitative exercises, and addressing lifestyle changes will help to restore proper alignment and function of your spine and alleviate your pain.  Many patients have decreased pain immediately after their care!

The best part? Chiropractic care is safe, non-invasive, and effective. You don’t have to resort to painkillers or surgery to find relief. And not only will it help alleviate your current pain, but it can also improve your posture and prevent future episodes of back pain. It’s like hitting the reset button on your lower back.

So, if you’re tired of living with lower back pain, don’t wait any longer. Book a Free Consultation today and let’s help you feel better quickly.

The Truth about MRI Scans for Lower Back Pain

by Dr. Chad Koterba | Apr 4, 2023 | Back Pain

Hey there, fellow back pain sufferer! 

It’s no secret that lower back pain can be, well, a real pain. And during these winter months there’s a good chance you’re less active than normal. And you’re not alone.  Lower back pain is one of the top reasons people visit their doctor.

But have you ever considered getting an MRI scan of your back to help identify the problem and fix it? It’s a pretty common belief, but is it really the best idea?

Here’s my thoughts – There is a time and a place in care where an MRI might be needed.  While an MRI can show detailed images of your spine and any abnormalities like disk degeneration, bulges, herniation, joint arthritis, and more, it can be tricky to determine which findings are actually causing your pain. It is only one piece of the puzzle to figuring out what is causing the problem.

Upon doing some research I saw a recent study that found patients who had an MRI earlier in their care for lower back pain had worse outcomes, more surgeries, and higher costs compared to those who didn’t have an MRI. Not good! 

And get this: research shows that up to 64% of people have some type of disk problem without ever experiencing back pain. So even if an MRI shows a disk problem, it might not actually be the root cause of your lower back pain. 

Don’t get me wrong, an MRI can be helpful if a surgical treatment decision depends on the findings or if you have weakness, numbness, or non-resolving lower back pain despite 4-6 weeks of non-surgical care. But generally, it’s unnecessary for most cases of lower back pain. In fact, it could even end up confusing you and your doctor.

So, before you go scheduling an MRI, make sure to talk to a healthcare professional (or trusted Chiropractor!) who can help determine the best course of action for your specific needs.