Despite overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary, it has been a fairly common practice for health care providers to blame radiographic findings (x-ray, MRI, CT scans) of multilevel degenerative changes in the spine (spinal joint arthritis) as the cause of low back pain.
In a 2008 study published in Spine Journal, no relationship between degenerative changes in the spinal joints and low back pain was found in 3529 participants. According to lead author, Leonard Kalichman, PhD
“In the present study, we failed to find an association between facet joint arthritis (osteoarthritis), identified by CT scan, at any spinal level and low back pain in a community based study population.”
Although the results demonstrated a high incidence of degenerative changes in the spine that increased steadily with age, the relationship to low back pain could not be established.
These findings were consistent with previous studies that failed to find a predictable relationship between low back pain and common degenerative changes in the spine.
Bottom Line: Be skeptical of health care providers that point to degenerative changes on an imaging scan of your spine and say, “Ah, there’s the cause of your low back pain.”
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 50% of women over age 65 will develop spinal compression fractures due to osteoporosis.
Instead of waiting to break a hip or acquire a spinal compression fracture to discover that you’ve got osteoporosis, you can recognize the many signs of brittle-bone disease by looking closely at your family history and background.
Osteoporosis can occur in association with a number of medical conditions and create symptoms such as intense back pain. In addition, certain prescription drugs, excessive alcohol intake, and cigarette smoking may increase the likelihood of developing bone loss.
Health Problems Associated With Osteoporosis
Thyroid Dysfunction: Hormones from the thyroid gland regulate the speed of body functions. The medications used to treat hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) may be a contributing factor in the development of osteoporosis. An overactive gland also causes bone loss. Therefore, people with thyroid disorders must take special care to provide for the health of their bones.
Arthritis: Osteoporosis tends to be worse in people with rheumatoid arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have calcium deficiencies, are less active due to pain, and take medications that may interfere with calcium absorption. In addition, ongoing steroid use may result in bone loss.
Diabetes: In the first six years after diabetes has become severe enough to take insulin shots daily, there is an increased loss of bone, leading to osteoporosis. If diabetes worsens and insulin must be increased, then resorption also increases.
Medications: Drugs may be a direct cause of weak bones, but more often they aggravate an existing problem with osteoporosis. Antacids containing aluminum interfere with calcium metabolism. Drugs used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure and other related conditions are called diuretics. These drugs often increase calcium loss in the urine, increasing the concern that the loss could weaken bones. Cortisone drugs are the worst for osteoporosis. People who take steroids over long periods of time often develop severe forms of osteoporosis.
Smoking: Complicated symptomatic osteoporosis is common among smokers. Smokers often suffer chronic cough and this may cause loss of bladder control during exercise, resulting in reduced physical activity, increasing the likeliness of osteoporosis. Nicotine and tobacco resin residues may also increase the loss of calcium through the urine. Smoking interferes with normal circulation, and bones cannot undergo the remodeling and repair processes necessary to maintain strength.
Alcohol: Alcoholics and people who drink regularly have problems with osteoporosis. Alcohol in the intestines decreases absorption of calcium. Since alcohol irritates the stomach, drinkers tend to take more antacids. Alcohol also poisons the liver, which converts vitamin D to its active form. Without vitamin D, calcium absorption is impaired.
Chronic Illnesses: Because chronic illness is associated with decreased activity and increased need for medication, the prevalence of osteoporosis in patients with chronic illnesses is high
If you can identify health problems for which you may be at risk, then you can supplement your nutritional and medication guidelines to maintain healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis. In addition, a preventative exercise prescription needs to be implemented.
To achieve back pain relief, the Erase Your Back Pain program utilizes the functional restoration approach in the treatment of many conditions that affect the spine, including osteoporosis. In doing so, we have helped our clients achieve a greater than 90% success rate.
To learn more on how we might help you, or someone you know, avoid spinal compression fractures and osteoporosis achieve a better quality of life, check out these specialized back pain exercises here: End My Back Pain.
Even if you choose not to pursue my program, you will be more informed and less likely to tolerate ineffective and time wasting treatment remedies. Here’s more information on osteoporosis risk factors that may be of interest to you: Osteoporosis Risk Factors
If you’ve got a question or comment, please let me hear from you. Just fill in the form below.
Dedicated to Erasing your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc The Back Pain Expert
Today, people are more aware of their health and are seeking the best advice on ways of optimizing their lifestyles. More than ever before, consumers are seeking products and services that maximize their health and provide them with the day to day comfort benefits we Americans have become accustomed to.
In my particular practice, questions related to bed selection, pillow selection, chair selection, fitness concerns, nutritional guidance, and the selection of supportive footwear occur daily. Being in a position of having the knowledge and skill to provide my clients with literally life-changing advice, I would be flagrantly remiss if I did not introduce you to specific products and services that I believe offer the highest value and produce the desired results you are seeking.
Because I see a large number of executives and clerical personnel in my practice, one of the most frequent requests I receive is concerned with chair selection.
