Back Clinic Spinal Hygiene. The spine is the protective housing for the nervous system, a system so powerful that it controls every function in the human body. The nervous system tells your body to breath, tells your heart to beat, tells your arms and legs to move, tells your body when and how to produce new cells and it even has the power to control healing. A damaged or misaligned spine can dramatically interfere with the signals constantly being sent through the nervous system, eventually resulting in bodily pain, internal deterioration and loss of many of the everyday functions we take for granted.
Spinal hygiene is extremely important, yet 89 percent of the world’s population does not realize the importance of maintaining proper alignment of the vertebrae through chiropractic adjustment, as well as protecting the spine from injury through healthy living practices. Instead we neglect our spines. As children we start our lives with tumbles and trips that jar our spines, we grow into adults with poor posture, we lift things that are too heavy, carry overloaded back packs, and we suffer injury through car accidents, sports impacts and stress.
Get in on the health trend of the future-today. Join the growing percentage of the population that enjoys greater health and wellness through regular care of their spines. Talk to your chiropractor today about ways you can improve your spinal hygiene.
Can individuals with herniated pain associated with low back pain find relief through spinal decompression to restore mobility?
Introduction
Many people worldwide have experienced pain in the back region and often complain that it affects their mobility when doing their normal routine. The musculoskeletal system has various muscles, soft tissues, joints, ligaments, and bones that help surround the spine and protect the vital organs. The spine consists of bones, joints, and nerve roots that have an outstanding relationship with the central nervous system and musculoskeletal system as the spinal cord is protected by the spinal joints and discs that have the nerve roots spread out and help provide the sensory-motor function to the upper and lower extremities. When various pathogens or environmental factors start to cause the spine to compress the spinal discs constantly, it can lead to herniation and affect the body’s mobility over time. Individuals, both young and old, will notice that the pain is not going away from home remedies and may have to seek out treatment if the pain is too much. However, it can lead to dealing with unnecessary stress when looking for affordable treatment. Today’s article looks at how herniation can affect low back mobility and how treatments like decompression can help restore the spine. We speak with certified medical providers who incorporate our patients’ information to provide various solutions to restore low back mobility to the spine. We also inform patients how treatments like decompression can restore the spine’s mobility to the body. We encourage our patients to ask intricated and educational questions to our associated medical providers about the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing correlating with disc herniation affecting the spine. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Disc Herniation Affecting Low Back Mobility
Do you often experience stiffness or limited mobility in your lower back that causes you to walk a little slower than usual? Do you feel pain in your lower back muscles from stretching or bending down to pick up an object? Or do you feel numbness or tingling sensations down your legs that feel uncomfortable? When many individuals start to do repetitive motions, that can cause their spinal discs to compress over time and eventually become herniated. When many individuals overwork their bodies, their spinal discs can eventually crack, causing the inner portion to protrude and press on the surrounding nerve root. This causes the disc tissue to have a central ballon-type cyst that causes degenerative changes, leading to low back pain and herniation. (Ge et al., 2019)
At the same time, when many individuals start to deal with lower back pain from herniated discs, they will begin to lose mobility in their lower backs. This could be due to weak abdominal muscles combined with limited mobility. When many individuals do not have strong core muscles to provide support and mobility to their lower backs, it can start with simple muscle aches, leading to constant lower back pain without treatment and negatively impacting their quality of life. (Chu, 2022) However, dealing with low back pain does not have to be tedious as numerous therapies can reduce the effects of low back pain correlated with disc herniation while restoring low back spinal mobility.
The Science Of Motion-Video
Have you ever experienced unquestionable muscle aches that radiate from your lower back and travel down your legs? Do you feel stiffness when bending down to pick up an object that causes muscle strain on your lower back? Or do you feel pain in your lower back from excessive sitting or standing? When many people are dealing with these pain-like issues in their lower backs, it can lead to a life of disability while affecting their quality of life. This is due to a disc herniation that affects a person’s lower back mobility and, when not treated right away, can lead to chronic issues. However, many individuals will seek treatment for their lower back pain and find the relief they need. Many therapeutic exercises combined with non-surgical treatments can help retrain the weakened trunk muscles to stabilize the lower back better and help reduce lower back pain. (Hlaing et al., 2021) When individuals start to think about their health and wellness, especially when they are dealing with low back pain affecting their mobility, they will find that most of the pain is from normal, repetitive factors that cause their spinal disc to be compressed and herniated. Hence, applying traction to the lumbar spine can help reduce lumbar disc protrusion that causes low back pain. (Mathews, 1968) Treatments like chiropractic care, traction therapy, and spinal decompression are all non-surgical treatments that are cost-effective and gentle on the spine. They help realign the body and help kick start the body’s natural healing factor to rehydrate the spinal discs. When many individuals start to do continuous treatment to reduce their lower back pain associated with herniated discs, they will begin to see improvements in their spinal mobility and their pain diminished. Check out the video above to look at how non-surgical treatments can help restore mobility to the body and reduce pain-like symptoms.
