Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 7/21/2010

Question
Hello, Im 16 years old and I play soccer. About 2 years ago I fell really hard on my back from me jumping in the air for a header and while I was in air I got knocked down pretty hard. Im now starting to feel some pain again and it started about 4 months ago. My Lower back is really stiff and sore all the time, nothing seems to make it better. Ive tried moist heat, heat, ice, medicine, messeges, and stretches it works for like an hour then it just goes back to being sore and stiff again. Ive been to a Chiropractor and ive gotten Xrays. The Xrays showed that everything was normal. I have a little curve in my spine but the doctor didn't seem to worried about that and they dont think  it's Scoliosis. The Chiro said that my muscle are really stiff for someone my age, and he was really surprised about how stiff it was. I started to notices that when I move my hips around in like a circle motion or when I lean back which hurts I feel a grinding sensation in the lower back area. it pops, cracks, and grinds and it's really annoying and sometimes it hurts. Every doctor Ive told this too, doesn't seem to really care or think it's aproblem. but im starting to think that it's more then muscle and that something else is going on, im just not sure what is. I would really like to know if I should be worried and what this grinding thing could be. It also feels good to lay down and lean forward and hurts to bend back. I hope you can help me out a little. Thank you.

Answer
low back pain, sports injury, staten island low back pain, staten island sports injury, staten island chiropractic






Hello Sasha,

First let me say that I am sorry you have an ache, a pain, a complaint.

Second let me compliment you that a young person like you is out there on the competitive athletic field!- playing sports instead of just video games!!

".....Hello, Im 16 years old and I play soccer. About 2 years ago I fell really hard on my back from me jumping in the air for a header and while I was in air I got knocked down pretty hard....."- the idea that you still remember this incident does give evidence that this could be the cause of your current complaint!  This injury may not be "THE" cause, but it defeinitely contributes to the shape you are in.
         Back then, what did you do?- did you see your local Doctor (of Chiropractic) then?, How long did the pain/ ache stay with you?- Was the pain similar to what you have now???

"....Im now starting to feel some pain again and it started about 4 months ago. My Lower back is really stiff and sore all the time, nothing seems to make it better......"- Well this sounds like a job for your . . . .  local Doctor of Chiropractic !!!
         Back pain usually responds very well to Chiropractic.  Of course Xray will be taken, but perhaps advanced imaging may also be needed- MRI or perhaps Spect Scan (-SPECT scan is a variation of the bone scan and is very sensitive for stress fractures of the spine (Spondylolysis). The SPECT scan is usually ordered for younger adults or teenagers to detect these stress type of fractures in the spine-  http://www.espinedoctor.com/diagnostic_bonespect.htm ).
         Your DC may want to order this SPECT scan typr of test to take a look for an 'occult' or hidden fracture.

".....Ive tried moist heat, heat, ice, medicine, messeges, and stretches it works for like an hour then it just goes back to being sore and stiff again......"- this is why a complete evaluation must be performed.  Besides Xray, more sophisticated testing such as MRI or Spect imaging may be indicated, especially for a 16y/o athlete.

"......Ive been to a Chiropractor and ive gotten Xrays. The Xrays showed that everything was normal......", please see the paragraph above.  Xray is one step towards a complete evaluation.  The Xray does NOT show 'EVERYthing'.  Perhaps further testing is needed.  Actually, since your complaint is persistent after a regimen of treatment, further testing is indicated.
         Please note: I hope you have more than just an examination and Xray and treatment or two for your back pain; a regimen of treatment may be necessary to correct your problem- TIME and TREATMENT may be needed,,,, but given your continued complaints over this time period--- I am leaning towards more testing (MRI, Spect).

".....I have a little curve in my spine but the doctor didn't seem to worried about that and they dont think  it's Scoliosis.....", I do not understand this sentence. A big or little 'curve' in the lateral plane is, by definition, a 'scoliosis'.  Any Doctor of Chiropractic will ALWAYS be concerned with an abnormal curve and attempt to correct it.  I am a little lost at this sentence....

