You are here:
Chiropractors/lower back pain
Advertisement
Question
Ive been having pain in my lower back and in my lower abdomen. When i walk i don't really feel much pain, but if i set for long times and then stand the pain is much worse. It also hurts while participating in gymnastics.
Dear Breianna,
More information about what you have been experiencing would be helpful in trying to determine where the pain is originating. For example: When did the pain first occur? Can you describe the pain...what does it feel like to you? Is the pain primarily in the low back? How often do you feel the pain: daily, on and off, is the pain constant?
Questions such as these help to determine the source, while leading the physician to an approximate diagnosis during the exam process.
The fact that your pain is worse with gymnastics only tells me that the pain is worse with activity (physical stress). But what during gymnastics makes the pain worse? Forward bending, backward bending, jumping, landing, etc... or maybe a combination of all moments. It is better if you can pinpoint a specific movement or activity.
Now, it is very likely that the injury you have is minor such as a strain sprain injury, and the reason it gets worse after you sit for an extended period of time is due to the tissue becoming more stiff. However, increased pain after sitting can also be due to a disk problem...sitting places the most stress on the disk and the vertebra than any other postural position. Additionally, female gymnasts have a higher rate of pars fracture (vertebral fracture) due to the increased extension moves (bending backwards). Often pars fractures are considered stable, and the treatment will just be to stop your activities until it heals. But if a compression fracture is present, these can be significantly improved with early intervention.
Your injury is probably minor, but all of these possibilities should be explored, no matter how remote. I have seen the fractures mentioned above in young women in my practice...all gymnasts and cheerleaders.
Bottom line Breianna, is that you should get it checked out. A functional orthopedic examination which includes testing to stress the tissue is the best start. After this has been performed, the doctor may want to take x-rays to look at the bones. With your history of gymnastics, I would recommend that the films be taken, it is always better to rule out fracture.
Good luck Breianna. Be sure you make an appointment soon.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman
Expertise
I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.
Experience
I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net
Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce
Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati
B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College
D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College
C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association
C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians.
*CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.