See A Dorn Spinal Therapist To Fix A Crook Back
Steven, 45, is an active man who prides himself on his fitness.
He usually cycles about 5-8km to work and back each day, but had found that recently the cycling had become more difficult. He was aware of a worsening lower back pain, which at times seemed to spread into his buttocks and down his right leg. As a consequence that leg at times felt weaker than usual.
These symptoms are typical of a pinched nerve in his back. The nerves to the legs exit the spine in the lower back, so if they are pinched, pain weakness or numbness in a leg may result. But how exactly does a nerve become pinched?
Our backs are made of many small bones called vertebrae, arranged in a vertical column. Between one vertebrae and the next we have a soft cushion called a spinal disc. These disks give our backs their flexibility and play an important part in shock absorption.
But, as we get older, these discs may become damaged and bulge out or even rupture. At this point it is called a herniated disc. But if the damaged disc then begins to press on the spinal cord or nerves in the spine it may cause nerve pinching.
Symptoms such as weakness, numbness or tingling are the result of nerve pinching. As this occurs most commonly in the lower back, the nerves to the lower limbs are affected, and hence that is where the symptoms are felt.
In another case, on examination we might find that Peter's right leg is weaker than his left and that the reflexes on this side are not as brisk. We would also expect that an area over the lower back where the disc had herniated was tender to touch.
The diagnosis of a herniated disc in the lower back can be confirmed by a MRI scan.
Immediate therapy for a herniated disc includes rest, pain relief and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition. Your GP may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, as they provide both pain relief and a reduction in pressure on the nerves.
Your GP will also suggest physiotherapy and specific exercises that help by strengthening and balancing muscles in the back, providing support for the vertebral column.
Information for this column supplied by the Manly Warringah Division of General Practice, funded by the Department of Health and Ageing.
For more information please go to www.backcaresolutions.net or www.dorntherapycourse.com
About the Author
Barbara Simon is a Natural Therapist, trained in Germany, and specialising in Dorn Spinal Therapy. In 2000 Barbara moved to Australia with her family where she introduced Dorn Spinal Therapy not only as a therapist but also as a successful trainer for health care practitioners to become Dorn Spinal Therapists. She has also studied Remedial Massage, Reflexology, Ear acupuncture and Bach flowers, as well as Dorn Spinal Therapy.
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