Several conditions may be related to back pain. Here are some examples of the conditions we are dealing with. Of course, this list is not exhaustive, so for more details, contact us.

Vertebral subluxation complex (Minor intervertebral dysfunction)

Presentation
  • People of any age can suffer from CSV. From the little baby who suffers from birth trauma to the elderly.
  • One of the most common sources of back pain.
  • Feeling of blockage, point in the back, tension.
  • Feeling of being “stuck”, “off”, having a displaced vertebra.
  • In reality, nothing moves, everything is a question of mobility.
  • A vertebral subluxation complex (CSV) is actually a lack of mobility between two or more vertebrae. Each vertebra has a movement to do and some factors can cause it to no longer perform its functions optimally.
  • One of the most important symptoms of CSV is pain and stiffness.
Causes
  • Physical stress
  • Bad posture
  • Lack of exercise
  • Muscle tension
  • Trauma or Repetitive Strain Injury
Treatments
  • Ice, rest and complementary therapies, including neurocryotherapy and kinesio taping, are always used to reduce severe pain.
  • Vertebral manipulations allow to restore mobility to the joint.
  • Soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
  • Stretch of the muscles involved.
  • Strengthening the musculature involved with or without ultrasound
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants and pain relievers can provide some relief but do not solve the basic problem in the joint. In the long run this procedure is totally ineffective and potentially harmful.
  • Postural correction and weight loss
Prognosis

Using manipulations and favorable conditions, we can see a noticeable improvement in 14 days and a remission in 4 to 5 weeks. On the other hand, if one waits several weeks before the beginning of the treatment, this one can be longer and the patient can preserve sequelae (slight persistent pain, recurrence, weakness of the back, etc.).

Since VSC affects the vertebrae and thus a significant part of the nervous system, treatment of these can lead, in addition to the relief of pain and stiffness, to the implications for the muscles and organs that are innervated. by the nerves of the level affected by the CSV.

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Lumbar facet syndromes

Description
  • Painful back pain resulting from an injury to the facet joints or spine disks.
  • May manifest as stiffness in the lower back or severe lumbar pain that may radiate into the buttock, thigh and leg.
  • Without proper treatment, this condition can develop into a chronic and recurring problem.
Causes
  • The pain comes from irritation and local inflammation of one or more facet joints. The nerve may be involved as it exits and create a pain that radiates. An injury to the disc of the spine may also be present.
  • Facet syndrome is due to facet joint cartilage injury resulting from excessive movement, particularly in rotation and extension.
This irritation can be caused by different types of incidents:
  • false movements
  • rapid lifting of a load
  • fall or trauma
  • poor prolonged posture
  • work or repetitive activity in adverse conditions
  • increased lumbar lordosis eg pregnant women, obese people
  • osteoarthritis
Treatments
  • Ice (20 minutes / 2 hours), rest and complementary therapies including neurocryotherapy and kinesio tapings are always used to reduce inflammation and severe pain.
  • Avoid activities that accentuate pain (hyperextension and rotation)
  • Once pain is controlled, spinal manipulation is the most effective treatment for this type of problem. They allow to restore movement and decompress the joint.
  • Soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
  • Reinforcement of the deep musculature of the back with or without ultrasound
  • Stretch of the associated musculature.
  • Postural correction and weight loss
  • Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants and analgesics as needed
  • Facial injections can provide some relief but do not solve the basic problem in the joint.
  • Surgery, which involves fusing two or more vertebrae, is rarely necessary.
Prognosis

Using manipulations and favorable conditions, we can see a noticeable improvement in 14 days and a remission in 4 to 5 weeks. On the other hand, if one waits several weeks before the beginning of the treatment, this one can be longer and the patient can preserve sequelae (slight persistent pain, recurrence, weakness of the back, etc.).

WARNING ! If you develop numbness or weakness in the lower extremities or incontinence problems, consult your doctor immediately.

Lumbar disc herniation

Presentation
  • Lower back pain, usually affecting one side, accentuated by movement.
  • May be associated with pain, numbness or weakness in one leg.
  • Incontinence problem possible if the molle is affected.
  • Spasm of the musculature of the back possible.
  • Pain aggravated by exertion, sneezing or coughing.
  • Without proper treatment, this condition can develop into a chronic and recurring problem.
Causes
  • The disc is a soft structure that acts as an intervertebral pad. Round in shape, it consists of a gelatinous substance surrounded by resistant ligaments. Following weakness and fissure of the ligament ring, occurring gradually or suddenly, the nucleus can infiltrate and exert pressure on the surrounding structure, including the spinal cord and nerves (98% L4-L5 -S1).
  • Trauma accumulated in the lower back, often associated with an insignificant movement.
  • Often following a minor bending or twisting incident, for example: tying shoes or picking up something on the floor.
  • Bad technique when sitting for a long time or when lifting a load.
  • Often have a history of low back pain.
  • Family history of lower back pain or disc problems.
  • Underlying conditions affecting the back (eg spondylolysthesis)
  • Back surgery in the past.
Treatments
Initial treatment
  • Control of pain and inflammation using neurocryotherapy and kinesio taping, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants or analgesics.
  • Rest and ice (20 minutes / 2 hours)
Conservative treatment
  • Vertebral manipulation and traction.
  • Soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
  • Exercises
Drastic treatment
  • Surgery; variable result from one person to another.
Prognosis

This condition is usually treated in 6 weeks with appropriate conservative treatments (80% improves in 6 weeks). On the other hand, if one waits several weeks before the beginning of the treatment, this one can be longer and the patient can preserve sequelae (persistent pain, recurrence, weakness of the back, etc.)

WARNING ! If numbness or weakness in the leg gets worse or incontinence problems occur, see your doctor immediately.

Osteoarthritis

Description

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative phenomenon attacking the cartilaginous aspect of the joints. In addition, as they age, the discs lose their moisture. They can shrink and stop acting as buffers and stabilizers. Although this degeneration is only the fact of age, it can cause pain in some.

Osteoarthritis is a very common phenomenon in the population, especially in the over 50s. It can still start between 20 and 30 years. Men and women are affected in equal proportions.

Presentation
  • Joint stiffness
  • Decreased movements
  • Decreased flexibility
  • Noise in the joints
Favorite sites
  • Spine
  • Knees and hips (body weight)
Treatments
  • Joint manipulations and soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston) to improve mobility and reduce scar tissue
  • Kinesio Taping
  • Stretching exercises
  • Strengthening exercises with or without ultrasound
  • Heat (morning stiffness)
  • Changing activities that are associated with pain
  • Medications (anti-inflammatories) as needed
  • Injections of cortisone as needed
  • Very rare surgical procedures

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Scoliosis

Description
  • A scoliosis is a deviation of the spine. Few have a perfectly straight column, and do not worry. On the other hand, if the deviation is too important, it is called scoliosis.
  • Minor scoliosis can be caused by major muscle spasms.
  • The majority of scoliosis particularly affects young girls at the age of puberty. Indeed, it is during growth that the majority of scoliosis develops, for a reason that is still unknown.
  • Scoliosis is not a disease, it is rather a malformation of the spine.
Treatments
  • Variable according to the extent of scoliosis and the time of its discovery.
  • Exercises
  • Orthopedic support
  • Muscle stimulation
  • Vertebral manipulation and soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
  • Kinesio Taping
  • Surgery if too important.

 

If scoliosis is detected at puberty, rapid intervention can slow down and limit its progression. Hence the importance of having your child examined at birth and during growth.

It should be noted that it is not necessary to be straight as a stake to have a healthy back, the important thing is the mobility of this back.

Sacroiliac or Sacroiliitis Syndrome

The sacroiliac joints consist of the sacrum, an inverted triangle-shaped bone in the lower part of your back, articulating on each side with the bones of the pelvis. They are at the level of small bony prominences palpable at the height of the buttocks. These joints are very important because they distribute the weight of the upper body to each of the two legs. They are very strong and surrounded by several ligaments, but are not immune to problems.

Description
  • This is acute or chronic pain, dull, deep, often on one side, directly at the level of the joint.
  • The onset of pain can also be sudden, but often it appears insidiously.
  • 50 to 60% of the chronic lumbar pain, that is to say which lasts a long time, would be connected to this articulation.
Causes
  • Joint stiffness.
  • Lack of movement, blocked articulation.
  • Inflammation and / or stretching of the ligaments surrounding the joint.
Treatments
1. Make sure there is no bigger problem, some forms of arthritis can affect this joint.
2. X-rays may be necessary to eliminate any underlying problem other than a lack of mobility.
  • Reduction of inflammation with ice (20 minutes / 2 hours) and complementary therapies such as neurocryotherapy
  • The manipulations prove to be the treatment of choice for this condition in order to restore all the mobility to this articulation.
  • Soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
  • Kinesio Taping
  • Exercises of flexion and muscle stretching of the thighs, buttocks and back.
  • Exercises to strengthen and stabilize the region
  • Medications (anti-inflammatories) as needed
  • Injections of cortisone as needed
  • In the case of acute ligament sprain in this area, an orthopedic support (lumbar belt) for a short time may be effective.
Prognosis
  • Variable according to the intensity, the duration of implantation before the beginning of treatments and the number of previous episodes.
  • On average, 6 to 8 weeks.
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Acute lumbar sprain