".....The Chiro said that my muscle are really stiff for someone my age, and he was really surprised about how stiff it was......", muscles are REactive- muscles react to joint alignment, proprioception, nervous system control; rarely are muscles 'stiff' without a causative factor.
What is your cause?- As I read your question,,,, I start to get the idea that perhaps you need another opinion, perhaps (given your history here) a sports specialist doctor- a DC with a DACBSP, or CCSP  (see:  http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf , there are various specialties within Chiropractic; for your case I recommend the Sports Injury or Orthopedic specialist).  
         Perhaps it is time for a second opinion.  Perhaps it is time for that Spect Scan, or MRI.  Perhaps it is time for a different chiropractic technique.

"....I started to notices that when I move my hips around in like a circle motion or when I lean back which hurts I feel a grinding sensation in the lower back area. it pops, cracks, and grinds and it's really annoying and sometimes it hurts.....", again a regimen of chiropractic care usually handles this type of complaint.  AGAIN: MRI/ or Spect Scan, 2nd opinion, a different regimen of care.....

".....Every doctor Ive told this too, doesn't seem to really care or think it's aproblem. but im starting to think that it's more then muscle and that something else is going on, im just not sure what is......"- your body is talking to you; LISTEN to it.  Perhaps your concerns are being minimized by your Doctors because you are young, perhaps because you look in great athletic shape... but you still need more of an examination, more of a workup, and AGAIN given persistent pain- a different treatment approach (and if you have not followed through on recommended care- then you must be compliant with recommendations to see improvement).

".... I would really like to know if I should be worried and what this grinding thing could be....."- should you be alarmed?- NO, Should you be concerned?, yes, get that further imaging, SEE what is going on; perhaps that sport specialist chiropractor...


".....It also feels good to lay down and lean forward and hurts to bend back....."- this point so the entity that I am concerned about= spondylolysis, or incipient spondylolisthesis; do not worry about the big words, but a SPECT Scan or perhaps an MRI could/ would show this back problem; where an Xray would not.  I highly recommend a Spect Scan for you.

Of course now I re-read your age:  16 years old--- EVERYTHING must be run through your parents or guardian.  This entire discussion is meant for informative purposes only, and is NOT specific recommendation for your specific case, or anyone's specific case.  This article is for general information/ education ONLY.

"...I hope you can help me out a little....", I hope this information does help you out, please pass it on to the adults in your life.

I am going to add some information that may be helpful to you as further background information:




PAIN

Pain is a ‘red light on the dashboard’.
RED LIGHT = Trouble !!

Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??

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?

Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those
medications!!!

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) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are
effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical
conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug
reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000
deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI)
events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health
Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil =
NSAIDS

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.

http://rinf.com/alt-news/business-news/prescription-drugs-kill-300-percent-more-...
= An analysis of 168,900 autopsies conducted in Florida in 2007 found that three
times as many people were killed by legal drugs as by cocaine, heroin and all
methamphetamines put together. BE CAREFUL WITH THAT MEDICATION !!!
It was reported in 2000, that 700,000 U.S. citizens die as a result from medical
causes (iatrogenics). Of course, other records and statistics had the number
above the one million mark. Whether 700,000 or one million people, that's a lot
of innocent people dying from visiting a hospital and trusting a medical
doctor.= http://www.dherbs.com/articles/iatrogenics-99.html

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

Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American
Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, 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, Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to
Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010


You talk about competing in soccer,  you are into competitive
sports- this information may be helpful/ interesting to you as well:




Athletic Performance Improvement, Accelerated Recovery

Chiropractic is well known to improve athletic performance, prevent sport
injury, and accelerate recovery from injury or hard training. With Doctors of
Chiropractic serving on almost every nation’s Olympic Team, with Chiropractic
holding official status with the USOC and serving almost every US Olympic
Athlete: the results of chiropractic cannot be denied. Coaches and
athletes are aware of terms such as

enhanced performance, performance improvement,
.
accelerated recovery, restoration and regeneration.
.

Many coaching conferences discuss strategies on these aspects of
exercise, competition, sports and athleticism.

An interesting study was performed and published way back in 1991. The January
1991 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical
Investigation published findings that demonstrate significant increases in
athletic performance after a twelve week program of Chiropractic
treatment.