After 26 years of clinical practice and having had the opportunity to preview and use countless hundreds of chairs, I had come to the conclusion that there was not one chair out there that did everything I wanted it to do.
That is until now.
I was recently provided with a new chair by Smart Motion Technology called the Swing Chair. From the moment I saw this revolutionary new chair, I knew this was no ordinary chair. The Swing Chair redefines form and function and is truly a work of art that must be experienced to be fully appreciated.
In addition to its stunning looks, the Swing Chair exceeds my expectations in terms of its functionality, ease of use, and clinical effectiveness. I can easily customize the chair to any size person and in doing so provide a level of support and comfort that can not be duplicated with most other chairs. From the multi-adjustable armrests to the integrated “swing seat”, the Swing Chair allows me to create a better sitting posture for my clients no matter what sitting position they need to be in. And, a better sitting posture reduces stress to the low back and neck, reduces fatigue to the neck and back muscles, and enhances productivity. The Swing Chair, in effect, actually becomes an integral part of my treatment program.
You can absolutely be assured that the Swing Chair is of the highest quality, offers the most value, and will perform better than any chair you have ever sat in. In addition to a great sitting chair, you will be overwhelmed by the service Smart Motion Technology offers its customers - service that is based on their knowledge and expertise and service that you will not find from any other manufacturer. Ask about their 90 day free trial offer - truly unprecedented.
Like I said, over the years I’ve evaluated some of the best ergonomic chairs on the market - Freedom, Aeron, Leap, Sensor, to name a few - and, by far and away, the Swing Chair smokes them all. The only thing I would add that would, in my professional opinion, make the Swing Chair the “perfect chair”, is an integrated neck support like the Freedom chair. Otherwise, at $495, the Swing Chair represents outstanding value and superior performance in comparison to the other chairs I’ve used.
If you’re in the market for a new chair, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you seriously consider the Swing Chair. Your back will be forever grateful! Check them out here: Swing Chair
As always, I’m interested in your comments or questions. Use the form below and I’ll do my best to respond promptly.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc
The Back Pain Expert
Sciatica and back pain are conditions where the symptoms naturally wax and wane in terms of frequency and intensity. Treatment for sciatica and back pain ranges from evidenced based therapies to the latest “snake oil” remedy. While the majority of sciatica and back pain cases represent a medical enigma, one thing is for certain; very few treatment options are actually effective.
My purpose here is to provide you with a review of a popular treatment option for the management of sciatica and back pain. My hope is that the information provided will assist you in making better decisions for the management of your particular condition.
To relieve lower back pain and sciatica, spinal decompression, improving muscular flexibility, and enhancing one’s posture are all treatment options advocated by many health care professionals. Specific treatment ranges from high tech traction devices to very simple stretching exercises. Look in any magazine or land on any late night infomercial and you’re sure to come across some form of back care treatment claiming to “end back pain forever”.
True Back Device
One such device advertised on the Internet is the True Back. The True Back claims to be a non-powered orthopedic traction device that helps eliminate pain by decompressing the spine and lengthening the muscles of the back.
The unit is made of a single piece of hollow plastic approximately 24 inches long by 10 inches wide, making it very light weight. The top of the True Back has a center channel that the bony part of the spine lies in. On either side of this channel are 15 pairs of suspension posts that are situated in such a way as to provide constant pressure to the muscles on either side of the spine. On the outside of these posts, are two removable foam cushions.
How It Works
To use the True Back, a person positions the unit so that the center channel lines up with the center of your back. From here, you simply lay back on the device as shown here.
The spine is suspended in the center channel while the weight of the body is supported on the suspension posts. The prolonged pressure provided to the spinal muscles results in a relaxation effect. While lying on the True Back, you are encouraged to take slow, deep breaths and allow your body to relax. Treatment time is a steady progression based on your tolerance and can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
The manufacturer of the True Back claims that the device provides spinal traction or decompression. This claim can be argued as there is no actual separation of the vertebral bodies themselves as you would expect to encounter with traction or decompression. That being said, however, one could argue that the front portion of the vertebrae in the thoracic spine move sway from one another while on the device resulting in an “apparent” elongation of the spine and an overall improvement in posture.
My Recommendation
The True Back Device is a handy device to assist with improving upright posture and spinal mobility, specifically that of thoracic and lumbar extension. Its use will also assist in improving the flexibility of the abdominals, anterior neck, chest, and shoulder musculature. For this reason, I would recommend the use of the True Back in treating the Backward Pelvis and Forward Head Syndromes as defined here: 4 Common Causes of Sciatica & Back Pain
Keep in mind, however, that, while I like the device in certain respects, it, in no way, represents a “final solution” to back pain. The medical research is quite clear in its assessment of back pain treatment options; active treatment has more long term benefits than does passive treatment. The True Back IS passive treatment and should only be utilized within the context of an active rehabilitation program and only for specific conditions.
Perhaps some of you have used the True Back and would like to comment. I certainly would like to know your experience with this device, especially the effects it had on your sciatica and back pain.
