Back Pain

Special Report

Dr. Richard J.  Ruffini

Thank you for requesting the “Back Pain Special Report.” The American Medical Information Association which sent you this report was founded to provide patients with the critical information they need to make informed choices when seeking a physician.  Dr. Richard J. Ruffini who co-authored this report, is a founding member of the American Medical Information Association and a Senior Editor for the Chiropractic Section. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from Back pain  

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment or

a referral you may have confidence in248-353-BACK (2225)

  

Everything You Need to Know About

Back Pain

 

Q. What causes back pain?

A. There are many different reasons why people suffer from back pain.  The most common causes for back pain that I see in my office are; subluxations (misaligned bones that put pressure on a nerve), muscle spasms (i.e. pulled muscle, muscle strain), arthritis, and disc herniations.  All of these usually involve inflammation, stiffness and different levels of pain and discomfort.  The most recurrent incidents/activities that result in back pain are:

Sport injuries                                              Lifting injuries

Poor posture at work                                          Car accident

Repetition at work or other activities                Stress

Other traumatic injuries

 

Q.  What are the most common back pain symptoms?

 

A. Dull Ache                             Sharp shooting pain

Burning pain                              Stabbing pain

Pain that travels (radiating)       Drawing/pulling pain

Tightness/stiffness                     Numbness/tingling

Mild back pain from a pulled muscle or a stressful day at work will usually not last longer than several days.  Anyone experiencing back pain for more than 7 days should be evaluated and have a proper diagnosis by a Chiropractor.

 

Q. My back pain travels into my leg, is that normal?

A. It is not uncommon for people with low back pain to have pain that travels into one or both legs.  Pain that travels is referred to as radiating pain (or radiculitis) and is generally the result of the spinal cord and/or nerves being irritated or compressed.  Radiating pain can cause pain into the buttocks and is often aggravated by sitting for long periods of time.  Radiculitis can also cause a numbness or tingling sensation into the buttock, legs, and feet.  Pain that travels into the buttock, leg, or even all the way down to the foot should be examined and treated before the problem gets worse.

 

Q. What is a disc herniation?

A. A disc herniation occurs when a portion of the disc pushes out and causes irritation to nerves and/or spinal cord.  This is sometimes referred to as a pinched nerve.  There are 23 discs in the spine and they act like cushions or shock absorbers, providing motion and flexibility to your spine.  The disc itself is cartilage on the outside and jelly-like on the inside.  If the outer cartilage breaks and the inner jelly ruptures out of its normal boundary, this is considered a herniated disc.  Other common names for disc herniations are; disc protrusion, ruptured disc, sequestered disc, and disc bulge.

 

Q. How do I know if I have a disc herniation?

People with disc herniations often complain of back pain, leg pain and abnormal sensation into the legs.  Abnormal sensation can be numbness, tingling (pins and needles), muscle weakness, and electric shock-like pain.  In extreme cases, difficultly with urinating and bowel movements can occur.  This last example is considered a medical emergency and can lead to permanent damage if not treated immediately.  Disc herniations can be diagnosed with a physical examination (testing sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes), along with an MRI.

 

Q. What can I do for relief?

A. For mild back aches, rest is always a good idea. Take some time off work and avoid activities that increase your pain.  Use ice (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) several times per day if the pain began within the past 5 days.  Start doing some light stretching when you feel ready.  If the problem persists have it checked by a Chiropractor, it may be more serious than originally thought.

 

Q. Ice vs. Heat?

 

A. I get asked this question everyday.  The answer is simple…If it is a new injury (within 4-5 days), ALWAYS use ice.  Ice helps reduce swelling and inflammation, relieves pain, and promotes healing.  For injuries lasting more than 5 days consider using a technique known as contrast therapy that involves rotating ice and heat every 15 minutes.  This also promotes healing by constricting then dilating blood vessels to increase circulation.  Heat is generally used to treat old injuries that no longer show signs of inflammation.  A chronic stiff, sore back is perfect for heat therapy.

 

Q. What treatment is best for me?

 

A. Every individual that experiences back pain is a unique case.  Five people with virtually identical symptoms may have five completely different diagnoses.  For that reason, a proper diagnosis is essential to determine what treatment is best for the patient.  The following treatment options are examples of the most common treatments for back pain:

·       Chiropractic adjustments – Fixes the alignment of bones, restores normal motion to joint and significantly helps with pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation.

·       Physical Therapy – The type of P.T. (i.e. muscle stimulation, ultrasound) will depend on the diagnosis.

·       Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) – ie. ibuprofen

·       Pain medications (Tylenol, Advil, & narcotics)

·       Epidural Injection (cortisone)

This article does NOT advise taking medications without an evaluation from your doctor.  Please consult with a physician before taking any medication.

For people who do not respond well to the above treatments, surgery is an option.  Microdiscectomy is a surgical procedure that treats disc herniations.

 

Q. How can Chiropractic help me?

A. Chiropractic treatment corrects a condition call vertebral subluxation complex by repositioning spinal bones into their proper place, taking pressure off the nerve.  This gives patients relief by eliminating pain, muscle spasms, inflammation, and restoring normal motion to the back.  Chiropractic treatments are sometimes called adjustments or manipulations.

 

Q. How do I prevent back pain?

A.

·       Use your legs to lift. Squat with your legs and keep the object close to your body

·       Avoid twisting while lifting

·       Keep good posture while sitting, standing, and at your work station

·       Stretch before and after exercise and other physical activities such as yard work or moving boxes

·       Maintain a healthy weight by eating right and exercising regularly

·       Push rather than pull

·       Sleep on a firm mattress that provides support to the nature contours of your body

·       Have a regular spinal check-up with your Chiropractor

·       Don’t avoid signs and symptoms and think the problem will go away by itself. This is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.  Get it checked out!

 

If you are looking for an answer to your health problems

without the use of drugs and surgery,

Call Dr. Ruffini for an appointment at

248-353-BACK (2225)

During your consultation, Dr. Ruffini will personally answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

“We’ll come in early or stay late to help you or a loved one get the relief you need. 

We have a special offer to assure your initial visit with us is “pain free.” Mention this article when you check in and our staff will give you a $200 New Patient Office Credit which will cover the full amount of your consultation and exam fee.”

Warmly,

Dr. Rich Ruffini 

The information provided in this report is provided as a public service. While the information in this report represents the most current information and the highest medical standard of practice at the time of the release of this report, no one should rely solely on the information in this report when making an important medical decision.

Each reader should make an appointment with a Board Certified Chiropractor to discuss your medical problems.  The request of this report does not create a physician-patient relationship with Dr. Ruffini. A physician-patient relationship will only exist when you meet with Dr. Ruffini in his office.