Decompression Restoring The Spine
When it comes to reducing pain-like symptoms caused by disc herniation that is causing limited mobility and low back pain, spinal decompression could be the answer that many individuals are looking for to incorporate into their health and wellness routine. Since lumbar herniated spinal discs are a common cause of low back pain and radiculopathy, spinal decompression can help gently pull the herniated disc back to its original position to promote healing. Since spinal decompression and lumbar traction are part of the physiotherapy treatment, they can help decrease the pain intensity from the spine and reduce the size of the herniated disc. (Choi et al., 2022) When many individuals feel relief from the gentle pull from spinal decompression, they will notice that their mobility is back. After consecutive treatment, their pain will be diminished as their spinal disc is completely healed. (Cyriax, 1950) With many individuals who are looking for numerous treatments to reduce their lower back pain and regain their sense of life, incorporating these treatments can provide beneficial results to their musculoskeletal system.
References
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P. B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Chu, E. C. (2022). Large abdominal aortic aneurysm presented with concomitant acute lumbar disc herniation – a case report. J Med Life, 15(6), 871-875. doi.org/10.25122/jml-2021-0419
Ge, C. Y., Hao, D. J., Yan, L., Shan, L. Q., Zhao, Q. P., He, B. R., & Hui, H. (2019). Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review. Clin Interv Aging, 14, 2295-2299. doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S228717
Hlaing, S. S., Puntumetakul, R., Khine, E. E., & Boucaut, R. (2021). Effects of core stabilization exercise and strengthening exercise on proprioception, balance, muscle thickness and pain related outcomes in patients with subacute nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 22(1), 998. doi.org/10.1186/s12891-021-04858-6
For individuals trying to maintain a healthy spine, can understanding the causes and prevention of rotated vertebrae help protect the spine from harmful rotation of vertebrae?
Spinal Rotation
Healthy spine rotation is an important aspect of injury prevention, and rotated vertebrae or a twisted spine can result from spine, nerve, or muscle disease or certain movements.
Normal Spine Twisting Capability
The spine can move in several ways. Spine movements include:
Bending – Rounding forward
Extending – Arching backward
Tilting sideways is powered by muscles that aid in twisting.
Although the spine can move in many directions, there are limits to how far it can and should go. (Xinhai Shan et al., 2013). This is especially true with twisting. The spinal column is made of 26 interconnected bones called vertebrae. When moving, each vertebrae bone moves accordingly. Rotated or twisted vertebrae, especially when bending forward like lifting heavy objects, are associated with a risk of back injuries like strain and herniated discs.
How Rotation Works
Rotation is a basic movement in which individuals can turn their spinal column. When twisting, the spine also bends to the side. The muscles involved in spine rotation include:
The internal oblique abdominals and the external oblique abdominals don’t directly attach to the spine but are the primary muscles responsible for powering spinal rotation in the lower back.
Intrinsic muscles, including the multifidus and longissimus, contribute to twisting movement as well.
The multifidus helps the spine twist when one side is contracted/activated and extends the lumbar spine when both sides contract.
The multifidus helps control the movement, and the longissimus provides the movement with some extension.
Age and The Spine
As individuals age, the body accumulates tension and/or weakness in the oblique abdominal and other trunk muscles. Sedentary habits primarily bring on these changes. (Pooriput Waongenngarm et al., 2016)
Chronically tight back and abdominal muscles impair the range of motion of the trunk, as well as twisting ability.
Muscle weakness and tightness affect spinal movements.
Weakened muscles can decrease support for spinal movement and decrease overall trunk stability.
Spinal Rotation and Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a common condition that causes a lateral curve of the spine. Some of the vertebrae become displaced to the side. Often, abnormal vertebral rotation underlies this displacement. Treatment often focuses on controlling vertebral rotation with medical guidance and physical therapy. (John P. Horne et al., 2014)
Over-Rotating The Spine
Many individuals over-rotate their spines with manual work, which can increase the risk of back injuries. (National Institutes of Health. 2020). Over-rotation can happen with activities like digging or shoveling.
Exercise For A Healthy Spine
A recommended way to achieve optimal rotation of the spine is with daily back exercises. (National Spine Health Foundation. 2015). An effective back exercise program will consist of movements in every direction.
Yoga is recommended because it places emphasis on developing flexibility and strength in all directions.
Pilates does the same.
An injury prevention exercise program will work the hip and pelvic muscles as well.
Individuals with a spine condition should consult their healthcare provider or physical therapist about how to exercise the spine safely, as rotation exercises could worsen back problems like bulging or herniated discs.