Of course, anyone with a question or comment, feel free to fire away in the comment section below. Oh, by the way, if there is something you’d like me to review related to anything back pain, let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT,MMSc The Back Pain Expert
This blog post has absolutely nothing to do with back pain, sciatica or a herniated disc - well practically nothing.
I get notes from people all the time who desperately desire to get their life back - the life back pain has “stolen” from them.
Some of these folks are so down, they have to look up to see bottom. Maybe you can relate.
Anyway, I thought I’d pass along a note I received from a friend that technically has nothing to do with back pain other than give you hope for better days ahead. Hope this brings a smile to your face and a glimmer of light at the end of your “back pain tunnel”. Enjoy!
There are at least 2 people in this world that you would die for.
At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.
The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.
A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.
Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
You mean the world to at least 3 other people.
Someone that you don’t even know exists, trusts you.
When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
When you think the world has turned its back on you, take another look because what you see may surprise you.
I’d love to hear your comments. Please use the form below and let me know what you think.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc The Back Pain Expert
Many programs claim they have exercises to stop sciatica and back pain. But, when you begin to strip away the core elements of their programs, the exercises tend to be generic, nonspecific activities that are both taught and performed wrong.
It is estimated that over 60% of women will experience sciatica and/or back pain during or after sexual activity. The typical exercises prescribed tend to be the general, nonspecific exercises that do nothing to address the underlying cause of a woman’s symptoms, keeping her sexually sidelined and her partner frustrated.
There are many reasons why a woman will experience sciatica and back pain during sexual activity. Most of these reasons are well outside of my expertise. However, I am well qualified to comment on mechanical dysfunction of the pelvis - specifically sacroiliac joint dysfunction - as a potential cause of pain with sexual activity.
To that end, I put together a short video for you where I discuss two exercises that may help reduce or eliminate sciatica and back pain during or after sexual intercourse. i hope you find it helpful.
I’d really like your feedback on this video. Please feel free to ask a question or offer a comment by filling out the form below.
If you’re in need of real help with a sciatica, herniated disc, or back pain issue, click here: Help Stop My Pain
Dedicated to Erasing your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc The Back Pain Expert
Question:
I’m married and honestly,before the diagnosis that I got two slight herniated discs on my lumbar, my back gets sore every time I have sexual intercourse with my husband. Do you think the pain comes from the said diagnosis? If so, could you give me advice of what I should and shouldn’t do during sexual intercourse to avoid the pain or in order not to aggravate my back condition? My second question is, is it risky for me to get pregnant since I’m having this kind of problem?
Answer:
Click this link for my response ===>
If you have questions about sciatica, herniated discs, or any other matters related to back and neck pain, simply click on the button below and you’ll be taken to a special web page where you can ask your question.
Ask The Back Pain Expert
Gotta comment or question about my answer to today’s “sex and back pain” question? Let’s have it. Simply fill in the form below and I’ll get back with you soon.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain.
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc The Back Pain Expert
Question:
If you looked at my MRI and xray, would you HONESTLY tell me if you think surgery is now my only alternative? Would you really give me a free phone consultation? I’m taking vicodin everyday, and want to quit, but pain is too much. I see a chiropractor 1 to 3 times weekly. Tried traction and inversion tables.
If you have questions about sciatica, herniated discs, or any other matters related to back and neck pain, simply click on the button below and you’ll be taken to a special web page where you can ask your question.
Ask The Back Pain Expert
Gotta comment or question about my answer to today’s “is back surgery my only answer” question? Let’s have it. Simply fill in the form below and I’ll get back with you soon.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain.
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc The Back Pain Expert
Question:
What are the best exercises to reduce lower back pain when you have a sway back?
Answer:
By far and away, this is positively the best exercise to reduce back pain if you have a sway back:
Most people try to treat sway back without ever addressing the psoas muscle. This is a huge mistake and will only lead to frustration because nothing is changing. Obviously, stretching the psoas isn’t the only thing that needs to be done, but it’s the first thing that needs to be done.
If you have questions about sciatica, herniated discs, or any other matters related to back and neck pain, simply click on the button below and you’ll be taken to a special web page where you can ask your question.
Ask The Back Pain Expert
Gotta comment or question about my answer to today’s “best exercises to reduce low back pain for people with a sway back” question? Let’s have it. Simply fill in the form below and I’ll get back with you soon.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain.
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc The Back Pain Expert
Question:
I have spinal stenosis. Is Pilates a practical exercise to attempt for stenosis?
Click the play button below to hear your answer
If you have questions about sciatica, herniated discs, or any other matters related to back and neck pain, simply click on the button below and you’ll be taken to a special web page where you can ask your question.
Ask The Back Pain Expert
Gotta comment or question about my answer to today’s Pilate’s exercises for spinal stenosis question? Let’s have it. Simply fill in the form below and I’ll get back with you soon.
Dedicated to Erasing Your Back Pain.
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc The Back Pain Expert
