Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 3/23/2009

Question
I am a 33 y/o male. I hurt my back and am unsure as to what exactly it is. I fear it may be a herniated disk. Perhaps you can tell me if it sounds as though that is what it is. I awoke one morning a week and a half ago to get ready for work. I did no harsh movements with my back whatsoever. I all of a sudden felt this sharp pain on my left lower back/butt dimple. The pain has been with me every day for the last week and a half. The pain is also going down the back of my leg to just above the back of my knee. I feel numbess in my foot occasionally. Sitting makes it worse. Walking around while I'm at work seems to make it better. When I sit down, I have a hard time to straighten my legs out in front of me. If I want to sit on the couch and extend my feet to rest them on the coffee table, I am unable to do it without feeling pain in my back and back of my leg. The pain is like a pinching pain. Also, first thing in the morning, it's really stiff and sore. And one thing that is extremely strange to me, is that within the past few days, the pain has moved to thet other side! Now, I feel it on the OTHER butt/back dimple, and it's like nothing ever happened on the previous side. What does this sound like to you? I have not been to the doctor because I do not have any health insurance. I have thought about going to a chiropractor, but haven't yet because I haven't been to a doctor first. If it is a herniated disk, are there things I can do to ease it on my own? Thank you!

Answer
Back Pain , Low Back Pain , Herniated Disk , Staten Island Back pain ,




Hello Mark,

Sorry to hear of your pain and progressing symptoms.

You have to be evaluated by someone.

"I hurt my back and am unsure as to what exactly it is.....", You need an appropriate health professional to evaluate you and perhaps treat your condition.  You need a proper diagnosis.

My Staten Island BAck Pain patients receive an explanatory sheet of information their very first visit-  perhaps this will be helpful to you:



Back  Pain  (BP):           

Back  Pain  can be caused by many different things.  

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause  back pain (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  

Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause BP (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  

Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic).  BP can come from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping.

  All of these things often have a  Vertebral Subluxation involved.

              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:

    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.

    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.

    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.

    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.

    Pathophysiology:
         Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.



The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.

         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


In all likelihood your problem - The CAUSE of your condition is musculo-skeletal:  probably a disc herniation causing your Sciatica.  However, there is some risk or your condition being caused by far worse, far more complicated causes- even a cancer or tumor- not probable, but possible.  You need an evaluation.


"I feel numbness in my foot occasionally....", you are progressing towards Sciatic Neuritis.  Again an information handout for my Staten Island Sciatic Patients:





“”Sciatica””  is only  1/2  a diagnosis  ....   what is   causing   the sciatica?

“Sciatica”   ( Also Known As-   neuritis,  neuralgia,  sciatic-radiculitis   ) (pain down the leg, with or without
back pain)    

Sciatica can be caused by many different things.  

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause
Sciatica (only a proper exam by a licensed doctor, like your Doctor of Chiropractic, or your family Doctor of Medicine, can evaluate
your signs and symptoms, and perhaps refer for testing).  

Big, bad things like a Herniated Disc, sciatica, possible fracture or dislocation can cause Sciatica (again, best evaluated by your DC or MD, and perhaps referral).  

Bad things, like  - Sprains, Strains, contusion, or Vertebral Subluxation Complex (all very efficiently diagnosed and treated by your Doctor Of Chiropractic.  Sciatica can come from a motor vehicle accident, sport injury, slip, trip, fall, arthritis, lifting improperly, or even bad posture in standing, sitting or sleeping.  All of these things often have a Lumbar (Low Back) Vertebral Subluxation involved.

Sometimes  we  can  wake  up  with  ‘sciatica’,  .... sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, or even a motor vehicle accident can cause a ‘sciatica’.  Frequently-  the true    c a u s e   of  the ‘sciatica’,  = pain in the lower back, buttock(s), thigh, calf and/or foot (even to toes);  is a misalignment,  a  ‘kink’ in the back- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.


“”Sciatica””  is only  1/2  a diagnosis  ....   what is   causing   the sciatica?

              Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)
The vertebral subluxation complex is often the underlying cause of sciatica and many healthcare problems.  A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.

This   (subluxation)  is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
    Pathophysiology:
         The VSC contributes to OsteoArthritic degeneration. Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.


         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.

          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.  For good health- Treat the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


From you description, I would give you a diagnosis of Sciatica secondary to a Lumbar Herniated Disc.  You need Xrays, and an MRI to rule certain things in, certain things out.

You need an in-person, hands on, professional examination.

You can go see a Doctor of Chiropractic with or WITHOUT seeing other types of Doctors.  Chiropractic Doctors also have different specialties- just as Medical Doctors do.  Chiropractic credentials can be viewed at:    http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf


Waiting to be seen allows your condition to progressively worsen, and will cause you more pain, cost you more time and money then treating it quickly.

"....are there things I can do to ease it on my own? ...."- see below.

Be seen as soon as possible; however - in the meantime, perhaps this general recommendation ( information for my Staten Island Back Pain patients again ):




P.R.I.C.E. =    
P  protection.   R rest.   I  ice.   C  compression.   E  elevation.

Hurt  yourself ??  injury/ trauma/  bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??

You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined  if you think it  is  bad  enough.     BUT  in  the  meantime,  some  simple  steps  may  help.   



PRICE.

The  PRICE  protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.

P = Protection;  protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you pad  or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !

R = Rest;  rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to repair the area

I = Ice;  ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control (ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again

C = Compression;  to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area.  Many body  parts may not be applicable to compression.

E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part


PRICE  may  help :    Sprains,  Strains,  musculo-skeletal injury,  bruise,  contusion

Sometimes  a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain.  Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction).  In the spine, a sprain/strain  is a misalignment,  a ‘kink’ in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.   Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!

         Spinal = Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)  ;   ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.

A  subluxation  interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system  (the master system  which controls and coordinates all function within the body)  and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Be careful of relying upon pain medications:


PAIN     

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.

Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain, pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?   

Pain,  
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?  
Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?

   NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:
 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;

The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.


Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.

Vertebral  Subluxation           (  ‘VSC’ ,    ‘subluxation’   )
Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.

 Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’. Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.

Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.

The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
       Vertebral  Subluxation   cannot   be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching,  yoga,  vitamins  or  physical  therapy  alone.       Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-    mechanical-    problem  requires  a    mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,         best  performed  with  the  chiropractic  adjustment.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


I hope all this information helps.


If you need further information, do not hesitate to re-contact me here at AllExperts.com @
http://allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm




Good Luck and I wish you Good Health Naturally,


Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com (Email newsletter)