I have had low back pain for over five years. Is there anything to get rid of it?
Conventional Remedy: You have been in pain for a long time and fall into the category of chronic back pain. On the off-chance that you have not yet sought medical help for this problem, I would strongly advise that you do. At this stage, it would be important to have a CT or MRI scan performed to check for a prolapsed disc or other structural problems which could be causing you pain. The possibility of osteoporosis would also be looked at by your doctor, who will likely want to perform a range of tests.
Assuming that you have had this pain fully investigated and treatment has either failed or has not been available, then it would be helpful to enrol in a chronic pain management programme.
There are pain units in most major hospitals which combine the expertise of various disciplines to help people manage chronic pain. A pain specialist will discuss the latest treatment options for your particular type of pain. A psychologist will design a cognitive behavioural approach for you to follow. A physiotherapist will help with a tailored exercise and pacing programme. You will also be taught relaxation techniques that will help pain relief.
Electrical therapy, using a TENS machine, may also be helpful. Finally, do not hesitate to explore the possible benefits of complementary therapy, administered by a responsible and registered practitioner.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative Remedy: The pain you experience in the lower back may come from a variety of causes and structural defects.
An osteopath would take a detailed case history followed by a general assessment of a patient, including posture, movements and any other required tests.
The osteopath must then make a diagnosis and decide whether or not osteopathic treatment is appropriate and whether the patient needs referral to a doctor for further imaging (X-ray, MRI) medication or surgery. In essence, the problems experienced by most people with lower back pain are caused by wear of the disc. Discs act as shock absorbers between the bones (vertebrae) of the spinal column. We all tend to pivot at the lowest two segments in the back, which causes them to wear out prematurely. Worn discs may bulge, giving rise to "trapped nerves" or leading to problems with surrounding structures, such as ligaments or muscles. The aim of osteopathic treatment is to restore normal function to the lower back by allowing the body's own repair processes to work. The strain put on this area of the back must be removed, shock absorption and posture improved and range and quality of movement restored.
An osteopath uses gentle manipulations and articulations of joints to improve joint movement. Improved movement assists the blood flow to the affected area. Stretching and deep massage techniques help reduce muscle spasm and improve the posture of a patient. These techniques are safe and effective and can be used alongside other therapies.
Patients are also given advice on self-help. It is important to know that bed rest is often not appropriate for lower back problems. Osteopaths can give advice on the influence of work or sports on an injury.
Osteopath Karl Prendergast
The Irish Osteopathic Association can be contacted at 5 Devon Place, The Crescent, Galway. Tel: 091-589417.
patientquery@irish-times.ie