Athletic Ability Research:

Male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 42, representing a variety
of sports backgrounds, were recruited to participate in this study. None had
ever before been under chiropractic care. Each of these participants underwent
eleven separate tests, each test designed to measure a specific aspect of
athletic performance. Then, half the participants were evaluated through
chiropractic analysis and placed on a twelve week program of chiropractic
treatment ( consistent regimen of chiropractic, similar to a consistent
regimen of physical athletic training/ exercise ). ( measured aspects: side
step test, dodging run, right boomerang run, modified bass tests of dynamic
balance, vertical power jump, standing broad jump, distance perception jump,
horizontal linear space test, nelson hand reaction test, nelson speed of
movement test, nelson choice of response-movement test )

All subjects continued to train and practice as usual in their sports. At the
half-way point of six weeks, they were all reevaluated and changes in scores for
each group were compared. All increases in performances by each group were
measured by the average percent of change in all eleven tests combined.

The control group, those not receiving chiropractic care, showed slight
improvement in eight of eleven tests ( this group had been training ‘as
usual’ for the time period ). By combining the average percentages of change
on each test it was found that the control group showed an overall
improvement of 4.5%.

Those receiving chiropractic treatment (along with their ‘usual
training’), the test group, had dramatically different results. They showed
improvement on all eleven tests for a total 10.7% average increase after
six weeks. And when retested again after the second six week period
of care this test group demonstrated a remarkable 16.7% average
increase in athletic ability.
( consider that one/ onehundredth of a second ( 1/100th ) is the difference
between win – lose,,, 16.7% is HUGE )



What Do Chiropractors Do?

Chiropractors analyze the structure of the body, looking for misalignments,
primarily in the spine, and also the extremities. Spinal misalignments,
termed vertebral subluxations, irritate the nerves which in turn
inhibits the body’s ability to function optimally. Like a high
performance automobile, the human structure must be balanced and in alignment
to be at it’s best. A Ferrari with pistons that don’t fire in sequence,
wheels that are out of balance or alignment, and high performance
specifications that are improperly set will not only have it’s
performance compromised but will also have dramatically increased
potential for parts to wear out and breakdown. The human body, far
more delicate and complicated than even the most advanced automobile is similar.
If the framework, particularly the spine, isn’t properly aligned and
balanced- the body cannot perform to it’s potential and is more susceptible
to illness and injury, with slower recovery when injury does occur.




What Do Vertebral Subluxations Do?

Vertebral subluxations cause nerve conduction interference. This inhibits
millions of messages from the brain from flowing smoothly along the nerves and
in this in turn interferes with the coordination of the actions of the body.
The only health care provider trained to diagnose and correct vertebral
subluxations is the Doctor of Chiropractic. Like a properly tuned Ferrari, the
chiropractic patient athlete, when properly aligned, functions at a level of
peak performance.




Famous Athletes Utilize Chiropractics.

Many athletes have discovered the relationship between proper spinal alignment
and their own level of achievement. San Francisco Forty-Niner Greats Joe Montana
and Roger Craig as well as heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield are examples
of professional and world-class athletes who realize(d) the value of proper
structural alignment and balance in their bodies. They have learned through
their own experiences what research has shown; that through chiropractic
care - one can demonstrate faster reaction time, better balance, improved
coordination, increased muscular power; and when injured- accelerated recovery
and regeneration.



The Competitive Edge.

Emphasis on athletic excellence continues to escalate in this country in terms
of both dollars and extremes in personal sacrifice. Though the dangers of taking
anabolic steroids have been widely publicized for years, the number of athletes
who suffer serious health problems caused steroids continues to grow. Now,
however, the athlete looking for the competitive edge need not look beyond the
framework of his(her) own body. Increased public awareness is leading
many to realize that a natural method is available in achieving
performance enhancement. The method is Chiropractic!

The method is Chiropractic!

Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American
Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, 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, Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to
Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010



Of course your question essentially deals with 'Low Back Pain'; my Staten Island
Low Back Pain patients get this information upon entry into my office:

( I hope this helpful to you as well )




Lower Back Pain (LBP):

Low Back Pain can be caused by many different things.

Big, BAD, catastrophic things like a tumor or a cancer can cause low 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 LBP (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. LBP 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.

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. Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate you for VSC- as well as
the other possible pathologies.

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


There are various SPECIALTIES in Chiropractic- similar to our medical 'cousins':
see - http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
you may want to choose from among these different credentials, as before--- I recommend the DACSP.

I hope all of this information helps. I wish you luck.  Do not hesitate to REcontact me here at
Allexperts.com if you need further info-
http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm

Wishing you Good Health, Naturally,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC