San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions a chiropractor treats...and there are many common causes. Recently, I wrote an article for Spine-health.com entitled Lumbar Spine Anatomy and Pain . Here is an excerpt:
The lumbar spine refers to the lower back, where the spine curves inward toward the abdomen. It starts about five or six inches below the shoulder blades, and connects with the thoracic spine at the top and extends downward to the sacral spine.
“Lumbar” is derived from the Latin word “lumbus,” meaning lion, and the lumbar spine earns its name. It is built for both power and flexibility (i.e. lifting and bending). The lumbar spine has several distinguishing characteristics:
- The lower a vertebra in the spinal column, the more weight it must bear. The five vertebrae of the lumbar spine (L1-5) are the biggest unfused vertebrae in the spinal column, enabling them to support the weight of the entire torso.
- The lumbar spine meets the sacrum at the lumbosacral joint (L5-S1). This joint allows for considerable rotation, so that the pelvis and hips may swing when walking and running.
- The lumbar spine’s lowest two spinal segments, L4- L5 and L5-S1, which include the vertebrae and discs, bear the most weight and are therefore the most prone to degradation and injury.
- The spinal cord travels from the base of the skull through the spinal column and ends at about T12-L1. At that point numerous nerve roots from the spinal cord continue down and branch out, forming the “cauda equina,” named for its resemblance to a horse’s tail. These nerves extend to the lower extremities (buttocks, legs and feet). Because the spinal cord does not run through the lumbar spine, it is quite rare that a lower back problem would result in spinal cord damage or paralysis.
There are many structures in the lumbar spine that can cause pain – any irritation to the nerve roots that exit the spine, joint problems, the discs themselves, the bones and the muscles can all be a source of pain. Many lumbar spine conditions are interrelated. For example, joint instability can lead to disc degeneration, which in turn can put pressure on the nerve roots, etc.
Click here for full story
Many of the common causes of low back pain often times overlap with each other, which is why it's very important to have a comprehensive examination, diagnostic, and treatment approach, as well as a team of health care providers you can refer to for second opinions and co-care.
At Executive Express Chiropractic, we incorporate chiropractic, spinal decompression, deep tissue laser, Graston, ART, kinesiotaping, massage, and exercise, into our comprehensive "tailor made" treatment programs for low back pain. We refer out to medical doctors, physical therapist, and diagnostic centers when indicated. Success rates are very good.
We also consider the mental component of low back pain...especially chronic low back pain, and the over-all physical condition and body-weight of the patient.
To schedule an appointment at our San Francisco Chiropractic clinic at the Embarcadero Center, call 415-392-2225. Or, Request an appointment on-line .
Reviews and directions to Executive Express Chiropractic
Executive Express Chiropractic on facebook
Dr. Eben Davis on twitter
San Francisco Chiropractor Comments:
The lumbar spine refers to the lower back, where the spine curves inward toward the abdomen. It starts about five or six inches below the shoulder blades, and connects with the thoracic spine at the top and extends downward to the sacral spine.
“Lumbar” is derived from the Latin word “lumbus,” meaning lion, and the lumbar spine earns its name. It is built for both power and flexibility (i.e. lifting and bending). The lumbar spine has several distinguishing characteristics:
There are many structures in the lumbar spine that can cause pain – any irritation to the nerve roots that exit the spine, joint problems, the discs themselves, the bones and the muscles can all be a source of pain. Many lumbar spine conditions are interrelated. For example, joint instability can lead to disc degeneration, which in turn can put pressure on the nerve roots, etc.
Click here for full story
Many of the common causes of low back pain often times overlap with each other, which is why it's very important to have a comprehensive examination, diagnostic, and treatment approach, as well as a team of health care providers you can refer to for second opinions and co-care.
At Executive Express Chiropractic, we incorporate chiropractic, spinal decompression, deep tissue laser, Graston, ART, kinesiotaping, massage, and exercise, into our comprehensive "tailor made" treatment programs for low back pain. We refer out to medical doctors, physical therapist, and diagnostic centers when indicated. Success rates are very good.
We also consider the mental component of low back pain...especially chronic low back pain, and the over-all physical condition and body-weight of the patient.
To schedule an appointment at our San Francisco Chiropractic clinic at the Embarcadero Center, call 415-392-2225. Or, Request an appointment on-line .
Reviews and directions to Executive Express Chiropractic
Executive Express Chiropractic on facebook
Dr. Eben Davis on twitter