Expert: John Quackenbush DC - 1/22/2010

Question
I have been to family Doctor, pain management specialist, and physical therapy, but I still have lower back pain. I'm 30 years old and have never had lower back pain in the past. I have been diagnosed with sacralization. I've done stretching exercises which make the pain worse. It's seems that when I do no exercise it gets better. I've taken pain medication with partly helps, I've used heating pads which seems to make it worse. What can I do to help decrease the pain? I feel if I don't do any exercise I'll just get weak and that will just cause more problems. I work for a wildlife agency, so I do a lot of bending, walking, and carrying large objects etc. Will I have to quit my job? Is a Chiropractor better than physical therapy?

Answer
Sean,

This is a tough situation to be in. Sacralization can mean several things and without seeing the xrays I can only answer with generalities.

First and foremost I really do think you should have a chiropractic examination so you can get a chiropractic view point from a chiropractor that can look at your x rays and complete a physical exam.

I do not think that that chiropractic is better than PT but the two disciplines are different in thier viewpoints. Chiropractic looks to the spine and nerve interference first and foremost whereas PT essentially looks to the muscular system. In one case chiropractic might be a better choice and in another case PT would be a better choice. I highly suggest you visit a chiropractor to see what he/she can do for you. Many people with sacralization can still respond to the chiropractic adjustment and core exercises. I don't think you would have to quit your job but if you understand the underlying mechanics of your specific condition you will be able to perform your work duties much more efficiently. The same goes for your work out routine.


I hope this information is helpful as a guideline to a better healthy life.Please do not hesitate to revisit all experts and ask for further information if you so desire. I will be happy to answer further questions.

Dr John Q Quackenbush
www.DRQDC.COM