Core Strength For A Pain-Free Back
References
Shan, X., Ning, X., Chen, Z., Ding, M., Shi, W., & Yang, S. (2013). Low back pain development response to sustained trunk axial twisting. European spine journal : official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 22(9), 1972–1978. doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-2784-7
Waongenngarm, P., Rajaratnam, B. S., & Janwantanakul, P. (2016). Internal Oblique and Transversus Abdominis Muscle Fatigue Induced by Slumped Sitting Posture after 1 Hour of Sitting in Office Workers. Safety and health at work, 7(1), 49–54. doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2015.08.001
For individuals working at a desk or work station where the majority of the work is done in a sitting position and increases the risk for a variety of health problems, can using a standing desk help prevent musculoskeletal problems and improve short and long-term wellness?
Stand Desks
More than 80% of jobs are done in a seated position. Stand desks have proven to help. (Allene L. Gremaud et al., 2018) An adjustable stand desk is intended to be the standing height of an individual. Some desks can be lowered to use while sitting. These desks can improve:
Blood circulation
Back pain
Energy
Focus
Individuals who are less sedentary may experience decreased depression, anxiety, and risk of chronic disease.
Improve Posture and Decrease Back Pain
Sitting for prolonged periods can cause fatigue and physical discomfort. Back pain symptoms and sensations are common, especially when practicing unhealthy postures, already dealing with existing back problems, or using a non-ergonomic desk set-up. Instead of only sitting or standing for the whole workday, alternating between sitting and standing is far healthier. Practicing sitting and standing regularly reduces body fatigue and lower back discomfort. (Alicia A. Thorp et al., 2014) (Grant T. Ognibene et al., 2016)
Increases Energy Levels
Prolonged sitting correlates with fatigue, reduced energy, and productivity. A sit-stand desk can provide benefits like increased productivity levels. Researchers discovered that sit-stand desks could improve the general health and productivity of office workers. Individuals in the study reported:
According to the CDC, six in 10 individuals in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or cancer. Chronic disease is the leading cause of death and disability, as well as a leading force of healthcare costs. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2023) While further research is needed to see if standing desks can reduce the risk of chronic disease, one study looked to quantify the association between sedentary time and the risk of chronic disease or death. Researchers reported that sedentariness for prolonged periods was independently associated with negative health outcomes regardless of physical activity. (Aviroop Biswas et al., 2015)
Improved Mental Focus
Sitting for extended periods slows down blood circulation. This decreased blood flow to the brain lowers cognitive function and increases the risk of neurodegenerative conditions. One study confirmed that healthy individuals who worked in a prolonged sitting position had reduced brain blood flow. The study found that frequent, short walks could help prevent this. (Sophie E. Carter et al., 2018) Standing increases blood and oxygen circulation. This improves cognitive function, which also helps improve focus and concentration.
Depression and Anxiety Reduction
Modern lifestyles typically contain large amounts of sedentary behavior.
However, there is a small amount about the mental health risks of prolonged sedentary behavior. There have been a few studies aimed at improving public understanding. One study focused on a group of older adults, having them self-report sedentary habits that included television, internet, and reading time. This information was compared to their individual scoring on the Centre of Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. (Mark Hamer, Emmanuel Stamatakis. 2014)
The researchers found that certain sedentary behaviors are more harmful to mental health than others.
Television watching, for example, resulted in increased depressive symptoms and decreased cognitive function. (Mark Hamer, Emmanuel Stamatakis. 2014)
Internet use had the opposite effect, decreasing depressive symptoms and increasing cognitive function.
Researchers theorize that the results come from the contrasting environmental and social contexts in which they are happening. (Mark Hamer, Emmanuel Stamatakis. 2014)
Another study looked at the possible correlation between sedentary behavior and anxiety.
Incorporating a standing desk into the workspace can help to reduce the negative effects of sedentary behaviors, leading to improved productivity, improved mental and physical health, and a healthy work environment for individuals who work long hours at a desk or workstation.
Understanding Academic Low Back Pain: Impact and Chiropractic Solutions
References
Gremaud, A. L., Carr, L. J., Simmering, J. E., Evans, N. J., Cremer, J. F., Segre, A. M., Polgreen, L. A., & Polgreen, P. M. (2018). Gamifying Accelerometer Use Increases Physical Activity Levels of Sedentary Office Workers. Journal of the American Heart Association, 7(13), e007735. doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.117.007735
Thorp, A. A., Kingwell, B. A., Owen, N., & Dunstan, D. W. (2014). Breaking up workplace sitting time with intermittent standing bouts improves fatigue and musculoskeletal discomfort in overweight/obese office workers. Occupational and environmental medicine, 71(11), 765–771. doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2014-102348
Ognibene, G. T., Torres, W., von Eyben, R., & Horst, K. C. (2016). Impact of a Sit-Stand Workstation on Chronic Low Back Pain: Results of a Randomized Trial. Journal of occupational and environmental medicine, 58(3), 287–293. doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000000615
Ma, J., Ma, D., Li, Z., & Kim, H. (2021). Effects of a Workplace Sit-Stand Desk Intervention on Health and Productivity. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(21), 11604. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111604
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic disease.
