About 80% of all Americans will have at least one backache during their lifetime. In fact, seven million adults will each lose ten to fifteen work days a year because of chronic back pain or sciatica. Geert Audiens, a physical therapist and owner of Avante Physical Therapy, would like to see a change in those statistics.

Why is back pain so common? Being upright puts extra pressure on the lower spine which must support the weight of the upper body, putting a heavy load on a relatively small area. Ligaments connect the bones together in a way to allow for some flexibility as well as stability with movement. They keep the joints intact. The disc is a deeper structure located between 2 bones in the spine. The bones are called vertebrae and the disc is made up of more flexible material called fibrous-cartilage. Each disc is composed of a tough, fibrous outer layer surrounding a jelly-like inner substance.

This construction allows the disc to act more like a shock absorber/movement enhancer in the spine. The disc is about 80% water, but as we get older the water content falls and the disc loses some of its ability to compress and this is when we can experience chronic back pain. The bones alternately provide a hard, protective canal for the delicate nerves and spinal cord. The muscles lie on top of the bone and move the bones after the nerves relay the message to move.

A bulging disc is one where the outer layer of the disc weakens and the jelly-like inner substance pushes outward causing a bulge or ballooning-outward and is a common cause of lower back pain. If the outer layer breaks open, then it is called a herniated disc and the jelly-like substance is able to leak out.

Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve (the large nerve going into each leg) becomes irritated and can cause pain, numbness or tingling down the back of the leg. It can be associated with lower back problems.

Excellent results have been achieved at Avante Physical Therapy through physical therapy modalities, techniques and programs developed specifically to meet the needs of the patient.
 
Sometimes, internal organ disturbances such as: irritable bowel syndrome, pelvic inflammatory conditions, or scar tissue (especially from previous surgeries) can cause or influence back pain.

When should people who suffer from lower back pain or chronic pelvic pain see a doctor? One or more of the following back pain symptoms could indicate a more serious problem, indicating a visit to your primary care Physician:
•    Pain, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
•    Chronic back pain or chronic pelvic pain that persists with lying down
•    Back pain as a direct result of a fall or car accident
•    Vomiting or fever associated with back pain
•    Chronic back pain that persists for more than three or four days of resting
•    The very young or the elderly with back pain should always see a doctor.

There are lifestyle changes you can make to help you avoid lower back pain: avoid prolonged positions, vary your position and perform regular movement throughout the day.

When you experience pain, one should realize that your body is trying to tell you that injury has occurred or is about to occur. Make note of the activity you just did or any change in your activity that happened just prior to the onset of pain. You may return to your previous activity level when you can do so comfortably. Be sure to use common sense in the amount of activity you do. Listen to your body to find out what you can and cannot do.
 
In addition:
•    Avoid bending/stooping at the waist or low back
•    Avoid lifting heavy things
•    Avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time
•    Maintain sensible body weight for your height

There is much you can do to help your doctor and therapist give you relief from back pain or sciatica. The first step is education.

The physical therapists at Avante Physical Therapy specialize in natural pain relief techniques. We can help you to gain relief from your low back pain.