Description
  • Diagnosis most commonly given for sudden lumbar pain that may be accompanied by a cracking or tearing sensation. This is actually the famous “kidney tower” that is often used in everyday language.
  • It is caused by a sprain or microscopic tears in the muscles and / or ligaments of the back, following a sudden or repeated stretching.
  • Muscles are the first line of defense to protect the back, so they are often the first to be involved.
  • The ligaments of this region have an important role in maintaining the stability of the column.
  • There may be inflammation in the area as well as muscle spasms.
  • May manifest as stiffness in the lower back or severe lumbar pain that may radiate into the buttock, thigh and leg.
Causes
  • Muscle and / or ligament stretches.
  • Muscular contraction during an uncontrolled movement
  • Direct trauma to the back (contusion or breakdown)
  • Fall with or without protection
  • Sudden and / or repeated intense effort
  • Poor extended posture
  • Overuse
  • Often have a history of low back pain
  • Underlying conditions affecting the back (eg spondylolysthesis)
  • Back surgery in the past.
Treatments
  • Ice (20 minutes / 2 hours), rest.
  • Complementary therapies such as neurocryotherapy and kinesio taping.
  • Muscle Therapy (Active Release Techniques and Graston)
  • Vertebral manipulations
  • Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxants as needed.
  • Lumbar support for a short time as needed
  • Injections of cortisone as needed
  • Surgery as needed to stabilize the area
Prognosis
  • If minor muscular sprain is uncomplicated, 2-3 days of rest and ice may be sufficient to relieve symptoms.
  • If the pain persists, possible involvement of the ligament, joint or more serious problems. A major muscle sprain can last at least 6 weeks and have sequelae if not treated properly and quickly.
  • In both cases, the cause of the sprain must be determined to avoid recurrences and processes of vertebral degeneration associated with structural imbalance.

 

WARNING ! If you develop numbness or weakness in the lower extremities or incontinence problems, consult your doctor immediately.

Recommendations
  • Maintain your posture as appropriate as possible to minimize stress and strain on your spine.
Sleep positions
  • Sleep on a firm mattress.
  • Put a pillow between your knees when you are on the side
  • or under your knees when you are on your back.
Good sitting postures
  • Sit upright.
  • Use a lumbar roll, pillow or pillow.
  • Move your buttocks back to the bottom of the chair.
Techniques for lifting loads
  • Bend your knees and keep your back straight, while tucking your belly button inside.
  • Use a step board for objects that need to be placed or removed in height.
  • Pair for heavy loads that are difficult to move.

Sciatica (sciatic pain)

Presentation

Pain usually felt at the buttocks which refers to the foot. Sciatic nerve damage can also cause lower back pain. It will often be perceived as a pinching or burning in the buttock with a tingling sensation or numbness in the thigh, leg or foot. Is often confused with a sacroiliac syndrome (which also causes buttock pain but whose referred pain does not exceed the knee) or with a myofascial syndrome of the gluteal muscles (also causing pain in the buttock but whose pattern of reference does not follow the course of the nerve).

Causes
  • Physical stress.
  • Poor extended posture.
  • Wrong move.
  • Repeated trauma.
  • Herniated disc (compressing the root of the sciatic nerve).
  • Piriformis syndrome (muscle compressing the sciatic nerve).
  • Focal nerve compressions (“nerve entrapment”).
Treatment
  • Ice, rest and complementary therapies, including neurocryotherapy and kinesio taping, are always used to reduce severe pain.
  • Vertebral manipulations can restore mobility to the joint and release tension on the nerve root.
  • Soft tissue work (Active Release Techniques and Graston).
  • Nerve gliding technique.
  • Stretch of the muscles involved.
  • Strengthening the musculature involved with or without ultrasound.
  • Postural correction and adaptation of lifestyle habits.
Prognosis
  • Varies a lot depending on the cause of the problem.
  • It will also be influenced by the duration of the condition before the first consultation, the number of previous episodes and the intensity of the problem.
  • Although patients observe improvements following the first treatment, the condition may take 4 to 12 weeks to resolve.

Costovertinal sprain

Presentation
  • Often manifests as an acute point of sudden onset in the back.
  • Can sometimes refer along the coast and manifest to the sternum.
  • Frequently patients report their worsened pain to breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Causes
  • Sudden movement in rotation or lateral flexion of the trunk.
  • Repeated micro-traumas.
  • Excessive coughing or sneezing.
Treatment
  • The manipulation of the vertebra and the rib is very effective in this type of condition.
  • Soft tissue techniques (Active Release Techniques and Graston) are effective in relaxing spasmic musculature due to injury.
  • Rest and ice are appropriate as long as symptoms are present.
  • Stretching exercises can be prescribed to maximize muscle flexibility.
  • Reinforcement exercises may be necessary if the sprain has occurred due to a muscle deficit.
Prognosis
  • Immediate results can be expected after the first treatment, but the condition usually takes 2-3 weeks to no longer be symptomatic.
  • We must still be cautious for a period of 4 to 6 weeks in order to respect the healing time of the ligaments, gradually returning to activities for example.
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