Biswas, A., Oh, P. I., Faulkner, G. E., Bajaj, R. R., Silver, M. A., Mitchell, M. S., & Alter, D. A. (2015). Sedentary time and its association with risk for disease incidence, mortality, and hospitalization in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Annals of internal medicine, 162(2), 123–132. doi.org/10.7326/M14-1651
Carter, S. E., Draijer, R., Holder, S. M., Brown, L., Thijssen, D. H. J., & Hopkins, N. D. (2018). Regular walking breaks prevent the decline in cerebral blood flow associated with prolonged sitting. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 125(3), 790–798. doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00310.2018
Hamer, M., & Stamatakis, E. (2014). Prospective study of sedentary behavior, risk of depression, and cognitive impairment. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 46(4), 718–723. doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000000156
Teychenne, M., Costigan, S. A., & Parker, K. (2015). The association between sedentary behaviour and risk of anxiety: a systematic review. BMC public health, 15, 513. doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1843-x
Can healthcare providers help many individuals with lumbar disc degeneration find relief through spinal decompression treatments?
Introduction
Many individuals often do everyday motions that can allow the spine to bend, twist, and turn in various ways without feeling pain and discomfort. However, as the body ages, so does the spine, as the spinal discs begin the natural process of degeneration. Since the spinal discs in the spinal column absorb the vertical pressure weight, it stabilizes the upper and lower extremities and provides motion. To that point, when many individuals suffer from various injuries or environmental factors that cause the spinal disc to be compressed, it can lead to low back issues that cause pain and discomfort when a person is doing an activity. Since low back pain is one of the three most common problems that many people worldwide have dealt with, it can become a socio-economic issue that can lead to a life of disability and misery. Low back pain is often correlated with disc degeneration, and the surrounding ligaments and muscle tissues can affect the upper and lower extremities. This causes referred pain to the different musculoskeletal groups, causing many people to seek treatment that can not only be affordable but also effective in reducing the pain. Today’s article looks at the anatomy of the lumbar disc, how disc degeneration affects the lumbar spine, and how spinal decompression can reduce lumbar disc degeneration from causing more pain to the lower back. We speak with certified medical providers who incorporate our patients’ information to provide numerous treatment plans to ease the pain-like symptoms associated with lumbar disc degeneration causing low back pain. We also inform our patients that there are non-surgical options to reduce these pain-like issues correlated with disc degeneration and restore lumbar mobility to the body. We encourage our patients to ask intricated and educational questions to our associated medical providers about the pain-like symptoms they are experiencing correlating with the lower back. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., utilizes this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
The Anatomy Of The Lumbar Disc
Do you feel tension or stiffness in your lower back after waking up in the morning? Do you feel sudden or gradual pain from bending down to lift a heavy object that is affecting your lower back? Or do you feel the pain in one location or another in your back that is causing you pain and discomfort in your lumbar spinal region? Many of these pain-like issues are often correlated with disc degeneration combined with low back pain. The spinal disc’s anatomy comprises three elements that work together in a specific pattern to resist forces placed in the lumbar spine. (Martin et al., 2002) Since the lumbar spine is the thickest portion of the back, the spinal disc supports the upper body’s weight while stabilizing the lower body. However, the spinal disc will shrink over time when the body ages. Since degeneration is a natural process, many individuals will begin to feel less mobile, which can cause many issues within the lumbar spine.
How Disc Degeneration Affects The Lumbar Spine
When disc degeneration occurs in the lumbar spine, the spinal disc begins to decrease in volume, and the nutrients that hydrate the disc start to deplete and become compressed. When disc degeneration affects the lumbar spine, the nerve roots from the central system are affected. They can be associated with any particular group of pathological conditions that may irritate the surrounding nerves and produce pain-like symptoms. (Bogduk, 1976) To that point, this causes referred pain in the lower limbs and radiating pain in the lower back. At the same time, glycosphingolipid antibodies are activated in the immune system, causing inflammatory effects. (Brisby et al., 2002) When people are dealing with low back pain associated with disc degeneration, many people will feel their lower back lock up, causing limited mobility and stiffness. At the same time, the surrounding muscle and soft tissues are overstretched and tightened. The spinal disc will also affect the nerve fibers surrounding the spine, leading to nociceptive lower back pain. (Coppes et al., 1997) However, many individuals can find available treatments to reduce low back pain associated with disc degeneration.
