Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 3/10/2005

Question
I have been seeing a chiropractor now for a few mths as some low left back pain started back in november. I have now had an mri scan of the lumbar region and the neck but all my discs looked ok and there appeared to be no probs. I was told by my back specialist to exercise and that was it! Well it's been a few weeks now and at first i thought things were improving but i started to feel very tight on my lower left side of my back around monday and its got worse since. I dont know is its down to the exercise, whish is gym equipment and pilates but i didnt think i was overdoing it. I went to the gym last on fri and the tightness started tues properly. I wanted it checked out so went to the chiropractor today and she said i had a locked joint in that area. I am concerned about this and to why it is locking. will it always happen? The other thing that worried me is i asked her if it wud have corrected itself if i hadnt have been to see her to which she said no! What about the people who dont see chiropractors or those who cant afford to! Is this correct that it wudnt have got better?

I still have the tightness and tenderness there afer seeing her today. Is this right too?

Thankyou so much for listening

Answer
Hello Nicola,


  It is important to have the muscles around the joint worked on too.  If the muscles continue to be tight the joint will keep coming out of place.  It is also important to exercise and strengthen these muscles in such a way it helps the biomechinics of the injured/locked-up joint.  Chronic tightness and subluxations may cause premature degeneration of the joint (simple biomechanics).  Make sure your doctor sits down with you and explains everything in detail.

  You can be sore after muscle work and the adjustment sometimes, however you should be improving each week.

Have a great day,

Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.