Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression with Computerized Spinal Table
Why is back pain common?
In modern society it is common for working people t o be standing or sitting in positions witch gives t hem pains in the neck, back and shoulders (about 80% of the w orking population suffers from such pains). One rea son is that people only use a few of the muscles in this a rea and to a point where pain is caused. Other musc les are not used at all. One result of this is also poor bl ood circulation in the muscles witch makes the prob lem worse. The spine is a complex structure that connects the upper body (including the chest and arms) to the lo wer body (including the pelvis and legs). This importan t part of the spine provides both mobility and stre ngth. The mobility allows movements such as turning, twisting or bending; and the strength allows one to stand, walk and lift. Proper functioning of the back is needed for almost all activities of daily living. Pain in the back can restrict the activity and reduce work capacity and quality of enjoyment of everyday living. Back pain is one of the most frequent problems trea ted by orthopaedic surgeons. Four out of five adult s will experience significant back pain sometime during th eir life. After the common cold, problems caused by the back are the most frequent cause of lost work days in adults under the age of 45. How is back pain diagnosed?
Nature of symptoms, history of any injury, examinat ion of your spine and legs and tests can in most ca ses determine the cause of the pain without any expensi ve tests. However some patients having severe pain not respon ding to treatment may require imaging tests. Plain X- rays will show arthritis and bone diseases, but wil l not show soft tissues such as the lumbar disks or nerves. For conditions or injuries that involve soft tissue s CT scan (computerized tomography) or MRI (magneti c resonance imaging) may be needed. Occasionally, a b one scan will be needed to assess bone activity and electrical tests; EMG (electromyography) may be nee ded to determine if the spine condition has caused nerve or muscle damage.