An Overview Of Spinal Decompression- Video
Spinal Decompression Can Reduce Lumbar Disc Degeneration
Many individuals can seek out non-surgical treatments to reduce low back pain associated with disc degeneration as it is cost-effective and, through consecutive treatments, can start feeling better. Some non-surgical treatments like spinal decompression can help rehydrate the spinal disc through gentle traction and promote natural healing. Spinal decompression can be manual or mechanical, using negative pressure to increase disc height. (Vanti et al., 2021) This allows many individuals to feel the relief they deserve and feel better over time. Spinal decompression can reduce disc degeneration, stabilize the lumbar spine, and help regain spinal mobility back to the lower portions. (Daniel, 2007) When many individuals begin to take care of their bodies and reduce the chances of low back pain from returning to cause more issues to the back.
References
Bogduk, N. (1976). The anatomy of the lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome. Med J Aust, 1(23), 878-881. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/135200
Brisby, H., Balague, F., Schafer, D., Sheikhzadeh, A., Lekman, A., Nordin, M., Rydevik, B., & Fredman, P. (2002). Glycosphingolipid antibodies in serum in patients with sciatica. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 27(4), 380-386. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-200202150-00011
Coppes, M. H., Marani, E., Thomeer, R. T., & Groen, G. J. (1997). Innervation of “painful” lumbar discs. Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 22(20), 2342-2349; discussion 2349-2350. doi.org/10.1097/00007632-199710150-00005
Daniel, D. M. (2007). Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy: does the scientific literature support efficacy claims made in the advertising media? Chiropr Osteopat, 15, 7. doi.org/10.1186/1746-1340-15-7
Martin, M. D., Boxell, C. M., & Malone, D. G. (2002). Pathophysiology of lumbar disc degeneration: a review of the literature. Neurosurg Focus, 13(2), E1. doi.org/10.3171/foc.2002.13.2.2
Vanti, C., Turone, L., Panizzolo, A., Guccione, A. A., Bertozzi, L., & Pillastrini, P. (2021). Vertical traction for lumbar radiculopathy: a systematic review. Arch Physiother, 11(1), 7. doi.org/10.1186/s40945-021-00102-5
“Various problems with the sacrum make up or contribute to a significant portion of lower back problems. Can understanding the anatomy and function help prevent and treat back injuries?”
The Sacrum
The sacrum is a bone shaped like an upside-down triangle located at the base of the spine that helps support the upper body when sitting or standing and provides pelvic girdle flexibility during childbirth. It comprises five vertebrae that fuse during adulthood and connect to the pelvis. This bone takes and endures all of the body’s pressure and stress from everyday activities and movements.
Formation
Humans are born with four to six sacral vertebrae. However, fusion does not take place in all sacral vertebrae simultaneously:
Fusion starts with the S1 and S2.
As the individual gets older, the overall shape of the sacrum begins to solidify, and the vertebrae fuse into a single structure.
The process usually starts in the mid-teens and finishes in the early to mid-twenties.
It is believed to start earlier in females than males.
The sacrum in a female is wider and shorter and has a more curved top or the pelvic inlet.
The male sacrum is longer, narrower, and flatter.
Structure
The sacrum is an irregular bone that makes up the back/posterior third of the pelvic girdle. There is a ridge across the front/anterior portion of the S1 vertebra known as the sacral promontory. Small holes/foramen on both sides of the sacrum are left over after the vertebrae fuse together. Depending on the number of vertebrae, there can be three to five foramen on each side, though there are usually four. (E. Nastoulis, et al., 2019)
Each anterior foramen is typically wider than the posterior or dorsal/backside foramen.
Each sacral foramina/plural of foramen provides a channel for the sacral nerves and blood vessels.
Small ridges develop between each of the fused vertebrae, known as transverse ridges or lines.
The top of the sacrum is called the base and is connected to the largest and lowest of the lumbar vertebrae – L5.
The bottom is connected to the tailbone/coccyx, known as the apex.
The sacral canal is hollow, runs from the base to the apex, and serves as a channel at the end of the spinal cord.
The sides of the sacrum connect to the right and left hip/iliac bones. The attachment point is the auricular surface.
Right behind the auricular surface is the sacral tuberosity, which serves as an attachment area for the ligaments that hold the pelvic girdle together.
Location
The sacrum is at the level of the lower back, just above the intergluteal cleft or where the buttocks split. The cleft starts at around the level of the tailbone or coccyx. The sacrum is curved forward and ends at the coccyx, with the curvature being more pronounced in females than males. It connects to the L5 lumbar vertebra by way of the lumbosacral joint. The disc between these two vertebrae is a common source of low back pain.
On either side of the lumbosacral joint are wing-like structures known as the sacral ala, which connect to the iliac bones and form the top of the sacroiliac joint.
These wings provide stability and strength for walking and standing.
Anatomical Variations
The most common anatomical variation applies to the number of vertebrae. The most common is five, but anomalies have been documented, including individuals with four or six sacral vertebrae. (E. Nastoulis, et al., 2019)
Other variations involve the sacrum’s surface and curvature, where the curvature differs widely between individuals.
In some cases, the first and second vertebrae do not fuse and remain separately articulated.
Failure of the canal to completely close during formation is a condition known as spina bifida.
