BACK PAIN
Siamak Rouzroch, MD
Fariba Bardi, DC
Back Pain Diagnosis and Treatment
“Live Pain Free” Program at Optimum Health Medical Center
Back Pain
Back pain is a very common condition as up to 80% of people will experience some degree of back pain during their lives. One study of 10,000 adults demonstrated that 85% of surveyed adults suffer with back pain, and 1 in every 3 suffers from neck pain. In fact, low back pain is reported as one of the leading causes of disability. While Dr. Fariba Bardi notes that most cases of back pain are not caused by serious conditions such as arthritis, fracture or bone degeneration problems as the back pain is caused by mechanical or non-organic causes.
Back Pain Diagnosis
The spine column is a complex anatomical structure that includes many nerves, bones and muscles. The three types of back muscles that support the spine include the extensor, flexor and oblique muscles. In a healthy back there is a strong spinal column with a great deal of flexibility in the lower back.
Dr. Bardi’s back pain patient typically report that their pain could be traced to a back strain or muscle pull. The pain is described as a dull or sharp pain in their back with many reporting tingling or numbness running down their legs. Dr. Bardi will examine you and review imaging studies to determine if there is a pinched nerve, herniated disc(s), and/or bulging disc(s).
- A pinched nerve occurs when the disc bulges out and places more pressure on the nerve that is between the vertebrae. This produces pain (nerve root pain) referred to as sciatica.
- Patients presenting with a symptomatic herniated disc, the disc itself is not painful, but rather the leaking disc is pinching a nerve.
- Patients presenting with symptomatic degenerated disc (causing low back and leg pain) it is the disc space that is causing the pain, referred to as degenerative disc disease.
Back pain is a serious problem for individuals and interferes with their daily living activities.
Back Pain Treatment
At Optimum Health Medical Center, patients are given a customized treatment plan for their specific back condition and pain. Dr. Bardi explains that chiropractic spinal manipulation is a safe and effective back (spine) pain treatment as it is effective in reducing pain. Also, electro-muscle stimulation, superficial heat and ultrasound therapy, along with massage, and an exercise program are recommended. (See Therapy Services for more information) The primary goals of Dr.’s Bardi and Rouzroch for their back pain patients is to provide a degree of relief of back and leg pain and to help patients to return to a normal level of everyday activities, including work .
Many patients who come to see Dr. Bardi ask if they should consider back surgery. It is recommended by Dr.’s Bardi and Rouzroch and many physicians that surgery should only be considered if other therapies fail.
If you have or have had lower back pain or any other spinal issues, please follow the advice of the AMA and see a chiropractor first!
The American Medical Association (AMA) has recommended to those patients who “seek back pain treatment to consider chiropractic care before taking invasive measures such as electing for surgery.” AMA Press Release, June 14, 2013
Dr. Fariba Bardi’s Guidelines to Avoid Back Pain
A key question often asked of Dr. Bardi is “how can I avoid or prevent back problems? The answer is quite obvious…prevention! If at all possible, you want to prevent a back injury before it happens. So what can you do to reduce the probability that you will suffer from some form of spinal pain:
Maintaining your ideal weight, exercising, and good posture is key. It is very important to exercise good posture in order to maintain proper back health. Dr. Bardi can evaluate your spine and assess any weaknesses and recommend ways to improve your posture.
When you are lifting or participating in weight lifting, gardening or other strenuous activities it is important to use proper body mechanics. Remembering to bend your knees and turn your whole body so the pressure isn’t exerted primarily on your back. Dr. Bardi can show you how to properly maintain back health and prevent the possibility of spinal issues.
