This article is one of a series covering back pain — causes, symptoms, and the treatments we use at Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. For the complete overview, see the full guide:
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Today, we are talking about a research article that a fellow colleague brought to my attention and I thought it was pretty important to go over: To understand the vicious cycle of low back pain, and how it leads to further problems with your low back.
The research comes from the world of neurosurgery where they look at two groups of different people. Group A had a herniation diagnosed found on an MRI, and Group B had just low back pain, but their MRI showed no disc herniation or problem. They then looked at the cross sectional of two key muscles.
These two muscles were the multifidus muscle and the erector spinae. By looking at the cross section of those two muscles, they found that people with the disc herniation actually had atrophy of the erector spinae muscle and the multifidus muscle. They looked at the people without the disc herniation but low back pain and they noticed that the cross sectional muscle of those people were fine. Between the two groups, they noticed the soas, a muscle important in the low back, had no signs of degenerative process or atrophy.
Some other key notes in this study suggest that muscle degeneration and atrophy can occur for about six weeks after the disc herniation compresses on the dorsal nerve root. The dorsal nerve root basically controls the irectrospiane and the multifidus muscle.
This research is important so that you understand that when you do have a disc problem, that segment is already compromised in its stability. These two muscles are very key and instrumental in maintaining what is left of the integrity and stability of those two segments. If there’s a problem between those two vertebra, the muscles are no longer as strong to protect it.
We have an approach at Back and Body Medical that look at a couple components. We use diagnostic ultrasound to look at the cross sectional muscle to make sure it doesn’t looked atrophied. If after examination a person is suspected to have a disc problem, we work hard with the insurance companies to get you the MRI you need.
We provide a neurodiagnostic test called NCV EMG That specifically looks at the nerve root and what level of the root is being affected, and does that correlate well.
Finally, we provide you with exercises specific to the nerves affected. Certain nerve groups connect with others, so we give you very specific exercises to help the underlying issue.
If you have any questions on our treatment options in New York, please contact us, we would be happy to help you and see what we can do for you.
In pain? Want a tune up? Call us today (908) 325 – 3000. We can treat and help you.
Dr Shan Sivendra MD is the founder and medical director of Back and Body Medical in Midtown Manhattan. A board-certified medical doctor, certified acupuncturist, and Director of House Physicians at St. Barnabas Medical Center, Dr Sivendra has been practicing in New York since 1995.
He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Barnabas Medical Center (affiliated with Mount Sinai School of Medicine) and received the Resident Research Award for three consecutive years.
Dr Sivendra has a background spanning internal medicine, pain management, and conservative spine rehabilitation, and was licensed in both the US and the UK.
At Back and Body Medical, he leads a multidisciplinary team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and acupuncturists dedicated to helping patients recover from pain without surgery or unnecessary medication.
Further Reading: Back Pain