Function
Studies on the sacrum are ongoing, but some proven functions include:
It serves as an anchor point for the spinal column to attach to the pelvis.
It provides stability for the body’s core.
It acts as a platform for the spinal column to rest on when sitting.
It facilitates childbirth, providing pelvic girdle flexibility.
It supports upper body weight when sitting or standing.
It provides extra stability for walking, balance, and mobility.
Conditions
The sacrum can be a main source or focal point for lower back pain. It is estimated that 28% of men and 31.6% of women aged 18 years or older have experienced low back pain in the past three months. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2020) Conditions that can cause sacrum pain symptoms include.
Sacroiliitis
This is a common condition of sacroiliac/SI joint inflammation.
A doctor only makes the diagnosis when all other possible causes of pain have been ruled out, known as a diagnosis of exclusion.
About half of all chordomas form in the sacrum, but the tumors can also develop elsewhere in the vertebral column or at the base of the skull. (National Library of Medicine. 2015)
Spina Bifida
Individuals can be born with conditions that affect the sacrum.
Spina bifida is a congenital condition that can arise from the malformation of the sacral canal.
Unlocking the Secrets of Inflammation
References
Gruss, L. T., & Schmitt, D. (2015). The evolution of the human pelvis: changing adaptations to bipedalism, obstetrics and thermoregulation. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences, 370(1663), 20140063. doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2014.0063
Nastoulis, E., Karakasi, M. V., Pavlidis, P., Thomaidis, V., & Fiska, A. (2019). Anatomy and clinical significance of sacral variations: a systematic review. Folia morphologica, 78(4), 651–667. doi.org/10.5603/FM.a2019.0040
Barros, G., McGrath, L., & Gelfenbeyn, M. (2019). Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction in Patients With Low Back Pain. Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS, 36(8), 370–375.
For individuals about to engage in physical activity or exercise, how does warming up the body help prepare for the work ahead?
Central Nervous System Activation
A proper warm-up before physical activity or working out prepares the mind and body to reduce risks of injury, mentally and physically transition to physical activity work, and enhance performance. A well-designed warm-up also primes the central nervous system/CNS for activity. The central nervous system transmits messages to the muscles to prepare them for action. Central nervous system activation increases motor neuron recruitment and engages the sympathetic nervous system so the body can better handle the physical stressors. The process may seem complex, but priming the nervous system is as simple as warming up with light aerobic activity before getting into more explosive movements.
CNS
The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. This central communication system uses another part of the nervous system known as the peripheral nervous system or PNS to transmit and receive messages throughout the body. The PNS is connected to the entire body and the brain and spinal cord (CNS).
Nerves run throughout the body, receiving signals from the CNS to the muscles, fibers, and organs, transmitting various information back to the brain. (Berkeley University. N.D.)
There are two types of systems within the peripheral nervous system – somatic and autonomic.
Somatic nervous system actions are those controlled by the person through voluntary actions like choosing to pick something up.
Properly preparing the body for an intense strength training session or other physical activity needs the correct messages to be sent through the autonomic nervous system.
Parasympathetic and Sympathetic States
The autonomic nervous system consists of two subcategories, which are parasympathetic and sympathetic.
The sympathetic nervous system helps the body get ready to face stress which includes physical stress. (R. Bankenahally, H. Krovvidi. 2016)
The fight, flight, or freeze response describes the sympathetic nervous system’s aspect.
The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for relaxation and de-stressing.
Individuals are recommended to perform a few calming movements and actions after a workout to return the body to a parasympathetic state. This can be:
Activating the CNS can increase performance and prevent injuries. The process wakes up and alerts the body for the activity. Individuals are recommended before beginning a training session, to communicate to the body about the physical stress it is about to endure and to prepare for the work ahead. This is a concept known as post-activation potentiation/PAP. (Anthony J Blazevich, Nicolas Babault. 2019) PAP helps increase force and power production, which enhances physical performance.
Whenever an individual trains, the brain adapts and learns what the body is doing and the purpose of the training.
Muscle memory describes this interaction.
Individuals who have started up a new strength training routine or after an extended break report feeling awkward for the first few sessions, or even weeks, depending on their experience. (David C Hughes, Stian Ellefsen, Keith Baar, 2018)
However, after a few sessions, the body is more adept at performing the movements and ready to increase resistance, repetitions, or both.
This has to do with the neural drive and muscle memory than it has to do with true potential physical abilities. (Simon Walker. 2021)
The first step is a general warm-up that should use large muscle groups and be of low intensity so as not to exhaust the body before beginning the actual training. General warm-up benefits central nervous system activation and the entire body include: (Pedro P. Neves, et al., 2021) (D C. Andrade, et al., 2015)
Increases blood circulation.
Assists the release of oxygen from hemoglobin and myoglobin.
Warms the muscles, so they contract more effectively.
Increases nerve impulse speed.
Increases nutrient delivery.
Lowers joints’ resistance through increased synovial fluid/joint lubrication.
Increases joint range of motion.
Improves joint resiliency.
Removes metabolic waste quicker.
Reduces risk of injury.
A general warm-up can be simple as any aerobic activity will work. This can include:
Performing bodyweight movements – light jumping jacks or jogging in place.
Treadmill
Rowing machine
Stair climber
Elliptical trainer
It is recommended to use the rating perceived exertion scale/RPE to determine the general warm-up effort. An exertion rating of between 5 to 6 is equivalent to moderate walking or a slow jog. Individuals should be able to speak clearly without taking a pause.
Try this strategy before the next workout to see increased performance and reduced injury risks.
Blazevich, A. J., & Babault, N. (2019). Post-activation Potentiation Versus Post-activation Performance Enhancement in Humans: Historical Perspective, Underlying Mechanisms, and Current Issues. Frontiers in physiology, 10, 1359. doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.01359
Hughes, D. C., Ellefsen, S., & Baar, K. (2018). Adaptations to Endurance and Strength Training. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine, 8(6), a029769. doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a029769
Walker S. (2021). Evidence of resistance training-induced neural adaptation in older adults. Experimental gerontology, 151, 111408. doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2021.111408
Andrade, D. C., Henriquez-Olguín, C., Beltrán, A. R., Ramírez, M. A., Labarca, C., Cornejo, M., Álvarez, C., & Ramírez-Campillo, R. (2015). Effects of general, specific, and combined warm-up on explosive muscular performance. Biology of sport, 32(2), 123–128. doi.org/10.5604/20831862.1140426
Can the effects of vertebral decompression relieve individuals with herniated discs and reduce intradiscal pressure on the spine?
Introduction
The spine’s main job is to maintain the vertical pressure of the body without feeling pain or discomfort, especially when a person is in motion. The spinal discs are between the spinal joints, which are shock absorbers when pressure is implemented when a person is carrying a heavy object. The spinal column also has the spinal cord and nerve roots that are spread out from each section and have nerve root signals to be transmitted back and forth from the muscles to the brain to carry out its function. However, as the body ages, so does the spine, as many individuals are constantly adding unwanted pressure on their spines by doing normal factors and developing musculoskeletal disorders. At the same time, the spinal discs are also being affected as the unwanted pressure compresses them constantly, causing them to crack and herniate out of their position. To that point, the herniated disc aggravates the spinal nerve roots, leading to pain-like symptoms affecting the upper and lower body extremities. When this happens, many people will begin to experience musculoskeletal pain and cause overlapping risk profiles that cause their bodies to be misaligned. However, non-surgical treatments can be implemented as part of a daily routine for individuals dealing with herniated discs to reduce intradiscal pressure off the affected muscles in the upper and lower body extremities and restore functionality to the body. Today’s article focuses on why herniated disc affects many people and how vertebral traction can reduce intradiscal pressure off the spine while relieving the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, we work hand-in-hand with certified medical providers who incorporate our patient’s information to reduce intradiscal stress correlating with herniated discs. We also inform them that vertebral traction therapy (spinal decompression) can help mitigate the pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and provide relief to the body. We encourage our patients to ask profound questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain-like issues. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
Why Does Herniated Disc Affect People?
Have you or your loved ones been dealing with muscle aches or strains in their back, neck, or shoulders after carrying/lifting a heavy object? Do you feel a numbing or tingling sensation in your hands, legs, or feet after a long day after work? Or have you been constantly dealing with muscle and joint stiffness after a long workday? At some point in their lives, everyone has dealt with pain affecting their upper and lower extremities, leading to herniated discs in the spine’s upper, middle, or lower portions. As stated earlier, the body and the spine age naturally, leading to the development of herniated discs in the spine. Disc herniation occurs when the nucleus pulposus (inner disc layer) starts to break through the weaker annulus fibrosus (outer disc layer) and compress the surrounding nerve root, leading to an overlapping risk profile to the upper and lower body portions. (Ge et al., 2019) Disc herniation is developed when the spine goes through a natural degeneration, which causes them to be more susceptible to microtears. When individuals start to do normal activities like lifting or carrying heavy objects, it can enhance the progression further, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Additionally, the spinal degeneration associated with disc herniation can cause inflammatory responses when the protruding disc is compressing the nerve roots, which then causes symptoms of pain and numbness to the upper and lower extremities. (Cunha et al., 2018)
Why do herniated discs cause inflammatory responses to the compressed nerve roots that cause pain-like symptoms to the upper and lower body extremities? Well, when many individuals are experiencing pain associated with herniated discs, they believe they are dealing with upper or lower pain, depending on where the herniated disc is located. This causes referred pain symptoms where the pain is being perceived in one location than the site where the pain is originating. Coincidentally, when individuals are doing repetitive motions associated with herniated discs can cause the adjacent nerve root to be compressed, which then causes the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues to be in pain. (Blamoutier, 2019) Pain developing from herniated discs can reduce a person’s quality of life and make them miss out on important life events.
Disc Herniation Overview-Video
Many factors associated with a herniated disc can lead to its development and range from mild to severe depending on where the disc is herniated. Since the spine and spinal disc do degenerate over time naturally, it can cause the disc to crack and dehydrate. This leads to restricted movement, the development of neck, back, and shoulder pain, a decrease in muscle strength in the extremities, and numbness. (Jin et al., 2023) These are some results when herniated discs are not being treated right away. Luckily there are non-surgical treatments to alleviate the pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and help reduce intradiscal pressure in the spine while restoring spinal mobility and muscle strength. Spinal decompression, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physical therapy are some non-surgical treatments that can help alleviate herniated discs and its associated symptoms. Non-surgical treatments can help pull the herniated disc off the compressed nerve root through manual and mechanical manipulation and return it to its original position. Additionally, non-surgical treatments can be part of a daily health and wellness routine combined with other therapies to reduce pain-like symptoms associated with herniated discs and help restore the spine’s mobility. The video above explains the causes, factors, and symptoms associated with herniated discs and how these treatments can alleviate the pain.
The Effects Of Vertebral Traction On Disc Herniation
Non-surgical treatments like vertebral decompression can provide a positive outlook when reducing the effects of herniated discs. Vertical or spinal decompression can help reduce the underlying problem associated with herniated discs by relieving the pain and intradiscal pressure off the vital structures of the spine. (Ramos & Martin, 1994) Additionally, vertebral decompression uses gentle traction to relieve nerve pain associated with herniated discs. It helps reduce the compression force on the affected spinal discs, reducing nerve compression by expanding the disc height in the spine. (Wang et al., 2022)
With spinal decompression being incorporated to reduce the effects of herniated discs, individuals are strapped into a traction machine in a supine position. They will feel a mechanical pull to their spines as the herniated disc returns to its original position and the height of the spinal disc increases. (Oh et al., 2019) This allows the negative pressure from the traction to increase the body’s blood flow for the nutrients and fluids to rehydrate the discs while allowing the body’s natural healing process to kick into full gear. (Choi et al., 2022) After a few consecutive sessions with spinal decompression, many individuals will notice that the pain in their neck, back, and shoulders has decreased and that they can return to their daily activities. Spinal decompression allows the individual to regain their health and well-being while also reminding them to be more mindful of what certain factors can cause the pain to return to the spine. By being more aware of what is affecting a person’s body, they have the tools to continue their health and wellness journey.
References
Blamoutier, A. (2019). Nerve root compression by lumbar disc herniation: A french discovery? Orthop Traumatol Surg Res, 105(2), 335-338. doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2018.10.025
Choi, E., Gil, H. Y., Ju, J., Han, W. K., Nahm, F. S., & Lee, P. B. (2022). Effect of Nonsurgical Spinal Decompression on Intensity of Pain and Herniated Disc Volume in Subacute Lumbar Herniated Disc. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2022, 6343837. doi.org/10.1155/2022/6343837
Cunha, C., Silva, A. J., Pereira, P., Vaz, R., Goncalves, R. M., & Barbosa, M. A. (2018). The inflammatory response in the regression of lumbar disc herniation. Arthritis Res Ther, 20(1), 251. doi.org/10.1186/s13075-018-1743-4
Ge, C. Y., Hao, D. J., Yan, L., Shan, L. Q., Zhao, Q. P., He, B. R., & Hui, H. (2019). Intradural Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review. Clin Interv Aging, 14, 2295-2299. doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S228717
Jin, Y. Z., Zhao, B., Zhao, X. F., Lu, X. D., Fan, Z. F., Wang, C. J., Qi, D. T., Wang, X. N., Zhou, R. T., & Zhao, Y. B. (2023). Lumbar Intradural Disc Herniation Caused by Injury: A Case Report and Literature Review. Orthopaedic Surgery, 15(6), 1694-1701. doi.org/10.1111/os.13723
Oh, H., Choi, S., Lee, S., Choi, J., & Lee, K. (2019). Effects of the flexion-distraction technique and drop technique on straight leg raising angle and intervertebral disc height of patients with an intervertebral disc herniation. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 31(8), 666-669. doi.org/10.1589/jpts.31.666
Ramos, G., & Martin, W. (1994). Effects of vertebral axial decompression on intradiscal pressure. J Neurosurg, 81(3), 350-353. doi.org/10.3171/jns.1994.81.3.0350
Wang, W., Long, F., Wu, X., Li, S., & Lin, J. (2022). Clinical Efficacy of Mechanical Traction as Physical Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Meta-Analysis. Comput Math Methods Med, 2022, 5670303. doi.org/10.1155/2022/5670303
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